Car batteries hate extreme weathers. While car batteries are built to last up to 5 years, they get weaker and weaker the colder or hotter the weather becomes. You’d be surprised to learn that even a fully charged, strong battery will not offer maximum performance if it is too cold. Your battery could even freeze if its charging is only half and the temperature is below – 10 F. Most residents of places like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas have seen their fair share of frozen batteries.

The last thing you want to experience is a dead car battery in winter. Getting stranded in the cold weather is a very unpleasant experience and finding help during odd times can be a massive challenge. Therefore, it would be best to take your car battery maintenance seriously. Mentioned below, are some excellent tips that could help you prevent a dead car battery in winter season.

Drive Every Day

Believe it or not, keeping your car active every day is an excellent way to ensure your battery does not die. This is because the engine makes your battery warm, making sure it remains active whenever you drive. Like human beings, cars also require regular exercise to maintain their functionality. So, even if you plan to stay inside your house, make sure that you dedicate ten or twenty minutes to give your car’s engine and battery some “exercise”.

Use a Block Heater

Block heaters are a must have for anyone who does not want their car battery to die in winters. Most online and offline stores sell block heaters, so finding one should not be hard.

Keep the Batteries Clean

Cold temperatures make engine oil thicker because of the increase in electrical resistance. This causes tons of problems form the car’s battery, making it difficult to start. In addition, corrosion, grime, dirt debris etc make things worse, making the resistance even higher. Ensure that you clean away these elements to improve your battery’s life and performance.

The good news is that you will not need any special tools to address this issue. A damp piece of cloth, water, baking soda, and toothbrush would be enough to do the trick.

How to Know Your Battery is Becoming Weak

Finding out if your battery is becoming weak can help you resolve the issue before things get worse. Here are some signs of a weak car battery:

– The engine becomes too sluggish

– Dim headlights are a clear sign of weak battery

– If you need to press the pedal too hard, chances are that your car’s battery may be compromised

– A sulfur-like smell often indicates that a battery is becoming weak

Show it to a Professional Repair Shop

Implementing the preventative measures discussed above can keep your car battery in excellent shape during the winter. However, you must also acquire the help of professionals to make sure you did not miss anything. Bonfe’s Auto is a reliable auto repair shop in St Paul Minnesota. Get in touch with them, and they will resolve your battery related issues in a quick and timely manner.