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Why Car Batteries Fail During the Winter

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Why Car Batteries Fail During the Winter Img
Why Car Batteries Fail During the Winter - And How to Avoid Such a Problem

It is a common misconception that winters are hard on car batteries. In fact, just the opposite is true. Hot summers cause important battery fluid to evaporate, which becomes a problem in the winter when the battery is forced to work harder. Here are a few reasons why car batteries fail during the winter months and how drivers can avoid this problem.

Batteries are working harder

It is often thought that car batteries are interchangeable, but that is not always the case. Every battery has a "cold cranking amps" rating that highlights the battery's ability to start an engine during frigid weather. If the battery has a low CCA number, it might not hold up to the long, cold months of winter. Choosing a battery with a high CCA number will help keep drivers from experiencing battery fails. In addition, synthetic motor oil has a higher cold tolerance that will provide some extra oomph for the battery to move the oil where it needs to go.

Batteries are struggling to warm up

Batteries are similar to people in that it is easier to get moving in warm weather compared to cold weather. Cold temperatures slow down muscles just like they slow down the chemical reactions that batteries must do to have and hold a charge. Installing a low-cost battery blanket can help solve this cold weather problem. For about $20 and two minutes of time, a vehicle's battery can start right up on those chilly winter mornings.

Batteries are under the strain of too much technology

Today's vehicles come with a lot of bells and whistles, and while these comfort and convenience features keep us safe and cozy in the vehicle's interior, they put a lot of pressure on the battery. Many things, such as headlights, radios, heat, charging cables, and more tax a battery's life. Before starting a car in the cold weather, drivers should turn off any unnecessary items and limit the number of extras that are in use while driving. A car starts more easily if it simply has to turn on the engine at first instead of the engine, heated seats, radio, and more.

Keep Batteries Going

Car batteries always seem to work fine until the least opportune moment. Drivers can avoid battery failures by being aware of a battery's age and its CCA rating and taking some preventative measures to lessen the load on the battery during the cold winter months.