Conquer the Cold: Car Battery Tips for Winter Mornings (and Beyond!)

Why Winter is Hard on Car Batteries

Think of your car battery like a person working overtime without a break. Cold temperatures significantly reduce a battery’s power output. Simultaneously, your engine requires more power to start in the cold. This double whammy puts a tremendous strain on your battery. Oil thickens, making the engine harder to turn over, and electrical components demand more energy for heating and defrosting. The result? A stressed and potentially failing battery.

Top Tips for Winter Car Battery Care

Here are our expert-recommended tips to keep your car battery running smoothly throughout the winter months:

1. Get a Battery Check Before Winter Hits

Prevention is always better than cure! Before the temperatures plummet, bring your car to AES for a comprehensive battery test. We can assess its current condition, identify any potential weaknesses, and advise on the best course of action. This includes checking the battery’s voltage, its ability to hold a charge, and the health of its terminals and connections.

2. Keep it Clean: Cleaning Battery Terminals

Corrosion on battery terminals can hinder the flow of electricity, making it harder to start your car. Regularly clean the terminals with a wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water. Disconnect the cables (negative first!) before cleaning and remember to wear eye protection. Once clean, apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly or battery terminal protector to prevent future corrosion.

3. Minimize Electrical Load During Startup

Reduce the strain on your battery during startup by turning off unnecessary electrical accessories. This includes headlights, the radio, the heater blower, and defrosters. Once the engine is running smoothly, you can gradually turn these items back on.

4. Limit Short Trips

Short trips don’t give your battery enough time to fully recharge after starting the engine. If you frequently make short trips, consider taking your car for a longer drive occasionally to allow the battery to replenish its power. Alternatively, use a trickle charger (see below) to keep the battery fully charged.

5. Consider a Trickle Charger or Battery Maintainer

A trickle charger or battery maintainer slowly charges your battery over an extended period, keeping it topped up during periods of inactivity. This is particularly beneficial if you don’t drive your car regularly or live in a region with extreme cold. It can significantly extend the lifespan of your battery.

6. Park in a Garage (If Possible)

Even a slightly warmer environment can make a difference. Parking your car in a garage, even an unheated one, can help protect the battery from the most extreme cold temperatures.

7. Know the Signs of a Weakening Battery

Be aware of the warning signs of a failing battery. These include slow engine cranking, dimming headlights, and a persistent “check engine” light. If you notice any of these symptoms, bring your car to AES for a battery inspection as soon as possible.

When Should You Replace Your Car Battery?

Most car batteries last between 3 and 5 years. However, several factors can affect battery life, including driving habits, climate, and the quality of the battery itself. If your battery is approaching the end of its expected lifespan, or if you’re experiencing any of the warning signs mentioned above, it’s best to replace it proactively.

Don’t Get Stranded! Let AES Help

Winter can be tough on your car’s battery. Following these tips can help you avoid the frustration of a dead battery and ensure your car starts reliably, even on the coldest mornings. If you have any concerns about your car battery, don’t hesitate to contact AES. Our experienced technicians can perform a thorough battery test and provide expert advice to keep you on the road all winter long.