Tips for Preserving Your Car’s Battery This Winter
Nothing is worse than coming outside on a cold day and realizing that your car won’t start. Fortunately, most of the time this is due to your vehicle’s battery, not a larger mechanical issue. The cold winter temperatures can wreck havoc the components inside the battery that are responsible for producing and storing electricity, reducing their ability to create and hold a charge. This impact is even more noticeable in older, weaker batteries.
So what can you do to help your battery fare better in Kitchener/Waterloo’s cold winter temperatures?
- Minimize the use of heaters, included heated seats and mirrors, as they put a high demand on your vehicle’s battery.
- Before you turn off your vehicle, switch off all lights, wipers, heaters, and any other components that may pull energy from the battery next time your turn your vehicle on
- If you use an iPod or another MP3 player in your vehicle, unplug it when the car is turned off, as some can drain the battery if left connected when the vehicle is off.
- Before you leave your vehicle, make sure that no internal or external lights have been left on by mistake.
- If possible, park your vehicle inside. The heat of the garage will help keep your battery warm and increase its ability to produce electricity.
Even if you follow all of these tips, it’s still a good idea to get your battery checked, especially if your vehicle is over three years old. This battery check will give you a better idea of how it is performing and its estimated lifespan.
If you do end up needing a new battery for your vehicle, give the team at Logel’s Auto Parts in Kitchener a call. We carry a variety of used vehicle parts, including car batteries, at our auto shop in Kitchener.
