{"organism":"Page","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","children":[{"organism":"Metadata","model":{"title":"Warning signs for car batteries in winter","text":"\u003Cp\u003EWinter is when your car is most prone to battery failure. Here’s why, and how to recognise an issue before you get stranded somewhere.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","links":[{"name":"Warning signs for car batteries in winter","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/_jcr_content/root/metadata.shellimg.jpeg/1695385151748/mechanic-helping-charge-battery-hd.jpeg","alt":"A man helps a woman jump start her battery in snowy weather.","width":3840,"height":2166},"date":"2022-07-13T18:30:00Z","tags":[{"name":"Vehicles","value":"vehicles:"},{"name":"Drive Well","value":"shell:business/business-customers/drive-well"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/jcr_content/root/metadata"},{"organism":"ContentOwner","model":{},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/jcr_content/root/contentowner"},{"organism":"Container.Header","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com.au/_jcr_content/root/header/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/jcr_content/root/header/inherited","model":{}},{"organism":"Breadcrumb","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"Motorists","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists.html"},{"name":"Go Well Content Hub","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub.html"},{"name":"Warning signs for car batteries in winter","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/jcr_content/root/header/breadcrumb"}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/jcr_content/root/header","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Main","children":[{"organism":"Container.Section","children":[{"organism":"PageHeader","color":"inherited","model":{"title":"Warning signs for car batteries in winter","text":"\u003Cp\u003EWinter is when your car is most prone to battery failure. Here’s why, and how to recognise an issue before you get stranded somewhere.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/_jcr_content/root/main/section/page_header_copy_cop.shellimg.jpeg/1695384981540/mechanic-helping-charge-battery-sd.jpeg","alt":"A man helps a woman jump start her battery in snowy weather.","width":3840,"height":960},"date":"2022-07-13T18:30:00Z"},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/jcr_content/root/main/section/page_header_copy_cop"},{"organism":"Container","colspan":8,"children":[{"organism":"Author.Info","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/author_copy","model":{"links":[{"name":"By Shell on Jul. 14, 2022"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/_jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/author_copy.shellimg.png/1695385181970/shell-pecten.png","alt":"Shell Pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/text","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EIt's a familiar winter experience. You go out to start your car on a chilly morning, turn the key… and nothing happens.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nA dead car battery always seems to happen in winter, but why? And how can you pick the warning signs so you can replace it before you're left stranded? Here, we break it all down.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/text_1734330344","model":{"title":"Car batteries – the basics","text":"\u003Cp\u003EYour average battery is made up of separate cells containing lead plates submerged in a liquid/gel acid solution and the chemical reaction between these materials (or electrolysis) produces electricity. More recently, lithium technology has become a common medium.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nThis electricity is used to start the engine and power electrical components when the engine is off. Once the engine is running, the alternator powers the electrical system, as well as recharging the battery.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/text_969351205","model":{"title":"Why is winter tough on a battery?","text":"\u003Cp\u003ECooler temperatures slow the chemical process in a battery, compromising its ability to hold charge. At the same time, the battery and electrical system are worked harder as we flick on lights, crank the heater, etc. Cold temperatures thicken engine oil too, increasing the power needed to crank it into life.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nBatteries also lose performance with age, so an older battery will suffer more in cool temperatures than a newer one. All of this is why winter battery failure is so common. When that first cold snap hits, a battery that had just enough performance in milder weather is now that critically bit weaker.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/text_1425390875","model":{"title":"The warning signs","text":"\u003Cp\u003EBatteries tend to degrade progressively, so you should get some warning when yours is on the way out.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nHere’s what to look out for:\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESlow cranking\u003C/b\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nCranking an engine works a battery hard, so if the usual starting chatter seems sluggish, a no-start situation is the likely next step. This issue can also be due to a failing starter motor or other electrical-system issue, so don't put off seeking professional diagnosis.