How to Protect Your Car Battery from Winter Weather

On average, car batteries only tend to last three to five years before they need to be replaced, but various factors can influence this lifespan. One of these factors is the weather, whether it's heat or cold.

Nobody wants to be stuck in the driveway with a car that won’t start on a frosty morning. But with a little extra care, you can keep your battery going strong all winter long. Read on to learn more or contact your local shop in the GreatWater network for more information on car battery cold weather tips.

Does Cold Weather Damage Car Batteries?

Cold winter weather can take its toll on car batteries, making them less effective overall and more prone to failure. Think of your battery like a runner—cold weather slows it down, so it has to work harder to keep your car running.

This is largely because the cold can slow down chemical processes, reducing battery output and decreasing battery capacity. In fact, it's estimated that battery capacity can drop by as much as 20 percent in freezing temperatures and up to 50 percent below zero.

Why Car Batteries Struggle in Winter

Ever turned the key on a freezing morning and heard that dreaded clicking sound? That’s your battery telling you it’s struggling with the cold. But there are a few other reasons why batteries are challenged in cold weather. For example, batteries are typically under more duress, as drivers are likely to use the heater, defroster, and other electrical features. This can cause the battery to drain faster because it's under more stress.

Additionally, the older your battery is, the more it's likely to struggle during the cold weather months. It's always best practice to have your battery tested before winter weather sets in to see if it needs to be replaced.

Tips for Winter Car Battery Safety

Cold weather can take its toll on a car battery, but there are certain things that you can do to protect it from the elements. Here's a look at some tips on how to protect car batteries from winter weather:

Park in a Warm, Enclosed Space

If you're able to, park in a garage or indoor space to protect it from the cold. Even during the coldest periods of the year, a garage can be significantly warmer than outdoors. If you're able to, consider heating this enclosed area you're parking in to further avoid the effects of cold weather.

No garage? Try using a car cover or battery blanket to shield it from the worst of the cold.

Keep the Battery Clean and Free of Debris

Pop the hood and clean your battery regularly. This is easily done using either a cloth or a special battery-cleaning solution. This can remove debris, grime, and other contaminants that can impact the battery's connection with the terminals, which can cause issues.

Warm Up Your Battery Before Driving

If you drive an older vehicle, consider warming up your car before driving it. This helps allow the engine oil to circulate and flow more easily, reducing wear and tear on the engine. Doing so will also help make your vehicle more comfortable when you get into it.

Drive Often to Keep the Battery Active

Keeping the battery active is key during the winter months. At a minimum, consider starting and driving your vehicle at least 30 minutes per week (preferably more often). If you're not planning to drive your vehicle a lot during the winter months, consider taking steps to winterize it.

Inspect Your Battery Connections

Inspect your battery terminals often to ensure that there's no corrosion. If there are signs of corrosion, consider taking a wire brush or a battery cleaning solution to clean the area.

Get a Professional Inspection for Peace of Mind

A quick battery check now could save you from an unexpected tow later—nobody wants to deal with that on a snowy day. That's why we're always happy to inspect your car battery to help assess its condition and if you should have it replaced before winter weather sets in. 

At your local GreatWater-affiliated shop, we don’t just check your battery—we’ll make sure your whole electrical system is in tip-top shape, so you’re ready for whatever winter throws your way. During an inspection, we'll ensure that your battery can start your vehicle and adequately hold a charge. We'll also give it a visual inspection to check the case, brackets, terminals, and connections. Our inspection will determine if the battery is in good condition, weak condition, or if you should consider immediately having it replaced.

What to Do if Your Car Battery Dies

If your battery dies, it means that the charge is depleted and you're not going to be able to start your vehicle. However, there are a few things you can do to get back on the road until you can seek professional service:

• Jump-start it: Use jumper cables to connect the depleted battery to a working battery. You can also use a portable jump-start pack. While this is one way to start a vehicle with a dead battery, it's only a temporary solution if there are problems with your car's battery.
• Charge the battery: You can also use a battery charger to charge the battery. Typically, they can recharge the battery within a few hours. Again, this is likely only a temporary solution if the battery is failing.
• Inspect the battery: In some cases, you might be able to pop the hood and adjust loose connections on the battery. If connections are loose, it's going to have difficulty starting. Make the adjustments and try starting your vehicle again. Unlike the other two tips on this list, this may be more than just a temporary fix.

If your battery dies, don’t panic. Whether it’s a quick jump-start or a professional replacement, we’ll help you get back on the road fast. Just give your local GreatWater-affiliated garage a call.

Visit a GreatWater Shop for Premium Battery Services

Don’t wait until you’re stuck in the driveway. Schedule a battery check with your local GreatWater garage today. We’ll make sure your car is ready to handle whatever winter throws your way!

For more information on the impact that cold weather can have on your car battery and how to limit the effects during the winter months, contact your local GreatWater-affiliated shop today.