Winter Car Battery Care and Understanding

A dead battery is what many car owners dread in any season, but especially in winter.  That is why winter car battery care is so important and basic knowledge about what causes winter car battery problems can be so valuable.  

Outside Winter Temperatures Affect on Car Batteries

As the outside temperature drops in winter, a car battery has a harder time working.  Studies have shown that at thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit, the cranking power of a car battery is at fifteen percent less power than it is when the temperature outside is eighty degrees. When the winter temperature drops to zero degrees Fahrenheit, a car battery has thirty-five percent less power.  This battery problem is amplified by the fact that at freezing temperatures the same car engine needs as much as three and a half times more power to start the car.  

Faulty Winter Battery Issues

If your car battery is faulty and the weather gets colder, your car may have trouble starting.  Faulty battery problems may necessitate that you turn off all unnecessary interior and exterior lights before starting the car.  If starting problems persist, you may even have to turn off accessories, as well as lights, to assist the faulty battery in starting the car.  Some batteries become faulty because of corrosion and the effects of this corrosion may only become noticeable when winter weather hits.  Battery corrosion affects battery performance and usually comes in the form of a yellowish or white powder on the battery.  Cleaning battery connections with a stiff brush and a solution of baking soda and water can combat battery corrosion.  

Buying the Right Battery for Winter Weather

Car owners should rely on the expertise of auto parts store employees or service personnel when choosing a car battery that will do well in winter weather.  These professionals can cross-reference vehicle type with industry standards for the proper replacement battery.  Besides starting problems, dim headlights may help a car owner to know when a new battery is needed.  Often times, some of the newest types of batteries on the market are virtually maintenance-free.  These batteries don’t even require fluid checks, however, it is smart for car owners to inspect the battery case and cables for loose fittings or damage.  

Specific Car Battery Winter Care

Before winter sets in, it is wise for you to have the car battery inspected as well as other items under the hood of the car.  For winter battery inspection, make sure that the terminals are tight and clean.  If the headlights seem dim or if the car continues to have sluggish starts, a further check of the car’s systems may need to be done by one of our qualified technicians.  

Car battery care should be an integral part of winter preparation for your car.  When you are stuck on the side of the road or in a heavy winter blizzard, it is the wrong time to find out that your car battery is faulty or hasn’t been checked.  Good car battery care can make winter travel more enjoyable and more secure.    

Things to Consider for Winter Driving

Living in the part of the country that experiences winter weather conditions causes everyone to make changes to their routines. Driving in the snow and cold weather can be dangerous if you fail to prepare for the things that could happen. If you own a car, you should put together winter safety kits for all of your cars. The things you can include in your safety kits such as extra clothing and blankets are not only for comfort but also for your safety and protection against the elements if you are stranded on the side of the road in the cold weather. 

Inside the Car

One of the most overlooked things that should be in your kit is a flashlight. Make sure that you have good batteries in it. Check the flashlight periodically and change the batteries when needed. Have a few blankets and extra clothing in your car so that you and your passengers will be warm inside the car if you cannot keep the car running. You should also make sure that you have a first-aid kit that is adequately stocked. Take an inventory of its contents and replenish any supplies that are expired, empty, or of low quantity. Your kit can contain some nonperishable snacks and a small container suitable for collecting snow to melt as emergency drinking water. Add tissues, paper towels, and a couple of washcloths for hygiene purposes. You might want to include maps, compass, and a knife. Having a small bag of sand would be useful if you are stuck in the snow. You can sprinkle some sand under your tires so your tires can gain some traction to get out of the snow bank.

Outside the Car

Preparing for winter is important for under the hood. Having regular general car maintenance would prevent major repairs and allow you to save money on car repairs in the future. Even if you adhere faithfully to the recommendation of having oil changes every 3,000 miles; you should always check it before the winter sets in. Check the battery, alternator, radiator, and suspension systems. You can have ASE master mechanics perform this inspection for you. The mechanic can inspect wires, steering and suspension, and transmissions. Thorough fluid checks will ensure that your car will endure the winter. Be sure to check windshield wiper fluid, antifreeze, engine oil, and brake fluids. 

As for the Rest of the Car

The rest of your car needs to prepare for winter as well. You should make sure that you have a tire inspection completed. If you notice your car pulling to one side, have a tire alignment done while you check tire pressure and tread wear. Have a bumper-to-bumper inspection done and keep your gas tank over half-full if not full to keep the fuel injection system in optimum condition. Headlight and windshield wiper replacement can be done at this time. Your mechanic can do a complete safety inspection for you. Make sure that if you are a member of AAA, you have the phone number and a cell phone with a fully charged battery in it. You can also carry an extra battery with you when you travel so that you will be prepared in the event that you need assistance. Your car is your transportation to work, school, and play, so you should make sure that when you are out, your winter safety kits are already prepared and ready for you when you need it.

