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Why does your Car Battery die in the cold weather? Cold weather affects your Car Battery by reducing its power and demands more energy to Crank the Engine.

Luckily WE ARE HERE to help you understand how Cold Weather Affects Your Car Battery. 

• Loss of Power: Car Batteries rely on chemical reactions to generate electricity. These reactions slow during cold temperatures and reduces the Cold Cranking Amps. Ultimately leaving your Battery with less power to crank the Engine.  At temps of 32°F or lower, a fully charged battery loses about 30% of its cranking power!
• Increased Demand: Cold weather thickens the Engine Oil which makes it harder for the Starter to turn the Engine. This means your Car’s Battery has to work a lot harder, further draining its reserves.

Get Your Car’s Battery Winter Ready:

• Get your Vehicle's Battery Tested! Before cold temps hit, have your Car’s Battery Tested at an Automotive Repair Shop. Their Automotive Mechanics will assess its overall health and test the Cold Cranking Amps. This helps find potential issues before leaving you stranded.
• Keep The Battery Charged! A fully Charged Battery will better handle the cold. Driving your Vehicle allows The Alternator to recharge the battery. If you have extended periods where your Vehicle will be sitting, using a battery maintainer will keep it charged up.
• Minimize Battery Drain! Avoid leaving on electronics or interior lights when the car is off. These things can slowly drain your Battery, even more so in cold temps.
• Upgrade Wisely! The average Vehicle Battery has a life span of 3 – 5 years, typically. If your battery is nearing that age, consider replacing it before you’re left stranded out in the cold.

Cold Weather Tips to be Extra Prepared:

• Always have Jumper Cables in your car and knowing how to use them is a bonus!
• Park in a garage if you can! This will shelter your battery from the harsh temperatures.
• Listen to your car when it's talking to you! When starting your Car, if the Engine Cranks Slowly it's probably an early sign of a Battery issue. Call your Auto Mechanic promptly to get your Battery Tested!

 

Remember, as the old adage goes: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

 

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