It seems like every winter, more people are stuck on the side of the road with a dead battery. You may drive and see two vehicles doing a jumpstart and wonder, “is it because of the cold?”. We’re here to confirm that car batteries do not like the cold. When the temperature drops in CO, it can mess up your battery or kill it altogether.
Why Do Car Batteries Die in the Winter
Even though car batteries can die at any point in the year, it tends to be most affected during the winter. In the cold, the chemical reactions that occur inside the battery slow down. In other words, it means more power is required to deliver and keep the same amount of voltage. In fact, a car battery loses nearly ⅓ of its strength when the temperature drops below freezing point.
How to Prevent Your Car Battery From Dying
To keep your vehicle’s battery in tip-top shape this winter, here are some of our key tips!
Park in a Garage - When your vehicle is parked in a garage, it is slightly insulated and safer for the battery. While this isn’t an option for everyone, always choose the garage if it is.
- Replenish Your Battery With Longer Drives - Short drives can drain your battery quickly as it doesn’t have enough time to recharge. You should incorporate longer drives and avoid idling too much to ensure your alternator sufficiently charges your battery.
- Test Your Battery - A battery test and inspection is always a good idea. We can test your battery’s voltage at Rocky Mountain Tire & Auto, so you don’t have to.
- Use a Charger - A battery charger is a good investment in the long run. It keeps it from draining and is especially useful if you tend to go long periods without driving.
If you need a battery test or replacement, please look no further than Rocky Mountain Tire & Auto.
