Battery in Cold Weather

[Tihol Tiholov]

> Left 1986 Type 44 Turbo Quattro 3 days at temps -20C to -10C without
starting. When it was -12C, car engine turned over slowly. Radio indicated
"code", One boost from the CAA and car started quickly. Battery is 1 year
old from the Canadian Automobile Association. I start car every 2 days and
run for 10 minutes.

> Don't use the car much. But if the temp is that cold for days, then was
advised by CAA man to start every day and let run.

What Mark said.  Plus, if you don't have a significant voltage drain, this
battery's no good. -12 C after 3 days of no use is nothing for a good
battery.  My new bug's battery is dated 2003 and had no trouble starting
this morn at -13 C after 2 days of cold weather and no use.  The bug uses
more power just sitting, too.
Also, if you start and let run for 10 min. for a month or 2 and the
battery's not recharged from the 10 min. run, it might be getting gradually
weaker.  CAA man's advice ... hmmm ... not so useful.
You can charge the battery, disconnect it and leave it in the car (in the
cold) and see, if it starts better the next morn, if you don't have a
tester.