Every winter morning, it’s the same story: you turn the key, and nothing… Or your car coughs before deciding to start. The cold seems to drain all the energy from your battery, and here you are facing a new morning ordeal. However, a simple trick could well save the day. My mechanic, Stéphane, revealed his secret to me, and since then, no more worries!
Turning on your headlights before starting: why does it work?
The idea may seem surprising: why turn on the lights before even trying to start the car? However, this technique is very effective. By activating your headlights for 8 to 10 seconds, or by flashing your headlights a few times, you send an initial signal to the battery.
Cold weather slows down the chemical reactions in the battery, making it less efficient. When you turn on your headlights, a small current flows and gently reactivates the battery. The result? When it’s time to start the starter, the battery is already primed and provides the necessary energy without difficulty.
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