Car battery in frosty conditions: how to prevent it from going to its knees
13.1.2026
Translation: machine translated
Cold is the enemy of every battery. This also applies to cars. With a few simple tips, your vehicle will start reliably even in sub-zero temperatures.
The car battery is a weak point in the vehicle in winter. It loses power at low temperatures because electrochemical processes take place more slowly.
A combustion engine requires more power when starting in winter, for example because the engine oil is more viscous than in summer. If the seat, steering wheel, windscreen heating and air conditioning are also running, the alternator often does not have enough time to charge the battery sufficiently. Failure is almost inevitable.
I am writing from experience. I once had a Volvo that was more than 20 years old. And the reason for its starting difficulties in winter was behind the steering wheel, not under the bonnet. How often did it simply not start.
The good news is that you don't have to be a car mechanic to do something good for your car battery in the cold.
My tips for all drivers
Refuse short journeys: You can make it to the bakery at the other end of the road even with a hat, coat and boots. It's healthier anyway.
Rather use the car for longer journeys: If you drive for more than 30 minutes, the alternator will charge the battery properly.
Switch off unnecessary consumers: Think about whether you really need the steering wheel and bum heating if the air conditioning is already running and you're wrapped up in your winter coat anyway.
Don't use additional gadgets when only the ignition is on: if the car is not running, it's best not to charge your smartphone and other devices via the USB port.
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Do you know your way around vehicle technology? Then here are a few pro tips. If you're unsure, please get help from someone who knows their stuff.
Use a multimeter to check the open-circuit voltage of the battery. After the vehicle has been stationary for at least two hours, the value should ideally be between 12.4 and 12.8 volts. If the multimeter shows less than 12.4 volts, the battery is weakened and should be charged.
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A weak battery does not have to be replaced immediately: It is often enough to take a longer journey and let the alternator charge it. Or you can connect the battery to a suitable charger.
Also important: keep your battery clean to avoid leakage currents. This discharges the battery more quickly. Damp dirt promotes the problem. If the battery terminals are dirty, you can clean them with a wire brush, for example, and then apply battery terminal grease.
If you don't have a garage, a thermal cover for the battery can slow down the cooling of the battery.
Tips for the electric car
If you drive an electric car, you not only have to look after the starter battery in winter, but also the main drive. However, this is highly complicated technology and the rule is: hands off! But you can still do something.
Source: Shutterstock
Leave the car plugged into the wallbox or charging station until just before you set off: The electric car then draws the energy to preheat the battery and the interior from the power grid and not from the battery itself. You can programme or actively trigger this preheating.
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Keep the charge level between 40 and 80 per cent: this is ideal in cold weather and can be set in advance for most electric cars and wallboxes.
If you call up a lot of power shortly before charging, this also warms up the battery and supports the charging process later.
You see, being nice to your car's battery during the cold days is not rocket science. I assume that there is a suitable tip for everyone.
Which one do you have in store? Let me know in the comments.
Header image: Shutterstock
When I was a toddler, I already knew my neighbour's car was a VW Golf GTD. And I've never lost my passion for cars, motorcycles and vans. Having worked as an automotive journalist for 15 years, I'm also interested in anything to do with camping, tinkering, gardening and DIY.
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