How to keep your car starting through winter
Car batteries are not immune to the winter weather. When the temperature drops, so does your battery’s performance. That’s why flat batteries are one of the biggest causes of winter breakdowns.
There’s nothing worse than jumping in your car on a bitter winter morning, turning the key, and getting nothing but a weak whine and click. Espeically as you generally have somewhere you need to be – on time and in a hurry!
So let’s look at why it happens, what you can do about it, and how to keep your car starting first time this winter.
Why car batteries struggle in cold weather
Car batteries rely on chemistry to generate electricity. Cold weather slows down the chemical reaction inside your battery, meaning it can’t deliver as much power.
At the same time, you’re demanding even more oomph than usual. We need all the electricity the battery can pump out to power heaters, headlights, and demisters. Every singly bell and whistle is working overtime when it’s cold and dark. That’s a huge demand on a battery that’s already feeling the chill.
So if your battery is already a few years old then it’s much more likely to struggle (know the feeling!). Car batteries don’t last forever, and winter is usually when they show their age the most.
Signs your car battery might be on its way out
Don’t get caught short when you need it the most. Keep an eye (and ear) out for these early warning signs of an ailing car battery:
- The engine turns over slowly when you try to start it
- The dashboard lights flicker or look dimmer than usual
- Your radio or electric windows act up
- You’ve had to jump-start the car recently
If you’re noticing any of these, it’s well worth getting your battery checked. It’s a quick job, and it could save you being stranded in the cold.
How to look after your car battery in winter
As always with car maintenance, a little bit of care goes a really long way. Here are a few simple things you can do to help:
- Go for longer drives. Short trips don’t give the battery enough time to recharge properly.
- Switch off what you don’t need. Things like heated seats and demisters drain power fast.
- Keep the terminals clean. Corrosion builds up over time, which can interfere with the connection.
- Park under cover if you can. Keeping the battery out of freezing conditions helps preserve charge.
If you’ve got a battery charger or conditioner, give it a top-up every few weeks. It’s especially useful if your car isn’t used daily.
When to replace your battery
Most car batteries last around 4 to 5 years, but that depends on driving habits and conditions. If you’ve noticed slow starts or dim lights, don’t wait until it fails completely. Replacing a weak battery before winter really sets in is far better than waiting until you’re stuck at the side of the road.
At VFR Motors, we can test your battery and charging system to see exactly how healthy it is. If it’s time for a new one, we’ll fit the right battery for your car and make sure it’s all running as it should.
Don’t let a flat battery ruin your morning
We all know that sinking feeling when the car won’t start and you’ve got somewhere to be. Stay one step ahead this winter with a quick battery check at VFR Motors. It’s fast, affordable, and could save you a lot of hassle.
Get in touch using our contact form or give us a call on 0116 3190 118 or 07850 881 911.
Or just pop into our friendly garage on Shaftsbury Road, Leicester, LE3 0QN. We’ll get you sorted and back on the road in no time.
