How to Stay On Top of Car Battery Problems in Winter

Batteries Unlimited
Jul 22
2 min read

During the cold winter days, it isn’t just us who struggle to get up in the morning – our car batteries do too.

In colder temperatures, our car batteries have to work harder to get the engine going.

The battery is necessary for the operation of things like seat warmers, headlights, radios, and chargers for electronic devices. If the battery is old and already having trouble holding a charge, this could be too much to handle and lead to its failure.

Here are 5 tips to winter-proof your battery:

Determine the current state of your battery

Before winter is in full swing, treat your battery to a free battery test at Batteries Unlimited. A fully charged battery minimises starting problems – all it takes is 30 minutes of driving to recharge your battery.

Turn up the heat

If possible, always park your car in a garage overnight or invest in a car cover to shelter it from cold winds.

Have patience

Your car might struggle to start on the first turn. To ensure there is sufficient starting power for your engine, keep all electronics, such as your radio, lights and air conditioning, off until after you have started your car.

Eliminate unwanted resistance

Dirt or corrosion on the battery terminals can raise electrical resistance, which restricts the current flow. This can lead to battery failure. Keep your battery clean and corrosion-free to ensure this doesn't happen.

Keep the flow going

In winter, engine oil often thickens and flows more slowly, which can create mechanical resistance in your car's engine. A new oil change will improve your car's overall performance.

Stay ahead of the cold and check your battery to ensure safer and smoother journeys this season.