As we reach the peak of winter here in Bolton, ON, you will most likely be contending with many issues as you try to stay warm and safe while dealing with freezing rain, snow, ice, etc. A dead car battery is one of the most frustrating issues to contend with during the winter months.
Low temperatures affect your battery in a couple of ways. First, since oil tends to thicken in cold weather, it takes more work for your engine to turn over. Second, cold temperatures slow the chemical reactions inside batteries to generate electricity.
Here are three things you can do to avoid encountering problems with your car battery between now and spring:
Get it Tested. If your battery is more than three years old, it is recommended that an automotive technician run a diagnosis on it to make sure it is in a good state of health. Even new batteries can lose significant power in below-freezing temperatures, so having an expert take a quick look at your engine starter is advisable during the winter.
Give it a Break. You use car accessories that draw power from your battery, forcing it to work harder and drain quicker. Supplements powered by your battery include lights, your sound system and electrical devices plugged into the internal power socket(s).
Trickle Up. Investing in a ‘trickle charger’ is a simple and popular way to ensure your battery is adequately charged. These low-amp chargers are easy to install/use and take the load off of your alternator, which can only produce a small amount of wattage and wasn’t designed to charge a dead battery.
Winter is a challenging time for drivers in Bolton, and dealing with a car that won’t start is the last thing anyone wants to deal with this time of year. If you have any issues starting your vehicle or have any questions about its health, be sure to give Albion Auto. a call at 905-857-8413. Our trained technicians are dedicated to keeping you safely and reliably on the road all year!
