Protecting your car battery from the cold

The average life of a car battery is approximately three to five years. However, you may notice that your battery has a hard time during extreme weather seasons, especially when it's nearing a replacement. According to experts on AAA, a car battery can lose up to 60% of its charge during periods of extreme cold. Cold weather can take a toll on even the newest, healthiest batteries, so here's what you can do to protect your battery from the cold. 

Drive regularly

Weather permitting, you can protect your car battery in the winter by driving it regularly. Because your battery is recharged while you drive, leaving your car idle for weeks or months can drain your battery, especially during extreme cold seasons. Regular driving will give him a chance to recharge.

If you're worried about your battery in cold weather, you should also avoid driving in short bursts. When cold weather depletes some of your battery's life and then you use it to start your car, your battery is more likely to die. If you then only ride it for a minute or two before turning it off and leaving it out in the cold again, it won't have the time it needs to recharge. Especially if it's an old battery, this can make it vulnerable to cold weather. 

park in the garage

You can protect the battery from the cold by parking it in a garage or under a shed. This will prevent snow or ice from getting on the vehicle and causing it to freeze. While garages often don't have good insulation, they can also provide a warmer place for your car. If you're not used to parking in a garage, remember to always open the garage door before starting your car so you don't get caught in the exhaust fumes.

Choosing a quality battery

A useful way to ensure that cold weather doesn't benefit from your car battery is to set yourself up for success with a high quality battery. If you're aiming for a lower quality battery, you may find it disappears sooner than a higher quality alternative. You may save some money at the time of purchase, but you will likely pay more for more frequent battery changes. This is especially true during seasons of extreme weather. If you find that your battery can't handle winter weather, replace it with one that will last you as long as possible. Your car and your future will surely thank you for this investment. 

Preventive maintenance and care

If you notice that your battery is corroded or has defective leads, it will be more susceptible to the adverse effects of cold weather. In fact, these conditions can cause your battery to stop working at any time, any time of the year. You can also have the battery, starting system, and charging system checked by a local mechanic. These Services can protect your battery, allowing it to withstand harsh weather conditions. 

Save connecting cables or battery

If your battery is nearing the end of its life, it is important to keep the battery or connecting cables in the car. This will give you the charge you need to take your car to a mechanic for a battery change. Read our XNUMX-step guide to jump start your car if you need help making this happen. Once your car starts up, make an appointment with local car service experts to have it replaced before it fails you again.

Batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles in cold weather

Cold weather and its effect on battery life can be particularly challenging for electric and hybrid vehicle drivers. Running out of charge can affect your vehicle's range, requiring more frequent recharging and making it difficult to drive long distances. This makes these protective measures especially important for your vehicle. Visit Certified Hybrid Repair Center for assistance with regular inspection and maintenance of the battery.

New car battery in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill

When you need to replace your battery, Chapel Hill Tire in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Carrborough can help you identify and fix battery problems. Our team provides fast, affordable and quality service and battery replacement. Visit a local Chapel Hill tire factory or to make an appointment here online to get started today!

Back to resources