The ideal temperature for battery operation and storage is between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. Low temperatures can lead to their rapid extinction, total capacity drop, but also total destruction. If the battery is exposed to cold only temporarily, then the defect is not permanent. When heated to room temperature it will work again as we are used to. However, if the battery is left exposed to low temperatures for a long time, damage may be irreversible. This is particularly likely in the case of less-used or seasonal devices that will remain cold during the winter.
"The capacity of all types of batteries at low temperatures dramatically decreases. The rate of percentage decrease depends on the ambient temperature. The lower the outside temperature, the faster the battery loses its capacity and the discharged battery will surprise you before you wait, " informs Radim Tlapák (BatteryShop.cz). If the battery capacity is 100% at room temperature, its capacity drops by 20% at 0 degrees Celsius, at -20 degrees Celsius then 40%.
Most commonly, the electro-wheel batteries suffer
A frequent mistake is made by users of increasingly popular electrics, but also scooters or scooters powered by electricity. These are normally kept throughout the winter in a cool garage or garden closet, where temperatures can fall to below freezing. The cold can lead to the battery being destroyed. The price of the new battery ranges from 5 to 12 thousand crowns, making it too expensive to care for the device. If we do not have the possibility to store the bicycle in a heated room, it is advisable to remove the battery at least and store it separately . If we want to go on an electric pole even during the winter, we do not have to worry about rides. Short-term use outside the battery will not hurt, but the energy indicator will be less accurate.
We forget about garden tools or navigation
In garden sheds, which are not sufficiently heat-insulated, the tools remain with the battery over the winter. Most often they are electric drills and screwdrivers. Often, there are larger devices like mowers, saws or battery fence scissors. Again, it is good to store the battery out of the device in a room with normal room temperature. Always store the battery fully charged or at least 80% of the capacity. If you are not using the device for more than half a year, it is good to charge and discharge the battery fully after 6 months, then recharge the maximum capacity.
Another device that we forget to protect from frost in winter is navigation. Often, we leave it in the frozen car overnight. If this happens, remove the battery before turning it on and put it in your pocket to warm it up. A practical helper can also be a gel handheld heater that will supply the battery with the necessary heat. Then you can return it back to navigation. It should not happen regularly, however, the battery could be damaged.
The risk is also radiators or snow
Accumulators also endanger high temperatures, which can damage them more than cold. "Keep batteries away from heat sources such as radiators and fireplaces. Especially dangerous are attempts to quickly warm up the battery from low temperatures, for example by using a blender or oven. In this case, the battery may overheat and explode, " warns Radim Tlapák. A high temperature can cause poor battery power, but also shorten battery life. If the battery is exposed to temperatures higher than 40 degrees Celsius, the capacity immediately drops by 10%.
In the winter months, however, the battery also threatens the snow. Water may come into the device, which can irretrievably destroy the battery and the entire device. If the device is not waterproof, it is good to consider waterproof packaging when using it in snow or rain. If the device comes in contact with water, it must be turned off immediately and remove the battery and let it dry after coming home. Again, it is not advisable to use any sources of heat, the device and its battery for drying.
Source: tz, edited editorially