Cars won't start in winter; mainly, the culprit is the battery. Flat batteries are one of the reasons for car breakdowns in the UK during the cold weather. A battery is one of the primary components of a car that starts the engine.
In this article, we will discuss the potential causes of a dead battery and offer solutions to help you if you find yourself stranded on the road, waiting for roadside assistance.
Sign For Flat battery
Let's cover how to tell if your battery is flat or dead. Upon putting the key in the ignition to start the engine, if the car makes odd noises and the starter motor does not respond, then the car battery is flat. Sometimes, if you have a new battery and it keeps going flat after some time, then the starter motor or alternator may be the problem. A sign that the alternator is the problem is that it made a clicking sound when you put the key in the ignition.
If you are unsure about the issue, you can contact Jumpstart for roadside assistance. We have mobile technicians who can come to you and perform a diagnostic on your car battery. They can perform battery replacement or alternator replacement if needed.
What Can Cause a Battery to Die in Winter
Below are the various factors that cause the battery to discharge in winter.
- Long Periods Without Use: If the car has been sitting in the garage for a long time and has not been used, the battery gradually loses its ability to hold a charge over time.
- Electrical System Left On: If the car's electrical system has not turned off properly, then it may drain the battery. This is a common reason for dead car batteries.
- Short Trips: If the car is mainly used for short trips, then the battery does not get enough time to charge. It reduces the ability to hold a charge.
- Dirty Terminals: Sometimes, the terminals of the battery are not clean, which prevents the battery from holding a charge due to dirt. It causes the battery to drain quickly.
- Increased Power Demand: In winter, the battery and starter motor demand more power than usual. If neither is getting enough supply, it causes the battery to drain.
- Increased Use of Electrical Accessories: In cold weather, People use electric accessories more, such as wipers and heaters, which consume more power from the battery. The use of electrical accessories puts more pressure on the battery, so it generally depletes quickly compared to normal.
- Battery Health and Age: Battery health and age also matter. If the battery is leaking or has swollen, it indicates that the battery has reached the end of its lifespan.
How to Start A Flat Battery
Jumpstart UK provides Jumpstart service and battery replacement 24/7. If your car won't start, you can call us and we'll dispatch our mobile technicians with the necessary equipment, including jump starter packs and jump leads, to get your car started in under 10 minutes.
We also provide battery replacement service if you have an old battery and need a new one. Our professional technicians arrive at your location to supply and fit the battery. Our flat battery call-out fee is very minimal.
Regular Checks For Battery In Winter
Make sure to follow the checks given below to avoid unwanted jump-start and call-out fees.
- Regularly check the battery. Address the leaks and bloating if they have changed the battery immediately. Keep the terminals of the battery clean.
- Park your car in a shady area or garage to keep it safe from the extreme cold weather.
- Make sure to charge it once a week if the battery is old.
- Make sure, while parking your car, you check that the electrical system is off. It consumes power even if the vehicle is parked.
- Keep checking the starter motor.
- Ensure all lights, including exterior and interior, are off.
FAQS
Should I try Jumpstart in Winter?
Yes, Jumpstart service is the best and easiest solution if the car won't start in winter. Call a professional jumpstart service, such as jumpstartservice 24/7, that uses a quality booster and jump leads to start your vehicle.
What's the quickest solution if I'm stuck?
Call jumpstart for roadside assistance or jumpstart a car.
