You wouldn’t want to begin your day with a flat car battery. Sadly, a lot of us come across this, especially during winter. But this doesn’t mean that you have to wake up early every morning just to test it. Luckily, there are many ways through which you can keep your car battery safe during winter. Today, we’re going to discuss the ways you can keep it up and running throughout the season.
How Can Cold Weather Affect Your Car Battery?
Cold weather can create some serious issues for your car battery. But that’s only if you don’t look after it. Basically, your battery has a lot of work going on inside it. These reactions create the energy that powers your car parts. So, the cold weather can slow down these reactions happening under your hood. This, in turn, makes your battery weaker and loses its charge. While newer batteries tend to stay healthier, older ones don’t during winter. Thus, you need to make sure that you look after your batter during extreme seasons.
How to Keep Your Battery Safe?
If you drive your car daily, then you’re in the safe zone. At least as long as it’s new. Because the alternator will make sure that your battery holds its charge. But if you don’t drive your car much. Then you need to make sure that you’re looking after it. Especially if your car battery is older than three years. Let’s find out the ways you can save it from dying out.
- Cover your car
Remember to cover your car if you’re not using it much. As it is not a wise decision to keep your car out in the cold. So, if you’re someone who has a garage and can keep it warm. Then use it for storing your car and not for the stuff you don’t need. Another good way can be buying a good thermal cover for your car. This will make sure that the car body doesn’t cool down more than it should.
- Get a Trickle Charger
Another smart thing to do is to buy a trickle charger for your car battery. These chargers do exactly what they say they do. They make sure that your battery has a full charge by charging it slowly over time. Thus making sure that it neither overcharges nor lets your battery die out.
- Stay Careful
This measure is a given for any season and for any battery. Make sure that you turn off everything whenever you get out of the car. This includes the headlights, stereo, and other electronic items. It will make sure that they don’t drain your battery without a reason.
Storing the Battery for Winter
If you’re one of those who don’t like to drive during winter. Or if it’s not safe to drive in your area after it snows. So, the best thing to do for your car battery is to buy a trickle charger. You already know how a trickle charger works. But why is it so good for your battery? The answer is that a battery with a full charge can withstand higher temperature changes. This is because the chemicals inside them stay in perfect condition. A battery with a lower charge will die out sooner in the cold.
Measures to Keep Your Battery in a Good Condition
Taking care of car batteries is important if you want them to run longer. But it isn’t such a difficult task. There are just a few things that you need to keep in mind that’ll add years to your battery.
- Charge Timely
If you go by the book, the rule is to charge your car battery every four years. This will make sure that you don’t lose power mid-journey. But why after four years? This is because as your battery gets old, it will lose its charge. Thus, you’ll need to charge it to keep it up and running.
- Don’t Overcharge!
While charging your battery is important, overcharging is also an issue. As this can damage your battery. So remember to check up on it every 30 minutes while it’s charging. This will make sure that you don’t overcharge your car battery.
- Maintain Acid Levels
Checking acid levels is important. The rule of thumb is to check them every six months. This acid is the thing that gives life to your battery. So check your battery to make sure that it isn’t below the 80% mark. And make sure that when you charge it, it gets full. Otherwise, it will shorten the life of your battery. Moreover, make sure that you aren’t using a lot of power-draining gadgets. Nor driving your car on short distances only. As this doesn’t give your battery a chance to charge fully.
- Get Cleaning
Another factor that many people overlook is cleaning the battery. The dirt and debris that sticks to the battery can cause it to corrode. You can always clean the battery with plain water and a cloth. Or you can use a mix of baking soda and water along with a wire brush. This will thoroughly clean your car battery. Just make sure that you clean off the remaining mix using a clean, damp cloth.
- Don’t Let It Get Cold
You already know why cold weather isn’t great for your car battery. But what can you do to keep it warm? If it gets really cold in your region, then buy a battery heater. A battery or engine heater is a great way to keep your car battery warm. It will not only make the battery work better but also reduce the load on it.
Happy Driving
Now that you know all about keeping your car battery up and running throughout the season. It’s time to learn more about your go-to place for battery problems. The Central Trading Company in Dubai provides professional services for all your car needs. But which battery do they suggest? The ACDelco Battery is the only right option for your car! Especially if you want a long-lasting, carefree drive throughout winter.
