Have you ever had winter car battery problems? Having a dead battery in the heart of winter can not only be frustrating but leave you cold and miserable. These issues often happen when the temperature falls below freezing for an extended period of time. Cold weather weakens your car battery and makes them less efficient. Problems then arise like your engine not being able to start. Thankfully, there are steps you can take. Here, New Image Towing talks more about how cold weather affects car batteries.
Common Signs of Car Battery Failure
Batteries, over time, lose their charge and start becoming less efficient. When that happens, a replacement becomes more necessary before it fully dies on you. With that being said, your car battery will typically give you multiple warning signs before dying completely. Signs of battery failure include:
- Dim interior lights
- When starting the car, it might hesitate before turning over
- Having to pump the gas pedal to get your car to start
- Problems starting the car when the interior or headlights are illuminated
When your car battery weakens and starts to fail, it no longer takes a full charge. A simple diagnostic check will tell you when the battery will no longer take a full charge. Have a technician look at this when you go into service. Have them also check the alternator, cables, and clamps to make sure all is in good working order. If any parts are worn and need replacement, have that done ASAP.
What DRAINs YOUR CAR BATTERY During The WINTER?
LIGHTS & ACCESSORIES
The most common reason a battery drains during the winter is human error. During the winter, drivers are known to leave a light or accessory on in their car trying to rush inside out of the freezing cold. To minimize this error, check these few things:
- Make sure your interior lights and headlights are turned off.
- Unplug all accessories that might be charging or plugged in.
- Turn electronics off when the engine’s off.
TERMINAL CABLE ISSUES
The second biggest reason a battery dies during the winter is with the terminals and cables. Corrosion around the terminals or loose cable connections can interfere with the battery charge and make it harder for the battery to start your engine. A quick terminal cleaning and cable check can help reestablish an efficient contact. The following are sure ways to keep your battery working properly this winter.
- Clean your battery terminals of any visible corrosion.
- Tighten loose battery cable connections.
COLD WEATHER
Cold winter weather slows our battery down. In fact, at roughly 32°F, a car battery loses roughly about 35% of its strength. At 0°F, it can lose up to 60% of its strength. Luckily, you can help keep your car battery charged in the cold by taking the following precautions:
- Install a battery blanket. You can find them at most auto service stores.
- Park your car in the garage and out of the winter elements. This will prevent battery power loss.
- Charge the battery (if applicable).
How Can Routine Maintenance Help?
The most effective thing to do to keep your car battery running during the winter is regular routine maintenance. When you bring your vehicle in to get serviced, ask the technician to inspect your battery and let you know if there are any problems. Typically, most auto repair shops can give you a battery diagnostics test for free and let you know its remaining life span.
Also, ask the technician about your battery’s “cold cranking amps”, or CCA. This number refers to the battery’s ability to start a car during freezing weather. The higher the CCA number, the better the battery is at performing in the cold. This winter, don’t get stuck out in the cold. These simple tips will help you make sure that your car successfully starts every time.
Need A Tow? Call Us Today!
Did your battery die? Are you looking for a reliable towing company? Our 24/7 towing services are just a phone call away!
New Image Towing is available to provide you with roadside assistance in any situation or vehicle emergency. We offer a wide array of services to all of our motorist customers, including car towing and emergency roadside service. New Image Towing provides emergency towing to the metro Atlanta area, and our “on-call” fleet of tow trucks and service vehicles guarantees a prompt response. When winter conditions prevent you from changing your own tire or doing what is needed to fix your vehicle, our emergency roadside assistance gets you back on the road quickly. Give us a call today!
Call Now For Service! (678) 839 9302
