Winter leaves your vehicle vulnerable to a variety of problems, such as hazardous road conditions, tire pressure loss, and engine trouble. However, one of the most important components to protect is your car battery. A dead battery in the middle of winter can lead to an untimely breakdown. Below is everything you need to know about the effect of cold weather on car batteries and how to avoid a roadside emergency this season.

How Cold Temperatures Affect Car Batteries

There are a number of ways cold weather affects the life of a battery. In the winter, engines are more difficult to start because the oil thickens in freezing temperatures. As a result, nearly twice as much energy can be drained from your battery to get the engine running. Additionally, dropping temperatures also affect the chemical reactions that produce electricity, making it more difficult for a battery to deliver a high enough current. This makes it particularly problematic if you begin the season with an older battery that has a low charge. 

How To Maintain a Car Battery in Winter

Before the winter season begins, car owners should look for warning signs that indicate their car battery is nearing the end of its life span. Common symptoms include a slow cranking engine, a leak from the battery, or a swelling battery case. If it’s been three years since you bought your battery, it’s likely time to replace it. Car owners should also inspect the battery to ensure the connections are tight and that the wires are in good condition. 

If you need to replace your vehicle’s battery to avoid an emergency, turn to the team at Car Care Clinic at Gateway Transmissions. For nearly 20 years, they have provided leading auto repair services to motorists throughout Mount Vernon, WA, and surrounding areas. From car batteries to auto diagnostics and wheel alignment, you can count on their technicians to get you back on the road safely. Call (360) 679-0700 today to schedule an appointment or visit the website for more information about their full list of services.