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Car batteries last for years and are reliable. However, during the winter, many drivers require jump-starts and towing due to dead batteries. To help you avoid trouble this season, here’s all you need to know about how the weather affects your system.

How Car Batteries Work

Most passenger cars use lead-acid batteries. While their casings are made of plastic, they house several lead plates and use electrolyte sulfuric acid.

When you turn your key, the starter sends a signal to the battery. This tells the unit to convert chemical energy (the reaction between sulfuric acid and the lead) into enough electrical energy to power the car’s engine and electric components.

Why the Cold Presents a Problem

jump-startSulfuric acid on the battery’s lead plates leaves behind residue. This coating makes it harder for the chemical reaction to take place. The cold weather is also a natural inhibitor of these reactions, slowing electron movement to the point where a battery may not function.

If a battery is covered in residue during freezing temperatures, it won’t work. In this case, only a jump-start may get it running again. 

What to Do to Protect the Battery

In the winter, try to park in a warm area, like an insulated garage. If you don’t have one, park by a wall so the car isn’t hit by as much wind. 

You should also keep dirt and grime off the battery’s terminals, as these can inhibit the chemical reactions. Use a toothbrush to wipe off any residue you spot.

Finally, go easy on those electrical amenities when the temperatures are below freezing. The radio and dome lights consume power, which may overtax a weakened battery. 

 

If you need a jump-start to address a dead battery, choose Craig’s Towing & Repair. With locations in La Crosse, Lake Delton, Wisconsin Dells, and Baraboo, WI, this towing and repair shop has been helping drivers throughout the state for over 20 years. If your battery is beyond servicing, they’ll tow your vehicle to their shop to replace it. Learn more about their work on their website or call (608) 784-1638 to request assistance. 

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