Winter is Coming: Will Your Car Battery Survive?
The cooling temperatures of fall are a welcome relief from this year’s long hot summer. As the country enjoys digging out scarves and preparing for the holiday season, we cannot forget that autumn means one very important thing… winter is coming!
Crisp mornings will soon give way to frigid, bitter cold; the kind of weather that quickly kills a car battery. There is nothing worse than getting stranded out in the cold, so make sure you prepare your battery to survive the chilly days ahead.
TIPS TO HELP YOUR BATTERY SURVIVE WINTER
1. Get Your Battery Tested Now
Car batteries have an average lifespan of 3-5 years. Cold temperatures cause the chemical reaction inside of the battery to slow down, preventing it from being able to produce enough energy to start the car. Having your battery checked to make sure it is fully charged and ready for winter will help prevent you from being stuck outside as the winter winds blow.
2. Park in the Garage or Away from Wind
Park your car in a garage at night to protect your battery from the cold. No garage? Park the front of the car away from the main direction of the wind.
3. Pause Before Cranking Up the Heat
As tempting as it may be to turn the heat to full blast on a frosty day, wait a minute or two. Let your alternator charge the battery before placing demands on it. Also, be sure to turn off anything that requires battery power (A/C, seat warmers, stereo, etc.) before you leave your car.
4. Keep Your Battery Clean
Cold weather thickens the engine oil and increases electrical resistance, making the battery work harder. Corrosion on your battery terminals adds to this resistance. If you notice white powder or gunk on the terminals, clean it off with a stiff bristle brush.
If you do find yourself with a dead battery this winter, call AAA for help. AAA technicians come to you to test your battery and charging system where and when you need it. If your battery test fails, a technician will replace your battery on-the-spot to get you back on the road quickly. Plus, AAA members save a minimum of $25 on the battery price!