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Low temperatures have a particularly negative effect on all cars, regardless of their engine. The freezing liquid on the window and the washer nozzles freeze up due to cold. A plastic fluid tank can explode if it is full and contains summer wash fluid. Cold thickens working fluids such as engine oil and gearbox transmission oil.
However, according to Paulius Vitkauskas, a battery specialist at Interius Lietuva, the battery suffers the most from the cold. Already at a temperature of 0 ° C, it loses about 10 percent. the power loss at -10 ° C exceeds 30%, and at -20 ° C, almost 50%. can.
“The data reflects the loss of a fully charged and functioning battery. And if the car is parked for a few days, the battery runs out or the car is used for short distances, even if a slight cold is pressed, the battery may be completely discharged ”, says P. Vitkauskas.
There are several reliable ways to protect your battery from the cold.
Frequent driving long distances is the best way to cope with the cold. If the car is used infrequently, it is worth removing the battery every few days and fully charging it at home (for example, overnight) with the charger.
“Removing the battery before a cold night and storing it at home is a bit tedious, but very effective, but not possible in Premium cars. A special battery cover can help a bit. It should be selected according to the dimensions of the The battery cover provides the opportunity to maintain the temperature of the battery, which is several degrees higher than the air temperature, ”explains P. Vitkauskas.
According to the Inter Cars battery specialist Lietuva, the situation is more convenient for owners who have heated garages near their own houses or for owners who have such garages under apartment buildings. A car stored in a place with a constant positive temperature will certainly not have a battery problem. Unless the car is not used for a long time.
“Lightweight metal garages provide little protection against severe cold, but they do not protect against frost. It is possible to use temporary solutions and cover the battery with a thick blanket, but it is not worth waiting for a significant result. It is definitely not worth insulating the battery with foam or rock wool. It does not work. The battery is not a house, you will just throw it in the engine compartment ”, says P. Vitkauskas.
How can a mechanic help?
Mindaugas Šerėjus, representative of the Motointegrator.com platform that unites Lithuanian auto repair shops, warns that a lot depends on the condition of the battery. Nobody wants to find themselves in a situation where the car lacks the power to start the engine. Therefore, it is always recommended that a workshop check the battery.
“The mechanic will check the condition of the battery terminals, they may need to be cleaned, the condition of the terminals, the condition of the ground wires and their contacts, as they may be rusted, which will cause the engine to start. It will also check how the battery is placed. Your claim must be stable, otherwise it may be seriously damaged “, emphasizes M. Šerėjus.
It is necessary to check the electrolyte level in old batteries. It should be such that the internal plates of the battery are completely submerged. If the level is too low, the mechanic should refill with distilled water. The hydrometer also checks the density of the electrolyte.
“Currently, mechanics check the idle voltage (ideally 12.6V) on the most popular maintenance-free batteries. The charging voltage is also checked. It should be 13.9 to 14.5 V. If it is lower, then there are problems with the generator, ”says M. Sherrey.
According to him, the mechanic can also check the current consumption after turning off the engine. Power is used by various receivers: control unit and computer memory, car alarms, radio, and many more. If this current is greater than 0.1 A, the battery will discharge much faster in winter.
“Do not forget that a battery is a battery with a limited useful life. It can be said that it is 5 years. If the mechanic determines that the battery is already very worn out, it is worth replacing it with a new one that has the best maintenance. The mechanic will help to choose the right product according to the recommendations of the car manufacturer ”, draws the attention of the representative of the Lithuanian automobile services union platform Motointegrator.com.
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