Fluid Checks are Important, Too

When preparing for the winter months, many people take the time and energy to winterize their homes so they can save money on heating costs, but fail to fully address the needs of their cars. They may get snow tires and make sure they keep a full tank of gas, but might not think to perform fluid checks. Fluid checks are very important to the health of your car, and if you fail to keep track, you may find yourself stranded on the side of the road and calling AAA for assistance. 

What Types of Fluids Need to be Checked?

Your car uses several types of fluids to operate. Each fluid provides a particular benefit or performs a certain function that is crucial to the health of your car. The engine oil helps to lubricate and seal the innards of your engine. It also helps to keep your engine clean and cool. It is recommended that you change your oil every 3,000 miles, but you may want to change it in preparation for the winter months also. If your engine oil level is too low, you will have low oil pressure, which could cause overheating. Transmission fluid performs the same functions for the transmission as engine oil does for the engine. Coolants come in a variety of colors, but they all perform the same function: to regulate the temperature of engine by using the fluid to transfer heat from the hottest parts of the engine to the cooler outside air. Brake fluid helps to lubricate the braking system, so it is important to know that if you find that you are topping off the brake fluid frequently, then you should suspect a leak somewhere in the system that needs to be repaired immediately. As for windshield wiper fluid, some people only notice when it is low when they push the button to clean the windshield and nothing comes out, but it should also be checked on a regular basis. 

A Little Knowledge Goes a Long Way

Do not let your owner’s manual languish in the glove compartment. Take it out and read it. You will find the information you need that will tell you how often you should check your fluids. This information was recommended by the manufacturer and written in a manner that is easy to understand so that you can perform fluid checks yourself. If you have access to an ASE master technician, he or she can advise you on a proper schedule that you can follow. He can also show you how to add fluids and the locations of each receptacle. He can also give you a clear understanding of the consequences of not maintaining the schedule. He can let you know which brands, weights, and values you should be using in your car. He can also tell you what changes need to be made for the winter months.

When Should Fluids be Checked?

Your owner’s manual will list the manufacturer-recommended times to check your fluids. Do not let your manual be your only source for advice. You should consult with your mechanic to develop a calendar so that you can keep track of your maintenance. Fluid checks should also be included in general car maintenance. You may need to check fluids more frequently than what is recommended in the manual. 

Having Brake Maintenance Done to Increase Safety

Arguably one of the most important systems in a vehicle in terms of safety and the lives of those around you, the brakes consist of many different parts, all of which should be checked and maintained on a regular basis. Having your brakes become unresponsive while driving is a very terrifying experience and requires quick adaptation to prevent any form of accident. Because so many things can go wrong you need to be able to figure out what systems still work and how they can be used. In such a case it’s highly recommended that when you get the car to stop you don’t start going again, but rather call a tow truck or AAA to come and pick you up, lest you wind up in an accident.

How Your Brakes Work

To be able to adapt to a brake malfunction or to know when you need to get them inspected it’s important to know how your brakes work. Most people don’t consider this, merely leaving it as that pedal you step on to stop. When you step on that pedal, however, it pressurizes a master cylinder in your engine, which in turn applies pressure to hydraulic pistons located at each tire of the car. The fluid pressure in these pistons pushes the brake pads together against the rotor, which creates friction. The friction then slows the tires and, with the tires stopping, the entire vehicle stops as well. You can see how there are several places for things to go wrong between when the foot is applied to when the vehicle stops.

Common Brake Problems

There are three main problems that occur more frequently than others in terms of brakes, and they each feel different, which help to identify the issues. First and foremost the brake fluid used to apply pressure to the hydraulic pistons can leak, meaning there’s nothing to apply the brake pads to the tire. This can usually be identified when the brake pedal has to be applied with increasing pressure to get any response. Secondly the brake pads themselves can wear out, requiring a replacement to be added. This can be identified by applied brakes taking much longer than normal to respond. Finally the treads of the tires themselves can be worn off. While not an inherent issue to the break system, this makes the tires more slippery and causes less traction, meaning the vehicle can slide further before stopping.

Brake Services

Most general auto repair shops offer brake repair. It’s not something that should be done as a home job unless you’re specifically trained in it, even something that seems as simple as changing the brake fluids. Because this is such a crucial part to the vehicle and road safety it’s important that trained professionals such as ASE master technicians handle this job and make sure it’s done right. It might be costly to get replacements or repairs done, however when your vehicle is stopping smoothly for you that money is well spent.