The Curse of Canada: How Extreme Weather Impacts Your Car Battery

In Canada, where we experience everything from icy winter mornings to sweltering summer afternoons, our car batteries endure a lot. Did you know the optimal operating temperature for a car battery is around 25°C? Unfortunately, our climate rarely offers such ideal conditions, which can lead to battery issues. Join us as we uncover how extreme temperatures affect your car battery and share some practical tips to keep it functioning at its best, regardless of the weather. 

The Cold 

Think about how slowly you move when your body gets too cold. The same is true for your battery! The chemical reactions inside the battery slow down significantly in the cold, making it harder for the engine to start. So, what exactly is the cold doing? 

• If your battery isn’t fully charged, the acid can freeze more easily. At 50% charge, your battery has a much harder time starting the vehicle. 

• Older batteries are susceptible to freezing. 

• Cold temperatures thicken your car's oil, slowing down other engine components and increasing the battery's workload. 

As you can see, extreme cold is not your battery’s friend. But it might surprise you to learn that the cold isn’t the worst threat to your battery! 

The Hot 

Did you know the true battery killer is the summer heat? It’s true that your battery might fail in the winter, but often this is due to damage incurred during the summer. If it’s hot outside, you can be sure it’s even hotter in your engine! So, what is the heat doing to your battery? 

• In extreme heat, liquids evaporate, including those crucial for your battery's function. 

• As the acid evaporates, there is less plate coverage, leading to sulphation. 

• Lead sulfate buildup occurs faster in the heat. 

• The heat can cause your battery to discharge faster, leading to eventual failure. 

Though you might not notice immediate signs of battery failure during the hot days, the damage can cause your battery to fail faster when the cold weather arrives. 

The Solution 

Now that you know what extreme temperatures do to your battery, what can you do about it? Here are some tips to ensure your battery runs well, no matter the weather: 

• Keep your battery charged, especially in cold weather. Plug it in during winter, park inside when possible, and drive your car for longer distances rather than just idling the engine. 

• Charge your battery using a battery charger.  This ensures the battery gets a complete charge. 

• In the summer, try to park in a temperature-controlled space to prevent overheating. 

• Regularly check your battery for corrosion or other damage and address any issues promptly. 

• Replace your battery every 4-5 years. 

• Stay on top of scheduled oil changes. 

These tips will help ensure your battery runs optimally for as long as possible! 

The CAA Battery Depot in Regina is here to help with all your battery needs, so if you have concerns about your battery health in the cold or the heat, come see us! Our team of experts is always happy to do what they can to keep your battery healthy. And as always, our Emergency Roadside Assistance is available 24/7 if your battery does fail and you get stuck. You can reach us at 1-800-222-4357, on our website, or through our mobile app. 

Stay safe out there and check out the CAA Battery Depot online if you want to learn more about our products and services!