Cold winter temperatures can affect car batteries, mainly older ones. While hot weather shortens battery life by accelerating corrosion, frigid conditions make it harder for a battery to crank your engine. Batteries lose significant power overnight in below-freezing weather. Understanding how cold impacts your battery helps you take steps to maximise lifespan and avoid being left with a car that won’t start.
Watch for these common dead car battery indicators to handle winter temperatures:
Any of those point to a battery on its last legs that could leave you stranded as temperatures plummet. Look for car battery replacement near me in case you see any of these signs in your vehicle.
You don’t have to guess whether your battery is strong enough for winter driving. Stop by any auto parts store, and they can do a free battery test. This measures the cold cranking amps (CCA) available and the state of charge. They can advise if your battery needs replacement based on age and test results.
If your battery is over 3 years old, it’s great to test it annually before winter. Batteries can pass a summer test even without symptoms but still fail when cold sets in. Testing ahead of cold weather gives time for planned replacement on your terms.
If your battery passes testing, you can take proactive maintenance steps to protect its health during frigid conditions:
Following those steps maximises the chances of getting through winter with your existing battery. But if testing shows it’s too weak, replacement is advised.
A dead car battery mostly reaches its lifespan of around 3-5 years. But cold weather makes older batteries much more prone to failure. If your battery is over 3 years old, it’s smart to be proactive with testing and replacement before winter hits. Waiting risks getting stranded out in the cold at the worst possible moment.
For those in colder climates, a shorter 3-year average lifespan is realistic. You may luck out and get 4 to 5 years, but assuming winter will take its toll sooner is safer. Get ahead of the game by having your battery tested annually once it’s 2-3 years old. Then replace at the first sign of weakening rather than taking chances.
When purchasing a new battery:
While no car battery lasts forever, especially in frigid conditions, taking some preventative measures helps avoid being caught off guard. Testing and replacing ageing batteries before winter arrives reduces the risk of being stranded out in the cold. Paying attention to battery health ensures your car starts smoothly all season long. Moreover, contact AIS Carfit Experts if you’re looking for a dead car battery replacement.
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