An auto expert gave tips on protecting the battery from frost

In cold weather, the car battery experiences increased loads, and even a serviceable battery can quickly lose its charge. Alexander Kornev, head of the Department for work with importers at Gazprombank Autoleasing, told Izvestia on February 19 that the battery most often "lands" in the cold season and how to extend its service life.

According to him, the average battery life is about five years. By this time, its capacity may decrease by about a third. In winter, the situation is aggravated by additional energy consumers, such as heated seats, mirrors, and windows.

"When the battery capacity is already reduced and the load increases, the battery may run out to zero. Usually, the first signs appear with the onset of frost: the starter turns longer, the multimedia switches off spontaneously, and the windows work more slowly," Kornev said.

Another reason for rapid discharge is an incorrectly connected alarm system or DVR. Such devices can create an increased load on the electrical system and even increase the risk of a short circuit. The expert recommends that you entrust any work with automotive electronics only to qualified specialists.

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In addition, the problem may be caused by a faulty generator. On short trips, he does not have time to fully restore the charge spent on starting the engine and running the heaters. As a result, the battery gradually loses capacity, and in severe frost the car may not start.

In an emergency, it is possible to start using a "cigarette lighter" from another car. An alternative would be a standalone booster.

"The booster is designed specifically to start the engine, not to fully charge the battery. It's better to keep it at home, not in the car," the expert emphasized.

If the discharge repeats, the battery should be replaced or the electrical system should be diagnosed. When choosing a new battery, Kornev advises you to focus on the appropriate size and budget, as well as consider the option with an increased capacity. According to him, a more capacious battery will not harm the starter or generator — concerns about this are a myth.

To extend the battery life in winter, the specialist recommends changing the battery in a timely manner, ensuring that there are no current leaks and, if possible, parking the car in a heated room. If the car stays outside, you can use an auto blanket or a thermal case for the battery; this will reduce the risk of sudden discharge and ensure a more confident engine start.

On January 27, Alexander Abramov, Executive Director of Sberbank Insurance, spoke about non-insurable situations. In car insurance (CASCO), payments are not required if the damage is due to natural wear and tear of the car — replacement of brake pads, shock absorbers, oil and other elements of scheduled maintenance. Also, the use of a car for other purposes is not recognized as an insured event, for example, to participate in races or to operate a taxi without an appropriate option.

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