Late October brings the first chilly mornings to Staten Island, and colder weather is not far behind. Wind coming off the harbor and temperatures that drop overnight can catch a vehicle off guard. One part that feels the change more than most is the battery. In this month’s blog post, we explain why cold weather is so hard on batteries, the warning signs to watch for, and how to avoid a no-start on a freezing morning.
Cold weather attacks the battery from two directions. A battery makes power through a chemical reaction, and that reaction slows down as the temperature falls. At the same time, cold engine oil thickens, so the engine is harder to turn over. The starter needs more power at the exact moment the battery has less to give.
Summer damage shows up in the winter. Heat breaks down the internal parts of a battery over the summer months. A battery that seemed fine in August may have lost much of its strength, and the first cold snap is often when that weakness finally shows. Most batteries last between three and five years. If yours is three years old or older, it is worth having it tested now.
Know the warning signs. Watch for any of the following:
- The engine cranks slowly or sounds sluggish
- Headlights look dim at idle
- The battery warning light comes on
- White or blue crusty buildup forms on the terminals
- The battery case looks swollen
- You have needed a jump start recently
A voltage reading does not tell the whole story. A fully charged battery reads about 12.6 volts with the engine off, but a battery can show decent voltage and still fail when it must do real work. A proper load test or electronic battery test shows how the battery holds up under the strain of starting the engine. The charging system matters too, because a weak alternator will drain even a brand-new battery.
Simple steps help. Keep the terminals clean and tight, avoid running accessories with the engine off, and use a battery maintainer if your vehicle sits for long stretches.
Take advantage of this month’s battery special. Colonial Service Station is offering a battery coupon this month. Visit our Specials page for the details and bring it with you when you come in.
A battery that fails in your driveway is an inconvenience. A battery that fails in a parking lot after dark in freezing weather is a much bigger problem. If you want to have your battery and charging system tested before winter, contact the service professionals at Colonial Service Station to schedule your appointment.