5 Signs Your Car Battery Won't Make it Through Winter

As the temperature drops, so does your car battery’s power. Before you break out the hot chocolate and curl up by the fire, make sure your battery is ready for winter. Otherwise, Jack Frost will quite literally be nipping at your nose while you’re stranded with a car that won’t start.

Starting a vehicle in cold weather puts a lot of strain on your car battery. It may need up to twice the amount of current than normal to start the engine when temperatures take a dive. AAA
Automotive Research Center reports that at 32°F, a car’s battery loses about 35 percent of its strength. When temperatures plummet to 0°F, it loses about 60 percent of its power. If your battery is teetering on its last leg, a cold snap could be the crowning blow that leaves you stuck with a car that won’t start.

Take preventative maintenance now to avoid an unwelcome surprise. If your battery shows the following signs, it may be time to recycle and replace it during your holiday shopping:

1. The battery is more than three years old
   The average lifespan of an automotive battery is three to five years. With the increase of electronics in vehicles, this number may skew closer to three years.
   
2. Lights look different
   If your headlights are dim and appear yellow instead of white, your battery’s power may be declining. You might also notice that interior dome lights appear dim or flicker, and warning lights may display on the dashboard.
   
3. The car horn sounds strange
   When your car horn sounds less emphatic than usual, your car battery could be on the fritz.
   
4. Electronic accessories fail
   Signs your car battery is failing include your radio, heated seats, or cell phone charger not working as usual.
   
5. It doesn’t look or smell right
   Sometimes, a simple visual inspection or smell test is all it takes to know your battery is in trouble. If you notice a sulfur or rotten egg smell, or your battery is swollen, cracked, or corroded, it may be time for a replacement.

Avoid a crowded auto repair shop! Schedule a convenient car battery test with your AAA Membership. A Battery Service Technician will come to you—at work, at home, or almost anywhere—to test your battery. If it needs to be replaced, the technician can install a battery onsite. Call 952-927-2727 or schedule service online for a free battery inspection.