CAR BATTERY AND CAR
PERFORMANCE VERSUS ENERGY DEMAND AND TEMPERATURE
A battery has its greatest capacity around +25 to +27 degrees Celsius.
The colder the temperature, the lower the battery's capacity, because the electrochemical processes take place more slowly. For better understanding and visualisation:
The engine and gearbox also prefer warmer temperatures. The engine and transmission oil is thinner and friction is lower. The energy required for starting increases enormously at colder temperatures. Consequently, the highest starting power is needed when the battery has a rather poor performance.
Please bear in mind: Especially in winter operation, below 0 degrees Celsius ambient temperature, the battery hardly absorbs any more charging current - quite regardless of whether it is used for short or long distances on the motorway. At the same time, many power consumers are in operation, such as the rear window heater, seat heater, auxiliary heater and a few others!
Banner tip: At least in spring and autumn, external recharging of the battery, preferably always combined with a tyre change to avoid starting problems or total failure!
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