Car batteries are especially vulnerable to losing power in winter, usually at the worst possible time in the worst possible weather. But with some preparation and maintenance, you don’t have to worry about being stuck in a frigid car on the side of an icy road. Here’s how to protect your car battery from winter.
If your battery still fails after all your precautions, AAA Car Battery Service is available seven days a week to come to you to test or replace your battery.
Why Do Car Batteries Die in Winter?
Cold weather can wreak havoc on a car battery.
Lower temperatures restrict your car battery’s output while forcing it to draw more power to work, according to AAA Car Doctor John Paul. “A car engine needs about 30% more energy to start when the temperatures drop to freezing,” Paul said. “And at zero degrees your vehicle battery can only deliver at 50% of its rated capacity.”
While fully charged batteries normally do not freeze – temperatures would have to drop below minus 76 degrees for that to happen – a fully discharged battery, which has just below 12 volts, can freeze at 32 degrees.
The average car battery life in the Northeast is three to five years. As they age, batteries should be checked annually,
Get more tips on how to winterize your car and how to protect your car battery from winter.
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Download NowGetting the Most of Your Car Battery in Winter
For the best winter performance, purchase a premium quality battery with the highest cold cranking amps rating to meet or exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications, such as a AAA-branded premium quality battery.
To get the most out of any car battery, make sure to test it regularly. After a stretch of harsh weather is the perfect time so you make sure to protect your battery from winter.
“Batteries really are the strong silent type,” said a representative of Interstate Batteries, the vendor that supplies AAA-branded car batteries. “Even corrosion isn’t a sign of a bad battery. It takes a battery tester to uncover any issues.”
Make sure you have a reliable battery this winter.
In a hurry? Get a premium new battery from AAA Car Battery Service.
Note: Due to high demand because of cold weather, the wait times for mobile battery service may be longer than usual.
Has your car battery ever died in the middle of winter? What do you do to maintain your car battery? Tell us in the comments.
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I have a long commute to work, so I don’t need to take the car for a spin to charge the battery engine etc. But my battery has died in the winter before. It was during a super cold snap. It took me 2 hours to get through to AAA, and they were unable to get to my house until 10pm.
I also drive my car for 20 to 30 minutes once a week, especially in this awful cold snap we have been having. I am very lucky to live in a building that has an underground heated garage which I am sure has immensely helped my almost 5 year old AAA battery. I don’t do a lot of night time driving which saves my battery a little because every light is a drain. My battery will be 5 years old in March if I don’t get a new one by then!
I find I need to start my car & drive it for 20 to 30 minutes at least weekly during the winter.