Charging a frozen battery

[another generation]

The quad bike has been in the garage for 3 days, and I want to use it in the morning. Thought I'd put the battery on charge, but it's been about -5 degrees today, and not above zero since I last used the bike. At what temperature will a battery freeze? How do I know if it is frozen? I believe I'm not supposed to charge a frozen battery, but why not? Is there a risk of explosion, or do I just knacker the battery?

In the meantime, I've put a small heater fan by the quad bike, in the vain attempt to spread some warmth to the battery.

 

[glen quagmire]

The quad bike has been in the garage for 3 days, and I want to use it in the morning. Thought I'd put the battery on charge, but it's been about -5 degrees today, and not above zero since I last used the bike. At what temperature will a battery freeze? How do I know if it is frozen? I believe I'm not supposed to charge a frozen battery, but why not? Is there a risk of explosion, or do I just knacker the battery?

In the meantime, I've put a small heater fan by the quad bike, in the vain attempt to spread some warmth to the battery.

Just charge it you will be fine.

 

[another generation]

Just charge it you will be fine.

Well, I've got it in writing from you, so expect me to sue if it all goes up in smoke!

 

[glen quagmire]

You'll be fine. Just get it plugged in!

 

[another generation]

You'll be fine. Just get it plugged in!

All right, all right! Quit mithering!

(But why am I advised not to charge a frozen battery? I like to know the reason behind a rule. Is it just crap from the manufacturers, in the hope that I will buy a new battery?)

 

[mindmyp's_n_q's]

Thaw it first then charge. If it had a charge it would not freeze and trying to charge a frozen battery will do fuck all.