Virginia Wing Transportation
Automotive Batteries

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Automotive Batteries
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Automotive Batteries and Winter

Winter weather is tough on a vehicle, but it is the battery that suffers the most when the temperatures drop. Your vehicle's battery loses 33% of its power when the temperature dips below freezing and over 50% of its power when the temperature falls below zero. To make matters worse, your vehicle requires more power in the winter to turn over the engine and run the heater and defroster. A weakened battery can easily fail to start your vehicle, leaving you stranded in dangerously cold temperatures.

Below are listed a few tips on how to care for and extend the life of your battery during this winter driving season.

 

Clean your battery's terminals - Imagine trying to drink out of a straw while you're pinching the middle of it. Well, that's what it's like when your car's battery has corroded terminals. The corrosion keeps power from flowing freely from the battery, reducing the power that is available to start the car. To avoid this, clean your battery terminals with a wire brush or spray some battery cleaner on the terminals.

Give your battery a good check-up - If your battery is three years old or older, you should have it tested to make sure it can survive the coldest winter months. And don't forget to have your battery tested before you take a long trip or after it's been recharged.

Don't give up on your battery - Just because you needed a boost to start your car on a cold morning doesn't necessarily mean that you need a new battery. Your battery depends on a properly functioning charging system, so make sure the system is working well before buying a new battery. Your local AutoZone can test both your battery and your charging system for free, helping you save money and time by identifying the real problem.

Be smart when you jump-start-If the battery fails, and you need to jump-start a vehicle, be sure to follow the vehicle manufacturer guidelines. Jump-starting incorrectly can be dangerous and can damage the vehicle's electrical system, so always exercise caution when working with the battery and other electrical components.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transportation Directorate
Virginia Wing, Civil Air Patrol
United States Air Force Auxiliary