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Protect Your Battery in Winter

2024 Ford Expedition parked in snowy area

How to Protect Your Battery in the Winter

Take care of your battery and it can save you the cost of a tow or a battery replacement. The first line of defense for your battery is regular battery services to ensure the health of your battery and if you happen to live in or near  Stephenville, Weatherford, or Ranger, you can come into Stanley Ford Eastland for your battery service and let our expert technicians test your battery.

Your battery is the main source of power for your vehicle, and if you have driven at any time in a cold climate, you know that sometimes your battery doesn’t function too well when the temperature drops. There are some tips you can follow to help ensure the functionality of your battery when it is cold.

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Why are Batteries Susceptible to Cold Weather?

For starters, the battery itself is sensitive to the cold. The fluid inside batteries can freeze and expand if the battery is low on charge and this can damage the cells inside the battery.

The chemical reaction that takes place inside the battery that produces electricity can be slowed by the colder temperatures, thus the battery produces less power. Another reason is that the colder weather may impair the function of the starter, making it more difficult to turn over when you turn the key. This makes the battery work harder and it reduces the battery’s electrical charge.

How Can I Protect My Battery in the Winter?

During the Winter months, you can protect your battery first and foremost by keeping it charged.  A dead battery is the leading reason a vehicle won’t start in the winter. To keep the battery charged in cold temperatures it needs some help. Driving your car is a great way to keep your battery functioning well, so keep driving it when you can. If you don’t have plans to travel anywhere for a few days, try to drive it for at least 15-minute increments close to home to charge the battery.

Multiple starts may strain your starting cycles and may take longer for the alternator to replenish the charge on your battery. You need to warm up the battery before you get in and out of your vehicle while running errands. If you start the vehicle in your driveway just to warm up the engine, let it idle for at least 15 minutes before you shut it off. You can get a trickle charger and keep it connected to your battery overnight about once a week to ensure your battery stays charged. Finally, park in warm protected places whenever possible, like a garage or other sheltered spot, to reduce wind chill effects on your battery. Remember also to test your car battery to ensure it has a charge and be sure you are getting regular battery services to keep your battery healthy.

If you need battery service, schedule an appointment with our service department, and be sure you keep checking back with us often for our service specials. They change frequently and you may find a service special for battery service.

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