Don’t Get Left Out in the Cold: Preparing Your Car Battery for Fall Mornings

Ah, fall. The season of pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, and… car trouble? As the leaves change color, so does the temperature, and that shift can wreak havoc on your car’s battery. Those crisp, cool mornings that we all love can put a significant strain on your battery, potentially leaving you stranded with a vehicle that just won’t start. At AES, we want to help you avoid that scenario. This blog post will walk you through essential steps to prep your battery for the cooler months, ensuring you have a reliable ride all season long.

Why Fall is Hard on Car Batteries

You might think cold weather is the enemy of batteries, and you’d be partially right. But the real culprit is temperature fluctuation. The summer heat can slowly damage your battery internally, often without you noticing any immediate issues. Then, when the temperature drops in the fall, that weakened battery struggles to provide the necessary power to start your engine. The colder the weather, the harder the battery has to work. It’s a perfect storm for a breakdown.

Step-by-Step: Prepping Your Battery for Fall

Here’s what you can do to ensure your battery is ready to tackle the cooler weather:

1. Visual Inspection: Look for the Obvious

Start with a visual check. Are there any signs of corrosion around the battery terminals? Corrosion appears as a white, blue, or green crusty substance. Check the battery case for any cracks, bulges, or leaks. A damaged case indicates a serious problem, and the battery needs to be replaced immediately.

2. Clean the Terminals: Remove Corrosion

If you see corrosion, cleaning the terminals is crucial. You’ll need baking soda, water, a wire brush, and some rubber gloves. Mix baking soda and water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the corroded terminals and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use the wire brush to scrub away the corrosion. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly. After cleaning, apply a corrosion protectant spray to prevent future buildup.

3. Check the Battery Cables: Tighten Connections

Ensure the battery cables are securely connected to the terminals. Loose connections can prevent the battery from delivering the necessary power. Use a wrench to tighten the connections, but be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage the terminals.

4. Test the Battery’s Voltage: Know Its Health

A battery’s voltage is a key indicator of its health. You can use a multimeter to test the voltage. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts. A reading below 12.4 volts indicates that the battery is losing charge and may need to be replaced. If you’re not comfortable using a multimeter, bring your car to AES for a professional battery test.

5. Professional Battery Load Test: The Most Accurate Assessment

While voltage tests are helpful, a load test provides a more accurate assessment of the battery’s ability to deliver power under load. At AES, we use specialized equipment to perform load tests, which simulate the demands of starting your engine. This test can reveal hidden weaknesses and help you determine if your battery needs to be replaced before winter hits.

Don’t Forget These Battery-Saving Tips

Beyond regular maintenance, adopting good driving habits can extend the life of your car battery:

• Turn off headlights and accessories: Make sure to turn off all lights, the radio, and other accessories before turning off the ignition.
• Avoid short trips: Short trips don’t give the battery enough time to recharge properly. Combine errands whenever possible.
• Consider a battery tender: If you don’t drive your car frequently, a battery tender can help maintain the battery’s charge.

The AES Advantage: Your Battery Experts

Preparing your car battery for fall is a proactive step that can save you time, money, and frustration. Don’t wait until you’re stranded on a cold morning! Contact AES today for a comprehensive battery inspection and testing. Our experienced technicians can help you determine the health of your battery and recommend the best course of action. We offer a wide range of high-quality batteries to fit your vehicle and budget. Let us help you stay on the road this fall!

We hope this guide has been helpful. Drive safely and stay warm!