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There is nothing worse than a dead battery in the cold. In the winter cold, a dead battery is not only inconvenient, but it can also be dangerous. Your car battery has a natural tendency to drain itself. Weather conditions such as excessive summer heat or harsh winters can lead to a weak or dead battery. When the weather is extremely cold for an extended time, your battery will take longer to perform the necessary chemical reactions to start your vehicle. The engine will also require more power to get it started when it’s cold out, making your battery work much harder than it would. Cold weather, together with having your car parked for a long time, leads to dead batteries and breakdowns. We can prepare our batteries to minimize the risk of winter conditions impacting our drive. 

 

Winter car battery care is especially important. Your car's battery isn’t only vital to start your engine, it also helps to run the secondary electrical systems such as your lights, radio, power seats, power windows, and added electrical components in your car. There are a few tips and tricks you can use through the winter to keep your car battery happy. Lake Ridge Auto Care in Woodbridge, VA, has quality battery replacement service and other auto repair services at affordable prices.

 

Have your battery tested: Your car battery is expected to last for about 3-5 years before it will need to be replaced. If you have an old battery, it is at a high risk of failing in colder temperatures. You want to go into winter knowing your battery can handle the temperature drop. You can have a battery load test performed to determine if your current car battery will be able to do its job throughout winter. A battery test will allow you to catch a dying battery ahead of time so you don’t end up stranded in the winter. 

 

Clean your battery posts and terminals: Dirty and corroded battery cables will add to battery resistance, which leads to a dead battery. Proper battery care involves thoroughly cleaning the posts and terminals of your battery. Clean them until there is no sign of corrosion, and when done, properly tighten the terminals when fastening them to the battery posts.

 

Be Prepared: Always be prepared for emergencies. To prepare your car for winter conditions, you can get A/C repair, headlight restoration, brake repair, and much more before the start of the winter. When it comes to your battery, the simplest way to be prepared is by keeping a set of jumper cables in your car. If your battery dies and is rechargeable, all you need is a second car to give you a jump. Jumper cables are good to have on hand no matter the time of year. You can also keep a car battery charger, which will help charge and maintain your car battery. 

 

 

Lake Ridge Auto Care in Woodbridge, VA, is your choice for automotive repair & maintenance services, tires, and Jasper Engine Services. From inspection to installation, we'll take care of your car battery. Our expert mechanics can diagnose any necessary car battery repair services that you need to take care of before the onset of winter weather. Schedule an appointment online, or come in today for all your battery care needs.