Winter Weather Car Battery Care

With winter sneaking up on us, it’s time to think about winterizing your car. How many times have you set out in the cold winter mornings only to find yourself faced with a dead battery? Cold weather car battery care is something we all need to understand and practice. With that said, the team here at Auto Clinic of Franklin wants to share some simple but important tips on how to keep your battery alive and operating during the frigid winter months.

Simple Car Battery Tips

At Auto Clinic of Franklin our clients are always our number one priority. We understand full well how frustrating it can be when your car battery dies and you are left with no means to travel. We all know that batteries and cold weather don’t really get along well. The reason being that the electricity generated by the battery is done so through a chemical reaction. When the temperatures outside are cold this reaction slows down greatly and generates minimized power. However, taking proper care of your battery will allow you to get the very most out of it all winter long. Here are a few simple tips on how you can do just that.

  • Covered car parking – When your car is parked in a covered structure, such as your garage, the heat from your home makes its way somewhat into the garage and keeps your vehicle a whole lot warmer than it would be parked outdoors. Even covered parking areas that are not attached to your home will contribute to the overall care of your battery. The heat that is trapped by way of the over top covering during the daytime will actually shelter your battery somewhat from the frigid cold.
  • Make sure to turn off all the accessories – When it is cold outside, your battery power is reduced a great deal, which means that the vehicle needs more power in order to start up. You may find that your engine has a more difficult time turning over in the morning hours during the cold weather. If such is the case, be sure to turn off accessories such as the wiper blades, headlights, and heater, which will draw power away from the engine as it tries to power up.
  • Be sure not to let your car sit too long – Many cars can sit in sub zero temperatures for a night or two without any major issues. However, if you let your car sit for days and days during the frigid winter weather, you are sure to find yourself faced with problems. Your car battery may become depleted and the battery case may even become cracked and connections damaged. So be sure not to let your maintained car sit in sub-zero temperatures without operating for any length of time.
  • Check the battery for corrosion – Battery clamps and cables tend to corrode over time. If they are corroded, the electricity flow from your battery will be obstructed. With that said, if there is any corrosion, be sure to clean the battery, clamps and cables to ensure a properly functioning battery in the cold temperatures.
  • Invest in a cold weather car battery – If your battery is older than 4 years, we highly suggest you replace it before the winter weather sets in. There are cold weather batteries available that are sure to outperform typical batteries in the frigid temperatures. Investing in such a battery is sure to minimize the amount of care your battery will need in the upcoming winter months and minimize your frustration and challenges.

To Sum It Up

If you follow all these precautions and tips, but still find yourself faced with a problematic battery, it may very well be time to replace it. If you replace the battery and are still having issues, then be sure to come on down to our facility and let our technicians identify the source of the problem and provide an effective solution. For more information on car battery care, to replace your battery, troubleshoot the issue, or for any other automotive repairs and services, put your trust in the team here at Auto Clinic of Franklin. With the holidays now nearing, we want to send along wishes from our family to yours for a very happy and safe holiday season!

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