Cold Weather Battery Care
Cold Weather Car Battery Care: Keep Your Vehicle Powered Through Winter
Winter in Iowa brings frigid temperatures that can take a toll on your vehicle—especially your car battery. Cold weather slows down the chemical reactions inside your battery, making it harder for your engine to turn over. At Cassill Motors, we want to help you avoid the frustration of a dead battery this winter. Here are some key tips to keep your battery in top shape during extreme cold.
1. Get Your Battery Tested
Before winter sets in, have your battery tested by a professional. A battery that’s weak in warm weather may fail completely in the cold. If your battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it before winter leaves you stranded.
2. Park in a Garage or Use a Battery Blanket
Keeping your vehicle in a garage can help protect the battery from extreme cold. If a garage isn’t an option, a battery blanket or thermal wrap can provide extra insulation and keep your battery warmer overnight.
3. Check Battery Terminals for Corrosion
Corrosion on the battery terminals can weaken the connection, making it harder to start your vehicle. Clean any buildup with a mixture of baking soda and water, and ensure the terminals are tightly secured.
4. Limit Short Trips
Short drives don’t give your battery enough time to fully recharge. If possible, take longer drives or use a battery maintainer to keep your battery charged during periods of low use.
5. Turn Off Accessories Before Starting
Before starting your vehicle, turn off headlights, heaters, and the radio to reduce the strain on your battery. Once the engine is running, you can turn these accessories back on.
6. Keep Jumper Cables Handy
Even with proper care, batteries can still fail unexpectedly. Keep a set of jumper cables in your vehicle and know how to use them in case you or someone else needs a jump-start.
Need a Battery Check or Replacement?
At Cassill Motors, our service team is ready to help you prepare your vehicle for winter. Stop by for a battery test, replacement, or any other cold-weather maintenance to keep your car running smoothly all season long.
Stay warm and drive safe!
Schedule your service at Cassill Motors Service Center.
Call us to schedule your winter check-up today!
