The battery is important with how your vehicle starts. In the winter, the cold temperatures wreak havoc on batteries because they slow the chemical reaction inside of the battery. Though batteries can function under myriad conditions, the cold weather tends to degrade high-quality batteries and may render other batteries useless. There are various ways to protect them from failure in the cold, and some of them involve taking precautionary measures.
Battery is old
If your battery is old, you may need to replace it. If your car is still running on its original one and your card is several years old, it may be a good idea to get a new one before there is an issue. Battery size will not necessarily provide better starting. It’s important to buy the correct one for the make of your car, which can usually be found inside of the owner’s manual.
Poor care
Corrosion can prevent a car from starting just as much as a worn-out battery. Corrosion is caused by a faulty connection that allows acid to escape and corrode surrounding areas. Regularly inspect it to keep abreast of issues that may cause corrosion. Carefully clean away any corrosion residue that has formed and make sure the battery is correctly seated.
Turn off electronics
Do not start the car with the heater and the radio on. They can use up the power coming from the car’s alternator and prevent the battery from charging. Do not leave the heat and the radio on while the car is idling. Otherwise the car will not be putting out enough power for the alternator. This is difficult to charge the battery and power the electrical systems. When storing your vehicle in a garage for the winter, disconnect it. Certain devices, such as clocks and alarm systems, continue to drain the power when the vehicle is off. When your car will not be driven enough to recharge it, keep it disconnected. This is when the automobile is being stored. If you notice an issue with how the vehicle is starting, bring it in. We can inspect the vehicle for you.