Every winter morning, it’s the same story: you turn the key, and nothing… Or your car coughs before deciding to start. The cold seems to drain all the energy from your battery, and here you are facing a new morning ordeal. However, a simple trick could well save the day. My mechanic, Stéphane, revealed his secret to me, and since then, no more worries!
Turning on your headlights before starting: why does it work?
The idea may seem surprising: why turn on the lights before even trying to start the car? However, this technique is very effective. By activating your headlights for 8 to 10 seconds, or by flashing your headlights a few times, you send an initial signal to the battery.
Cold weather slows down the chemical reactions in the battery, making it less efficient. When you turn on your headlights, a small current flows and gently reactivates the battery. The result? When it’s time to start the starter, the battery is already primed and provides the necessary energy without difficulty.
Cold: the number one enemy of batteries
Why do cars have such a hard time starting in winter? Simply because low temperatures disrupt the chemical functioning of the battery. The colder it gets, the less efficient the electrolyte inside becomes, reducing its ability to provide the energy needed to start.
If your vehicle sleeps outside and the temperatures drop sharply, your battery can even discharge completely . A problematic situation, especially when you are in a hurry in the morning!
Protecting your car from the cold: a few simple steps
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