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWarning lights\u003C/b\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nElectrical systems in newer cars have sophisticated management capabilities and can even detect a battery with low charge. When that happens, a battery or electrical-system warning light will be triggered. In an older car it might be a more general ‘check engine’ warning. Whatever warning flashes up on the dash, further investigation is needed.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EElectrical bugs\u003C/b\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nAs well as being able to detect a failing battery, newer cars can take steps to preserve their power such as shutting down non-vital functions. If your stereo or other electrical gadgets mysteriously stop working or work only intermittently, a failing battery or other electrical-system issues could be the culprit.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDamaged battery case\u003C/b\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nExtreme heat, cold or electrical-system issues can damage a battery, causing it to swell, leak, vent gases or, in some cases, even explode. If you notice swelling, cracks or leaks from the case or funny smells, it'll need to be replaced, even if it seems to be performing fine now.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EOld age\u003C/b\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nAll batteries degrade and need to be replaced, generally within three to five years, though they can also last longer or fail sooner. If yours is in that age range and you don't want to find out the hard way, book in a test.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EIf your car is suffering from any of these issues, book a visit to your mechanic or local battery specialist – they can test your battery and accurately diagnose its condition.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PageTags","model":{"tags":[{"name":"Vehicles","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=vehicles%3A"},{"name":"Drive Well","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=shell%3Abusiness%2Fbusiness-customers%2Fdrive-well"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/page_tags"},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/text_1331435215","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Csup\u003EDisclaimer\u003C/sup\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Csup\u003EViva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.\u003C/sup\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop","model":{}},{"organism":"Container","colspan":4,"children":[{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop_1934126188/text","model":{"title":"You may also be interested 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Hub","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub.html"},{"name":"Warning signs for car batteries in winter","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/jcr_content/root/footer/breadcrumb"},{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com.au/_jcr_content/root/footer/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/jcr_content/root/footer/inherited","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/jcr_content/root/footer","model":{}}],"id":"/conf/shell/settings/wcm/templates/base/structure/jcr_content/root","model":{}}],"model":{"title":"Warning signs for car batteries in winter","text":"Winter is when your car is most prone to battery failure. Here’s why, and how to recognise an issue before you get stranded somewhere.","date":"2022-07-13T18:30:00Z","links":[{"name":"canonical","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter.html"},{"name":"errorUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/error.html"},{"name":"hierarchy","value":"en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter"},{"name":"homeTitle","value":"Shell Australia"},{"name":"homeUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"locale","value":"en-AU"},{"name":"title","value":"Warning signs for car batteries in winter | Shell Australia"},{"name":"textDirection","value":"ltr"},{"name":"template","value":"base"},{"name":"contentPath","value":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter"},{"name":"externalDisclaimerText","value":"Shell plc Legal Disclaimer\r\nYou are now leaving the Shell website.\r\nThe link you have selected will direct you to a website that is not controlled by Shell plc or any member of the Shell Group. Accordingly, neither Shell plc nor any member of the Shell Group endorses, adopts, certifies or otherwise validates the information and material contained on the linked website. This includes its sponsor and any policies, activities or services offered on the site, by any advertiser on the site or linked to the site.\r\nThank you for visiting the Shell website."},{"name":"themeMode"},{"name":"lastModified","value":"2026-01-21T17:20:55.036Z"},{"name":"themeName","value":"base"},{"name":"themePath","value":"/etc.clientlibs/amidala/clientlibs/theme-base"},{"name":"themeCss","value":"/etc.clientlibs/amidala/clientlibs/theme-base.ACSHASHb291465fc8d3c7bcefde74d34044b698.css"}],"tags":[{"name":"Vehicles","value":"vehicles:"},{"name":"Drive Well","value":"shell:business/business-customers/drive-well"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/_jcr_content/root/metadata.shellimg.jpeg/1695385151748/mechanic-helping-charge-battery-hd.jpeg","alt":"A man helps a woman jump start her battery in snowy weather.","width":3840,"height":2166}},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/warning-signs-for-car-batteries-in-winter/jcr_content"}