Arctic Blast Strains Car Batteries, Leaving Drivers Stranded
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As temperatures plummet across the nation, automotive assistance services are reporting a surge in calls related to dead or failing car batteries. Experts urge motorists to take preventative measures to avoid becoming stranded in the frigid conditions.
The recent deep freeze has triggered a dramatic increase in vehicle breakdowns, with one salvage center reporting a threefold rise in assistance requests. Johan Margidon Hætta, general manager at Alta salvage center, noted the significant uptick in calls related to vehicles that have stopped or require jump-starts. “It’s going to be busy days for car salvagers like us with this bitter cold spreading across the country,” he said.
The Cold’s Impact on Starter Batteries
The extreme cold, with temperatures dipping below -30 degrees Celsius in several regions, places immense strain on starter batteries. According to Hætta, approximately 75% of current service calls involve battery-related issues, a problem that extends even to electric vehicles. “Around 75 per cent of all our assignments now are cars that have problems with the starter battery. And that also applies to electric cars,” he explained.
Experts are now offering advice to help drivers avoid becoming part of this growing statistic. While one salvage operator jokingly suggested keeping batteries failing would keep him in business, practical solutions are readily available.
Proactive Battery Care: A Multi-Pronged Approach
The most crucial step is to charge your starter battery as frequently as possible during freezing temperatures. Historically, motorists were more diligent about using engine heaters, which simultaneously charge the battery. However, a shift towards compartment heaters – prioritizing driver comfort – has inadvertently created a new problem. Drivers often run these heaters, then turn off all vehicle systems upon arrival at work, only to repeat the cycle later. This repeated short-cycling significantly reduces battery life.
It’s important to remember that electric cars also rely on a 12-volt starter battery to initiate the vehicle’s systems. Jan Harry Svendsen, an advisor at NAF, explained, “All cars have a 12 volt battery which ensures that the car starts, including electric cars.” While electric vehicle charging typically replenishes this battery, NAF recommends considering a maintenance charger for electric car owners.
Beyond Charging: Driving Habits and Vehicle Maintenance
If regular charging isn’t feasible, a long drive can help restore battery power. “Often the problem is a lot of slow driving. Take a long trip with your car, and you’ll also charge the starter battery,” Svendsen advised. Conversely, frequent short trips can exacerbate the issue.
Drivers should also be mindful of power consumption while driving. “Don’t look at all the power consumption in the car, especially if you are only going to drive a few kilometres,” cautioned Hætta. “If you put the seat heater, rear window heater and cabin heater on at full blast, you use a lot of power from the starter battery.” This excessive drain prevents the battery from recharging effectively during short commutes.
Other preventative measures include lubricating door locks with locking oil to prevent freezing and ensuring the key’s remote control batteries don’t fail in the cold. A silicone stick can also be used to treat rubber seals around doors, preventing them from freezing shut.
Starting and Safety in Extreme Cold
For vehicles with traditional key starts, patience is key. “Leave the key in position two for a while. Wait until the warning lamp for the glow plug has gone out before you turn it all the way over and start the car,” Svendsen recommended, particularly for diesel cars.
Finally, experts advise replacing old starter batteries before they fail completely. “When temperatures are as low as now, the batteries are exposed to quite heavy loads. If it is already old and weakened, it doesn’t take much before your car no longer starts,” Svendsen stated.
Beyond battery health, safe driving practices are paramount. “Now you have to drive carefully and with even greater margins than you do in summer,” Svendsen emphasized. “Many people today drive large and heavy electric cars. When they first start to slide, there is a lot of energy in motion.” Drivers should slow down, drive calmly, and ensure all snow and ice are removed from the vehicle, including all windows, for optimal visibility.
Published
06.01.2026, kl. 21.21
