How Much Does Colder Weather Reduce My Garmin's Battery Life?

[Jim1348]

I use a Garmin when I go fo bike rides. In above freezing weather, if I start with a fully charged battery, it will last the entire ride that is an hour or less. Lately, the temperatures have been about 18 or 20 degrees Fahrenheit when I ride and battery will go into the battery saver mode before I finish the ride. How do I determine if the battery needs to be replaced or if this is just a result of the cold weather?

 

[MartsEbike]

The answer could be a bit of both, depending on the age of your Garmin and how often you've used it on previous occasions. It may already have a reduced capacity. You can then lose a further 20-50% of your available battery capacity by using it in below-freezing temps.

 

[Jim1348]

Thank you for the reply. I am thinking of using a power bank on future rides to see if that works out for me. I already have power banks. I just need a water bottle holder to put it in and a run a short cord to the Garmin.

 

[MartsEbike]

Thank you for the reply. I am thinking of using a power bank on future rides to see if that works out for me. I already have power banks. I just need a water bottle holder to put it in and a run a short cord to the Garmin.

Be mindful that it's not advised to charge lithium batteries below freezing. You can damage the battery chemistry, which may reduce the capacity even further.

I'd be tempted to put it in a top-tube case, one with a mobile phone pocket - and then try to insulate it from the cold as best as possible. Perhaps rap a cloth/rag around it or something like that. Anything to keep it warmer will help.

 

[6zfshdb]

When temperature related battery depletion is a problem on some cold weather rides, I use these hand warmers:

Amazon.com

It requires altering the Garmin handlebar mount to accommodate the extra thickness though and they cost around $1 each. I don't use them often, so the price really isn't an issue for me.

There are also rechargeable warmers such as these:

Amazon.com

They are much thicker though and require some creative mounting schemes. I sometimes use a bottle cage mounted on the handlebar with a sock stuffed in to hold the warmer and Garmin in place.

 

[mschwett]

I use a Garmin when I go fo bike rides. In above freezing weather, if I start with a fully charged battery, it will last the entire ride that is an hour or less. Lately, the temperatures have been about 18 or 20 degrees Fahrenheit when I ride and battery will go into the battery saver mode before I finish the ride. How do I determine if the battery needs to be replaced or if this is just a result of the cold weather?

what garmin device are you referring to?

 

[fooferdoggie]

I dont see a huge difference mine iwll last about 1/2 a week. but I noticed when it was around 20 one time it was hard to get the radar going or was giving me errors cant remember for sure.