Did you know that a car battery loses a third of its power in freezing temperatures? Why? Because as the air outside cools, the oil in the car thickens making it harder to turn the engine over.
Extremely cold temperatures will cause many car batteries to fail. Driving your car is the best way to maintain its charge. Motorists should keep this in mind, and they shouldn’t wait until the last minute to make sure their vehicle starts. If possible, park inside a garage where it is warmer.
Motorists should be aware of signs that show a car’s battery is nearing the end of its life. According to AAA, here are some things to look out for:
•Vehicle cranks slowly when trying to start
•Grinding, clicking, or buzzing when the ignition is turned on
•Vehicle has stalled
•Headlights dim when idling, but brighten when the driver revs the engine
•Battery is more than three years old
To avoid being stranded due to a battery problem, have the battery inspected at every oil change to make sure the cable connections are clean and tight, and the hold down hardware is secure. Once a battery reaches three years of age, have it tested annually. The test will identify if the battery has deteriorated to the point where replacement is recommended to prevent an unexpected failure.
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