The auto expert named the reasons for the battery failure in the summer

The summer season often becomes a period when motorists begin to show the hidden consequences of winter car operation. One of the most common problems remains the condition of the battery, whose life is noticeably reduced after the cold weather. Ashot Yeritsyan, Executive Director of the Department for Work with Partners at Sberbank, told Izvestia about this on May 21.

According to him, during the cold period, the battery operates in much more severe conditions. Low temperatures reduce its capacity, and short trips do not allow the battery to fully restore its charge.

"At temperatures near zero, the battery capacity can decrease by about 20%, and at frosts up to -25 degrees, losses reach 40-50%. At the same time, in winter, the engine requires more energy to start, which further increases the load," the expert explained.

As a result, the battery is often partially discharged or noticeably worn out by summer, even if it continued to perform its functions in winter.

Yeritsyan noted that service providers traditionally record an increase in battery-related complaints in late winter, spring and summer. Among the most common causes are problems starting the engine and completely draining the battery. One of the first signals of a possible malfunction, the expert called a difficult engine start, especially after prolonged parking. Dim headlights, unstable operation of electrical equipment and slow starter response should also alert drivers.

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"If such symptoms appear regularly, it indicates a decrease in battery capacity. Ignoring these signs often leads to a complete loss of charge at the most inopportune moment," he stressed.

The expert drew attention to the fact that the warm season by itself does not restore the characteristics of the battery. On the contrary, the accumulated wear over the winter often begins to manifest itself in the summer, when the load on the car's electrical system increases due to the active use of lighting, multimedia and comfort systems. To extend battery life and avoid unpleasant surprises, motorists are advised to regularly check the charge level, terminal condition, and recharge if necessary. This is especially true for cars that are rarely or mostly used for short distances.

The specialist also advises to diagnose the battery after the winter season. According to Yeritsyan, the average life of a car battery is 3-5 years, but in harsh climates and with frequent short trips, it can be reduced to 2-3 years.

Earlier, on May 14, a technical specialist said that it is reasonable to combine the preparation of a car for the summer with an oil and filter change, even if formally several thousand kilometers remain before the scheduled replacement. The expert also noted that by summer, many car owners really hear their suspension for the first time. After the winter and spring broken roads, knocks, creaks and vibrations begin to appear on every bump.