Battery issues are the number one cause of vehicle break downs, and the cold winter months don't help the situation. Batteries can die at any time, but they are most likely to croak in the winter due to power output drops, a decrease in the battery's ability to accept charge, and of course an increased power load from things like heaters and other electronics.
There are various tips that can help you avoid a dead battery this cold season, and one of the first things you should do is check the clamps and connections on your battery for corrosion. Keep your connection clean to ensure your battery is able to get a strong connection to your vehicle. If you have a struggling battery that is over 5 years old, replace it. You are better off replacing it before it leaves you in a roadside situation.
Keep your battery fully charged. A full charge can protect your battery from freezing, especially if left unused for more than a day at a time. Optima Batteries explains that an uncharged battery can freeze at warmer temperatures because the sulfuric acid and distilled water are not properly mixed. This can be avoided by keeping your battery fully charged when the car isn't in use with an advanced battery charger. You can also avoid trouble by making sure everything electrical is turned off when parking your car. This includes the radio, heater and lights. To increase your chances of starting a vehicle that has been parked in the cold, be sure to turn off everything electrical before turning the ignition.
If you are unable to start your car or turn on any lights, there's a chance your battery might be frozen. Optima Batteries suggests that you do not try and jump start a frozen battery. You should check the battery casing for cracks, and if any are visible, a replacement battery is needed. If the casing appears to be okay, it is best to remove the battery from your vehicle to a warmer location to thaw on its own. Once this process is complete, reinstall into the vehicle, and if there are no problems starting, there is likely no lasting damage done to the battery. Optima recommends fully charging your car battery to prevent further issues from occurring.
If your vehicle is in need of a new battery, check out our Optima Batteries.
Auto Truck Depot
107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330
Local: 1-403-253-4330
info@autotruckdepot.ca
Works Cited:
Optima Batteries. What Happens if My Car Battery Freezes?. N.p.: Power Source: What Powers Your Passion?, 20 Jan. 2014. Optima Batteries. Web. 19 Jan. 2016. http://www.optimabatteries.com/en-us/experience/power-source/what-happens-if-my-car-battery-freezes/.
AA. Battery Breakdowns: Most Common Cause of Battery Breakdown at Any Time of Year but Particularly Winter. ,N.p.: Breakdown Advice & Information, 20 Sep. 2014. AA. Web. 19 Jan. 2016. https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/winter-flat-battery-breakdown.html