Dead Battery after a week in the bitter cold...expected?

[Big Pat]

After spending an amazing week in Costa Rica, I returned to my 2013 S6 with a dead battery (some lights would turn on, random error messages, wouldn't turn over). It was parked outside in Chicago for the week - and it apparently was very cold - hitting below zero for a 3 day stretch...

I should probably get my battery tested at this point (I've had the car for almost 3 years, 32k miles) - but I'm wondering if this is something that could just be expected under these conditions. I know the cold is terrible for batteries, especially if left idle for a period of time, just curious if anyone else has had an issue in cold climates. It did start up immediately with a jump, and it has been fine since...

I do have a 600 watt JL amp/sub installed - along with a radar detector (which was disconnected for the week) - and random phone chargers with nothing plugged in - if any of that would have an impact.

Thanks,

Pat

[jrsAudiA6]

Before replacing the battery I would jump it to get it started and than place it on charger at least overnight in warm environment. After that see how well the battery holds up. If you have a Volt meter it is fairly easy to check battery condition. First check battery voltage after the overnight charge S/B about 12.5 - 13.2 volts. Second monitor battery voltage when starting the engine. If it drops below 10.5 volts than you should probably replace the battery as it has developed to much internal resistance.

[OmaHahn]

A good battery should never die especially in a newer 2013. The car's computer monitors electronics even when the car is off to ensure power is not lost. The cold shouldn't affect it too the extreme of complete power loss.