It's cold outside...and it's only going to get colder.... While we all remain huddled by the heater, one very important part of the household doesn't get to share in that luxury - your car, especially your car battery.
Extreme weather is a car battery’s worst enemy. When temperatures drop, your battery’s capacity to generate power can decrease by up to 50%! Here in Marion, IL, we can see some harsh temperatures, which can lead to you being stranded when you need your car the most. At PMR Automotive, we understand the importance of a reliable battery, especially in freezing conditions.
Your car battery works overtime during the winter without you possibly even knowing. Internally, the chemical reactions needed to make the battery work slow down (after all, wouldn't you at these temperatures?). Batteries also self discharge over time, whether that is due to the slow chemical reactions or simply the age of the chemicals inside and their breaking down.
When your battery does get your car started, it has to put a little extra oomph into it in the winter. When temperatures drop, your oil will thicken slightly, meaning your starter has to crank a bit harder to get everything going, and therefore your battery has a more of a job to do to get things started.
So, how could you extend the life of your battery? While there's no avoiding a battery aging, there are a few things you can do to keep it as healthy as possible as long as possible:
Keep your battery and terminals clean - Dirt, corrosion, and moisture on battery terminals can block the flow of electricity, causing conductivity issues. Regular cleaning of terminals can be done at home, or you can trust your friends at PMR Automotive to take care of cleaning for you at your next service.
Park in a garage or sheltered area - any place that can keep your battery even the slightest bit warmer helps. Be aware of where your battery is and even try to park it so it is blocked from wind when possible.
Limit short drives - your battery needs to recharge via the alternator after it has been hit by a start. Short drives don't give your battery time to recharge after the job, leaving it only partially charged at the next start and putting more strain on it. Depending on battery age and conditions externally, we recommend trying to keep your vehicle running for 15-30 minutes at least to recharge the battery after a start.
Turn off accessories before starting - your radio, your headlights, the blower motor, all the things you left on before you shut the car off start right up once you turn the key (without even having to turn the car on). These items cause extra electrical draw, which means they put more strain on the battery when you go to start the vehicle. Turning them off can help give your battery a bit of a breath before cranking.
Use a battery cut maintainer - If your vehicle sits for an extended time, consider adding a maintainer. A maintainer is a device used to keep a small charge on your battery to offset the natural discharge it does between chemicals and maintaining computers on your vehicle (such as remembering the time and your favorite radio station).
While these tips can help to extend the life of your battery, sadly, even the best batteries are given an average life expectancy of 3-5 years nowadays. Once your battery starts hitting it's time, you'll notice a few things to give you an early indication that it may be time to test and possibly replace your car battery:
Slow or extended engine cranking
Dimmer interior & exterior lights
Swollen battery case (the battery itself looking like it's getting a bulge on the sides)
A need for a jump start with no extended sitting or leaving components on
Battery light coming on
Knowing the signs of a failing battery and tips to extend the life of the battery could be essential to keeping you safe this winter. If you're battery is ready for retirement, we can help! Here at PMR Automotive, we’re committed to keeping your car running smoothly all year long. Our expert technicians specialize in diagnosing and resolving battery issues, ensuring your vehicle is reliable even in the harshest winter conditions. We trust Die Hard Gold and Platinum batteries for our customers (and our own) vehicles, and will get you in and out quickly to keep you going. Call us at 618-998-9010, or make an appointment online, to schedule a time to have your battery inspected and replaced!
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