Hey! I got a Skoda Superb -11 that I really love. Fell in love with it even more a few weeks ago when I found about the auxiliary heating function. I have used it a few mornings and it is amazing - until this morning! When I was trying to start the car this morning the battery was drained. Is this normal?

It should not be the case. 

 

Obvious question: How old is the battery?  If yours is anywhere in the vicinity of 4 years or more, it may be worth changing. You are using the heater because it's winter, and in winter batteries fail.  I have just replaced mine, because at 5 years old it was no longer reliable.

Best to think of the battery as a consumable: after the 5th year, I just change it to avoid being stranded. And as you live in Sweden, colder, maybe even a shorter useful life, I don't know.

Edited 12 December, 20241 yr by xtp77

On 11/12/2024 at 21:12, ThomAhls said:

Hey! I got a Skoda Superb -11 that I really love. Fell in love with it even more a few weeks ago when I found about the auxiliary heating function. I have used it a few mornings and it is amazing - until this morning! When I was trying to start the car this morning the battery was drained. Is this normal?

Yes, this is normal if precautions are ignored. I live in northern norway and pretty colder here than in uk. So with precautions I mean these:

1. Charge your 12v battery 100%. Make sure that battery is no more than 2-3 years if car os used (you never know what former owner did)

2. Now, start using your webasto.

3. Run time should be minimum 20-25min, maximum 45min. This due to avoid soot build up and unneccesary battery drainage.

4. Drive car preferably for as long as you have used webasto, minimum. E.g. use 30min, then drive 30min to avoid tear and wear on battery. If not applicable, read nr 5-6.

5. Use a battery charger and connect your car up at least once a week if you use webasto twice every workday. 

6. Buy new expensive Bosch, Sønnak or other premium manufacturer every 5 year if you are not able to do the above mentioned car/maintenance tasks. Try to avood lead acid, use EFB batteries or even better AGM with highest possible ah that will fit your battery tray.

7. Use webasto for 30min once each month during summertime just to keep it in shape.

 

And yes, I live and use my 2011 superb in a cold, snowy and icy  environment. Biggest failure to guarantee webasto replacement is driving short distances and lots of start/stop. That will clog it up in no time and new cost 1500 gbp with labour (norway). Webasto is from factory programmed to start with ignition when ambient temp is below 4 degrees celcius.