Learn how to maintain your car's battery through the fall and winter. Avoid inconvenient breakdowns with simple checks and timely care.
Fall brings cooler weather that signals the start of a challenging time for your car battery. There's an increased risk of breakdowns during this season due to battery strain that carries through into the colder months. Here's what you need to know to ensure your car starts every time you turn the key this fall and winter.
WHY IT MATTERS
Car batteries are sensitive to temperature changes. Cold weather can reduce their capacity, making it harder for your engine to turn over. A car battery that worked perfectly in the summer might struggle or fail in cold weather. Ignoring battery maintenance can leave you stranded with a car that won't start when you need it most. As the engine oil thickens in lower temperatures, the battery must work harder to crank the engine, putting additional strain on it. Consequently, many breakdowns in colder seasons originate from battery failure.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR / DO IT YOURSELF
Start your checks at home. Look for any visual clues that might indicate a weakened battery. Check for corrosion on the terminals. Corrosion looks like a white, powdery substance. You can clean this with a mixture of baking soda and water. Use a brush or a cloth to wipe it off. Be cautious not to let the solution seep into the battery cells. In addition, look for any cracks in the battery case or bulging, which can indicate a problem.
Next, pay attention to how your car starts. If it cranks slowly or makes a clicking noise, this might mean the battery is weak. Check your battery's age. Most car batteries last 3-5 years, but this varies depending on driving conditions and climate. If yours is approaching the end of this range, consider testing it.
You can use a multimeter to check the voltage. A healthy battery will generally read between 12.4 and 12.7 volts with the engine off. Below that, it's time to get your battery checked professionally. When you start the engine, the voltage should climb to about 13.7 to 14.7 volts. If not, it might have problems holding its charge or your alternator could be faulty.
WHEN TO TAKE IT IN
If there's severe corrosion, cracks, or any visible damage, it's time to bring the battery in. A battery that won't hold a charge, or shows repeated low voltages, could mean it's failing. Don't ignore slow starting, which can quickly lead to complete failure, especially after a cold night.
Safety is vital. If your battery shows any signs of leaking or emitting a sulfuric smell (like rotten eggs), stop using the vehicle. Pull over safely and call us — don't keep driving. A leaking battery can cause corrosive damage to your car and is a safety hazard.
If you've experienced any electrical malfunctions, like flickering lights or electrical accessories randomly turning on or off, these can also hint at battery issues or problems with the charging system. Get these checked to avoid being left with a non-starting car when temperatures drop.
CLOSING
Keeping an eye on your battery now can prevent headaches in winter. If you’re unsure about your battery’s condition or need a professional opinion, EZ Autos is here to help. Don't wait until you’re stuck with a dead battery on a chilly morning. Call us for a check-up and let’s keep your engine starting strong this fall and winter.
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