Winter can be a harsh time for car batteries. The cold temperatures can slow down the chemical reaction inside the battery, making it harder to start your car. In extreme cases, the battery may even freeze and crack.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help keep your car battery alive during the winter:
1. Park your car in the garage.
This will help to protect the battery from the cold temperatures and wind. If you don't have a garage, you can try parking your car in a covered area, such as a carport.
2. Keep your battery clean.
A dirty battery can be more susceptible to corrosion, which can lead to battery failure. Clean the battery terminals and connectors with a wire brush to remove any dirt, debris, or corrosion.
3. Check your battery voltage.
You can do this with a voltmeter. The voltage should be between 12.4 and 12.7 volts. If the voltage is lower than this, it may be a sign that the battery is weak.
4. Get a battery test.
Many auto parts stores offer free battery testing. This is a good way to check the health of your battery and make sure it is strong enough to last through the winter.
5. Drive your car regularly.
If you don't drive your car very often, the battery can discharge over time. Try to drive your car for at least 20 minutes every week to keep the battery charged.
6. Use a battery blanket.
A battery blanket is a heated pad that you can wrap around your battery to help it stay warm. This is a good option if you live in an area with very cold winters.
7. Consider a battery maintainer.
A battery maintainer is a device that you can connect to your battery to keep it charged. This is a good option if you don't drive your car very often or if you live in an area with very cold winters.
Need to replace your car battery?
If your car battery is starting to show signs of weakness, you may need to replace it. CarPart.com.au is an online marketplace for buying and selling car parts in Australia. They offer a wide variety of parts from a variety of manufacturers, so you're sure to find the perfect battery for your car.
With a little care and attention, you can help to keep your car battery alive during the winter. This will help to prevent you from getting stuck in the cold with a dead battery.