If your car struggles to start on cold winter mornings, your battery is likely feeling the chill. Low temperatures reduce battery power and increase starting demand, which is why winter is one of the most common times for battery failure.
Wondering how to keep your battery warm in winter?
Or looking for tips to prevent battery failure?
Keep scrolling to find answers to these questions and more.
This Article Contains:
- What Does Cold Weather Do to Car Batteries?
- How to Keep Your Car Battery Warm in Winter: 3 Easy Ways
- What Happens If Your Car Battery Freezes?
- Does Winter Weather Affect EV Batteries?
- 6 Other Helpful Ways to Prevent Cold-Weather Battery Failure
What Does Cold Weather Do to Car Batteries?
Cold weather can be harsh on your car battery. As temperatures drop, battery power decreases — about 20% at 32°F and up to 50% at −22°F. Cold conditions also thicken engine oil, making it harder for the engine to start and forcing the battery to work harder.
On top of that, batteries recharge more slowly in winter, so it takes longer to recover after startup. In extremely cold temperatures, older or weaker batteries can even freeze, potentially causing permanent damage.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent this from happening.
How to Keep Your Car Battery Warm in Winter: 3 Easy Ways
Follow these best practices to help your battery hold onto warmth during winter.
1. Park in a Warm or Sheltered Place
Parking your car in a garage or sheltered area helps protect the car from extreme cold and allows the battery to retain heat for longer periods. Even an unheated garage provides insulation that slows heat loss, while heated parking can further reduce cold-start strain and support better battery performance.
If sheltered parking isn’t available, choosing a spot protected from wind and harsh overnight temperatures can still help minimize heat loss.
2. Use a Battery Blanket or Insulation
A battery blanket or insulated cover can help reduce heat loss after you turn off the engine. Many commercial options are designed specifically for automotive use, combining thermal insulation with moisture and corrosion-resistant materials.
For best results, place the insulation on the battery shortly after parking to help trap residual heat. Always remember to remove the cover before starting the engine again to ensure proper airflow and safe operation.
3. Use a Battery Maintainer
If you don’t drive your vehicle frequently during winter, using a battery maintainer can be beneficial. Cold weather can slowly drain the battery’s charge when a car sits idle for long periods.
A maintainer provides a low steady charge that compensates for this natural drain without overcharging the battery. This reduces cold-related stress and improves reliability when the vehicle is needed again.
Even with these steps, extreme cold can take a toll on your battery. Let’s see what happens if it freezes.
What Happens If Your Car Battery Freezes?
Car batteries contain a sulfuric acid electrolyte that can freeze in extremely cold temperatures. When this liquid freezes, it expands, which can cause the internal lead plates to bend and even crack the battery casing.
Signs of a frozen battery include bulging, visible cracks, or frost forming on the case or terminals. If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t attempt to start your vehicle, as the battery could be permanently damaged and unsafe to use.
For more information on how cold weather affects car batteries, refer to our detailed guide on Common Car Battery Issues During Winter.
Own an electric vehicle?
Here’s how the winter season may impact your battery.
Does Winter Weather Affect EV Batteries?
Yes, winter weather can affect EV batteries by reducing efficiency and driving range in cold temperatures.
EV batteries perform best within a specific temperature range, which is why most modern electric vehicles include built-in battery warming or thermal management systems that regulate battery temperature in cold conditions.
Many EVs include a preconditioning feature that warms the battery before you start driving. When the car is still plugged in, it uses power from the charger to bring the battery to a safe operating temperature, rather than drawing power directly from it. This helps improve driving range, performance, and charging efficiency in cold weather while reducing strain on the battery.
Parking in a garage or sheltered area can further limit cold exposure, help maintain performance, and protect battery health.
But beyond temperature management, a few everyday habits can further reduce the risk of winter battery failure.
6 Other Helpful Ways to Prevent Cold-Weather Battery Failure
Use these tips to protect your battery from winter damage:
- Keep the battery charged: A fully charged battery works better in cold weather and is less likely to struggle when starting the car.
- Drive the car regularly: Regular driving and habits, such as avoiding frequent short trips, can help maintain a battery charge during winter.
- Turn off accessories before starting: Switch off lights, heater, and other electronics to reduce strain on the battery during cold starts.
- Clean and secure battery terminals: Clean, tight connections help the battery deliver power properly in winter.
- Test the battery before winter: Assessing battery health early can help spot problems before cold weather causes a failure.
- Replace old or weak batteries: Older batteries don’t handle cold well and are more likely to fail in winter.
Keep Your Battery Winter-Ready with AutoNation Mobile Service
Cold weather can expose battery issues that often go unnoticed during warmer months. Staying proactive with simple maintenance and knowing when to seek help can prevent unexpected breakdowns.
If you notice signs of trouble or need a replacement, AutoNation Mobile Service can bring expert technicians directly to your driveway.
What’s more?
We back all our repairs with a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty for added peace of mind.
Book an appointment online and get hassle-free battery or other automotive services at your convenience.