During cold weather, checking the battery’s health becomes more important, and periodically recharging it with a dedicated charger helps keep the car reliable in freezing temperatures, says Yang Heitzeer, deputy head of the National Automobile Union.
When a battery is completely drained, it can fail to deliver enough starting current, leaving a vehicle unable to start in subzero conditions.
If a vehicle sits idle for long periods, the security systems and other critical functions remain powered, which can continuously drain the battery. Regular monitoring and timely charging prevent unnecessary discharges during such stops.
For drivers who log only short trips, the battery may not have sufficient time to recharge between starts, leading to a progressive loss of charge. In contrast, a car that travels several dozen kilometers a day typically replenishes its battery more effectively and may not require extra charging beyond normal use.
On average, a car battery lasts five to six years, and its performance can be checked at most gas stations or through standard at-home diagnostic devices. Keeping an eye on the battery health becomes part of routine winter maintenance, helping ensure reliable starts and avoiding inconvenient breakdowns on cold days.
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Note: all information is presented as general guidance and should be interpreted in the context of the vehicle model and local climate conditions. (Radio Sputnik attribution)