How to take care of the battery before winter?

Car batteries like to fail when temperatures drop below freezing. Most often, this is tantamount to being late for work or waiting for roadside assistance for a long time. Johnson Controls battery expert Dr. Eberhard Meissner offers three easy ways to keep your battery healthy.

Take preventive measures - check the battery

In cold and wet weather, the vehicle consumes more power, putting more stress on the battery, which can sometimes lead to battery failure. As with checking headlights and changing winter tires, drivers should also remember to check the condition of the battery. Regardless of the age of the vehicle, a simple test at a workshop, parts distributor, or vehicle inspection center can determine if a battery can survive the winter. The best news? This test is usually free.

Battery replacement - leave it to the professionals

It used to be easy to change the battery: turn off the engine, loosen the clamps, replace the battery, tighten the clamps - and you're done. It's not that easy anymore. The battery is part of a complex electrical system and powers a wide range of comfort and fuel economy features such as air conditioning, heated seats and a start-stop system. In addition, the battery can be installed not under the hood, but in the trunk or under the seat. Then, to replace it, specialized tools and knowledge will be required. Therefore, in order to ensure a trouble-free and safe battery replacement, it is best to contact the service.

Choose the right battery

Not every battery is suitable for every car. A battery that is too weak may not start the vehicle or cause problems with power supply to electrical components. Economy vehicles with Start-Stop and the wrong battery may not work properly. You need technology with the abbreviation "AGM" or "EFB". It is best to stick to the original specifications provided by the vehicle manufacturer. Contact repair shops or automotive experts for assistance in selecting the correct replacement battery.