As colder weather approaches, it’s time to brush up on the topic of battery care. Fall is the perfect time to check your battery and perform the proper maintenance to ensure everything runs smoothly in the winter. Because the operation of a battery is based on a chemical reaction, temperature plays a key role. Cold weather slows down the chemical reaction, affecting the battery’s ability to provide power to start the vehicle. We’ve compiled a list of helpful tips to keep your vehicle’s battery running all season long.

Maintenance

Just like us, car batteries need proper maintenance to keep running. Start by cleaning the corrosion from the top of the battery and then around the cables. Also, make sure to tighten the cables in order to strengthen the charge. While you’re at it, check the fluid levels and check for any battery leaks.

Test Your Battery

Be proactive and test the charge of your battery to see if it needs to be charged before the temperature starts to drop. You can test the charge of your battery by using a multimeter. A charge of 12.45 volts or greater represents a sufficient charge, anything lower and it’s time to charge up.

Parking

During the winter, park inside an insulated garage. If you have to park outside, be sure to park so the hood of your vehicle is sheltered from the blistering winds. If below-freezing temperatures are in the forecast, it may be a good idea to charge your battery overnight to prevent the dreaded sound of a failed start in the morning.

Do You Need a New Car Battery?

It is recommended that you change your car battery every 3-5 years depending on care and driving behavior. Some signs that you may need to replace your car battery before winter include: the battery not holding a charge, slow engine start, low battery fluid, battery leak, and the check engine light.

If you think it may be time for a battery replacement, bring your car in the shop or contact us. We’re happy to get your car winter-ready!