How To Prevent Winter Battery Issues

Winter battery issues are common. Car batteries are forced to work harder to assist your engine. Cold temperatures can cause the oil in your engine to become thicker, slowing everything down. As a result, your battery can take a toll. Read on to learn some things you can do to avoid a dead battery in the winter.

Tips for Preventing Car Battery Issues in Winter

Car batteries are charged depending on the movement of your car. If they are not working and have lost their full charge, another car can jump-start your battery.

Here are some ways to avoid having to deal with car battery issues in the winter.

Inspect the Battery for Loose Cables and Corrosion

The charge in your battery can be impacted by corrosion and loose cables. It can have a direct effect on the connection between the cables and the battery. If you inspect your battery and notice that surrounding terminals are corroded or that any of the cables are loose, you should get it repaired as soon as possible. Your battery will be unable to transfer energy to the engine. This is an inspection that should be performed on a frequent basis.

Ensure the Vehicle Is Off

When you park your vehicle, it is easy to forget to turn off your headlights or to make sure that your vehicle is powered down completely. Not only should you ensure that your headlights are off, but you should also check that your cabin lights are powered down and that all doors are closed. Any light that stays on in your vehicle will significantly drain your battery. Additionally, you should ensure that all accessories are unplugged from your sockets.

Keep the Battery Protected When Temperatures Are Freezing

The best way to make sure that your battery is ready for the winter is to test it before the cold weather has time to set in. Your battery should be tested to make sure it is able to hold a charge. If your battery is old, it is time to have it replaced.

During this time, it is also essential that you have your oil changed. Since the oil is thicker in the winter, it will be more challenging to travel to the engine. Another option to consider is a battery blanket. They are inexpensive and can keep your battery warm during the night to avoid issues in the morning.

If possible, try parking your vehicle inside a covered garage to prevent exposure to harsh weather elements.

While all of these tips are important in preventing a dead battery during the winter, the most important thing to do is keep up with routine maintenance. When you bring your vehicle in for an inspection, a technician will check your battery and inform you of any issues they find.  This will give you peace of mind by knowing that your vehicle is more than prepared to handle the winter.

Categorised in: Auto Repair

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