Frequently Asked Questions about Cranking Car Batteries | Chapel Hill Sheena

When the weather gets colder, you may find that your car has difficulty starting. How to start a car battery? It's safe? Can starting another battery drain yours? Chapel Hill Tire mechanics are ready to answer all your battery questions. 

Why do so many car batteries die in winter?

Before we get into that, you might be wondering why your car battery died. So why do car batteries die in winter? 

• Oil problems: Engine oil moves more slowly in cold temperatures, which will require an extra burst of power from your battery. This problem is especially worrisome if you have an oil change coming up. 
• Exhausted charge: The "charge" in your car battery is maintained by an electrochemical reaction. Colder weather slows this process down, which reduces some of the battery's charge. 
• Summer Battery Damage: While cold winter weather will slow down your battery, it won't damage it. On the other hand, summer heat can damage the battery structure. This damage will render your battery unable to deal with the effects of cold weather. 

You can prevent battery damage by parking it in a garage. Batteries also die simply because they need to be replaced. Even under ideal conditions, a car battery will need to be replaced every 3-4 years. 

Is it safe to start a dead car battery from an external source?

If you follow all the precautions, jumping from a dead car battery is perfectly safe. Here is a look at some of the safety precautions you should follow:

• Make sure both machines are turned off when connecting the connection cables.
• Always connect cables to a dead battery first.
• If power is supplied through the cables, take precautions when handling them. Do not touch the two ends of the cables together.
• Do not touch two vehicles together. 
• Every car and engine is unique. To ensure your safety and the safety of your vehicle, read and follow all jump start instructions in your owner's manual. 
• If you feel unsafe using jumper cables, consider getting a starter pack. 

So how do you start a car battery? Chapel Hill Tire has a complete 8 step guide.

Do I need a new car battery?

A dead car battery is different from a dead car battery. For example, if you leave your headlights on overnight, it can even drain a new car battery. However, a simple start will be enough to get you started. While driving, your healthy battery will regenerate and store that charge.  

Conversely, if the battery fails, the battery will need to be replaced. Worn out, old and rusty car batteries do not hold a charge. Rather, you should bring it directly to the mechanic after your jump. How to understand that your battery is low?

• Did it die on its own? If so, then it's most likely corrupted. Otherwise, if you notice a light or other factor that has drained your car battery, you may still be fine. 
• Is your battery old? Car batteries need to be replaced approximately every 3 years. 
• Have you noticed corrosion on your car battery? This indicates battery wear. 

If none of these situations apply to you, the problem may be with your alternator or starter system. While rare, you may have also received a "lemon" battery replacement. In these cases, an experienced mechanic can help find and fix the source of your problems. 

Is starting the battery from an external source harmful to your car?

So what about your car when you run another battery? This process will put a small strain on the battery and alternator. However, in most cases, this process is harmless. A healthy battery will not be affected when jump starting and your battery will be charged while driving. 

However, if done incorrectly, starting another car from an external source can pose a certain risk to your car. You need to make sure your car is about the same size as the other car. Too much power surge can affect the electrical system of another vehicle. Meanwhile, insufficient power will strain your charge without successfully starting another car. You must also ensure that you follow all of the manufacturer's recommendations in the user manual. 

Chapel Hill Tire Battery Replacement Services

If you need to replace your car battery, Chapel Hill Tire professionals can help you. We proudly serve the large Triangle area with 9 offices in Raleigh, Apex, Chapel Hill, Carrborough and Durham. You can make an appointment here online or give us a call to get started today!

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