Car batteries tend to die more often in the winter, especially in cold climates like Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, where temperatures are below freezing averaging -16°c in January and -15°c in February . The combination of severe cold and the unique weather conditions of the Canadian Prairies can make winter particularly tough on car batteries. Here’s a deeper dive into why batteries are more prone to failure in the winter months, particularly in places like Moose Jaw.
Extreme Cold Slows Down Battery Function
Moose Jaw, located in southern Saskatchewan, experiences long, harsh winters with temperatures often plunging to -20°C (-4°F) or lower, and at times reaching extreme lows below -40°C (-40°F) with wind chill. At these temperatures, the chemical reactions inside a car’s battery slow down significantly. The battery’s ability to generate power is reduced, which means it struggles to start the engine. The colder it gets, the harder it becomes for the battery to deliver the required energy to get the car running.
Increased Power Demand in Frigid Weather
Winter driving in Moose Jaw often means dealing with icy roads, snow, and freezing rain. The cold, thickened engine oil makes it harder for the engine to turn over, placing an extra load on the battery. Additionally, during cold weather, you’re likely to use the heater, defroster, and wipers more frequently, further draining the battery. This increased power demand can push an already-weakened battery over the edge.
Battery Capacity Drops with the Cold
Batteries lose efficiency in cold temperatures, and this effect is even more pronounced in places like Moose Jaw, where sub-zero temperatures are common for extended periods. A fully charged battery may have only 50–60% of its normal capacity in extremely cold weather. If your battery is already a few years old or showing signs of wear, it will be even less able to handle the cold temperatures, putting you at greater risk of a dead battery.
Sulfation and Undercharging
In cold climates like Moose Jaw, vehicles often sit idle for longer periods due to heavy snowstorms or frigid conditions. When a car isn’t used regularly or the battery isn’t fully charged, sulfur crystals can form on the battery’s lead plates, a condition known as sulfation. This can reduce the battery’s overall capacity and lifespan. In winter, this issue becomes even more pronounced because the car may not get a chance to fully recharge during short trips, leading to a buildup of sulfate that can prematurely kill the battery.
Freezing Electrolytes
Car batteries contain a liquid electrolyte (a mixture of sulfuric acid and water) that facilitates the movement of ions, allowing the battery to produce electricity. In extreme cold, the electrolyte can become more viscous, slowing down the chemical reactions that generate power. If the temperature falls low enough (around -40°C or lower), the electrolyte can freeze entirely, rendering the battery useless. While this is rare, it is more likely in extremely cold climates like Moose Jaw, especially if the battery is already weakened.
Corrosion from Salt and Moisture
In Moose Jaw, the combination of cold temperatures and the use of road salt during the winter months can contribute to corrosion on the battery terminals. Salt and moisture can accelerate the buildup of rust and grime on the battery terminals, which leads to poor connections, reduced power output, and, ultimately, a dead battery. Regularly cleaning the battery terminals can help prevent this issue.
Age of the Battery
Older batteries are more vulnerable to the challenges of winter weather. In cold climates like Moose Jaw, if your car’s battery is more than 3–5 years old, it’s more likely to fail when the temperatures drop. Older batteries have already gone through hundreds of charge cycles, meaning they’re less efficient and more prone to issues like slower starting times or total failure in extreme cold.
How to Prevent Winter Battery Issues
Given the cold and often unpredictable winter conditions in Moose Jaw, it’s important to take steps to prevent your car battery from failing. Here are a few tips to keep your battery running smoothly:
- Test Your Battery Before Winter Hits: Get your battery tested at an auto shop before the cold weather sets in. If your battery is more than 3 years old or showing signs of weakness, consider replacing it before you face freezing temperatures.
- Park Indoors When Possible: If you can park your car in a garage or sheltered area, it will help protect the battery from extreme cold. This can make a big difference in preventing the battery from losing its charge.
- Use a Battery Maintainer: If your car is going to sit for a while, such as during a snowstorm or a week of cold temperatures, consider using a battery tender (or trickle charger) to keep the battery topped up.
- Keep the Battery Clean and Tight: Clean the battery terminals regularly to prevent corrosion from snow, ice, and road salt. Ensure the connections are tight and secure to allow the best possible power flow.
Moose Jaw’s long, cold winters can be especially tough on car batteries. From the slower chemical reactions in freezing temperatures to increased power demands, winter can quickly expose the weaknesses in an older or underperforming battery. By staying proactive and performing regular winter maintenance, you can help prevent a dead battery and keep your car running smoothly throughout the harsh Canadian winter.
