Anyone who has tried to start a car on a cold winter day and found the battery dead will attest to the toll cold weather takes on a car’s battery. The fact is, a typical Canton, Ohio, winter will task a battery that is not at peak performance.
Research shows that a battery will lose 35% of its strength when the temperature drops to just 32 degrees. At 0 degrees, a battery will lose close to 60% of its strength. Add to these facts that starting an engine in cold temperatures takes nearly twice the battery power than in warm temps. If you head into winter with a weak battery, you run the risk of getting stranded.
The typical car battery has a three- to five-year life span, but several factors can impact its performance. Your best protection against getting stranded with a dead battery is to get it checked, especially if you are nearing the end of its life.
Tips to understanding your car battery
- Extreme heat can corrode a battery’s internal components and drain its vital liquids, causing it to weaken. During cold weather, the battery is most stressed when you start your car, so if a hot summer has weakened your battery, you will often find out on the first cold day of winter.
- When your car is not running, the battery is still powering the clock and other electronic components, draining its power. A car that sits for long time could have a weakened battery, while running your car and driving for longer periods of time charges up your battery. This can be especially important during a cold winter.
- Leaving a phone charger plugged in even if your car is not running could potentially drain the battery, depending on the type of charger. Unplugging electronic devices and chargers is best if your car is off.
- If your car turns over slowly when you start it or your headlights dim when idling and brighten when revving the engine, these could be signs your battery is weak. Have a technician check it right away.
If you are uncertain about the age and/or efficiency of your car battery, our technicians are available to
test your battery and replace it if necessary. Cold winter temperatures are just around the corner in Canton, Ohio, and the surrounding Stark and Summit County areas. Don’t wait for a dead battery to strand you. Call for an appointment today.
