Keep Your Battery From Dying This Winter

Winter has hit hard, and now that terrible noise is on the brain. You know the one. CLINK. CLICK. CLICK. SPUTTER. NOTHING.

A dead battery can happen anywhere at any time, not just in the winter. But it does happen a lot more often in the winter than in the summer. And having a dead battery in the summer is a lot more ideal than in the cold of winter.

We have a few tips and tricks to keep your battery and vehicle running smoothly before the deep freeze hits.

Did You Know? Most car batteries have a lifespan of three to five years, but this can be shortened by extreme weather conditions.

Winter and the Car Battery

Working in Alberta winters is tough for everyone, but it is especially tough on our vehicle batteries that keep us moving during those cold dark months. When it is cold, the reaction in your car battery is slowed, which means it needs a higher charge to start and run a vehicle.

At 0℃ a typical car battery loses about 35% of its strength. At -17℃ it loses about 60%.

As a battery naturally deteriorates from internal corrosion, it becomes more difficult for the battery to deliver the higher charge needed to operate your vehicle during those extreme cold snaps Alberta is known for. When this happens, the battery is more likely to die.

Keep Your Battery From Dying This Winter

1. Make sure your vehicle is turned off properly. You make it home, put the car in park, and turn it off for the night. But you need to make sure everything is turned off before you head inside. Make sure your interior lights and headlights are off. Don't forget to unplug all accessories.

2. Turn off the electronics when car is off. Your battery is designed to power some electronics, like your radio, GPS, and Bluetooth accessories, while the engine is off, but only for a limited time. To help your vehicle maintain its charge, avoid running your electronics for more than 20 minutes when the engine is off.
3. Protect the Battery From Extreme Cold. When you are out in the cold for really any period of time, you tend to move a bit slower. The same is true for your vehicle. Where you can, it is important to protect your vehicle from extreme cold. If you can park in a garage or in underground parking area that is best. You can also try parking your vehicle downwind, so the battery is not barraged by freezing winds. A battery blanket is another affordable option to keep your battery warm throughout the night, when you don't have the option of a garage.
4. Plug Your Vehicle In. That's right, plugging in your vehicle isn't just for electric vehicles! Plugging in your vehicle helps the block heater warm your engine's components, fluids and your battery. It's recommended you start plugging your car in once temperatures reach around --15 C or lower. Make sure to have it plugged in for three to four hours before driving.

Did You Know? Plugging in your car in the winter will reduce your fuel consumption by 15% for the first 20 km you drive, according to Natural Resources Canada.

Don't forget, while these tips are great, the best strategy to keep your car and battery operating in tip top shape is regular maintenance and service. When you bring your vehicle in to Quick Lane Tire and Auto Center, we inspect and test your battery, free of charge.

And if it is time to replace, our experts will find you the best battery for your vehicle. We offer top quality Motorcraft Batteries for all makes and models. Each battery is backed by an incredible 36-month, unlimited kms, free replacement warranty. Our experts will keep you safe on the roads this winter.

Contact Parts For A Battery Quote