As the white snow falls, and the howling winds blow, old car batteries die, while new ones survive. Yes, winter season is in full effect across Chicagoland, which means your car battery may stop working properly. Luckily there are a few tricks to keep your battery from failing, leaving you stranded. From performing a little clean up to get it professionally inspected, this post will discuss what you can do to keep your battery thriving in winter.
Pre-winter inspection
So, this tip may come a little late, but it would not hurt to go through with it anyway. Many auto parts stores offer battery checks which look at the charge your car battery is outputting. Winter weather naturally dampens your battery’s output, but if the output is already low, it may be time to get a new one. While your there, you may want to think about your wiper blades as well.
Scrub and Rub
If you can’t afford a new battery, the least you can do is clean it off to make sure it will perform its best. You only need a few essential tools that are likely inside your home already. An old toothbrush, baking soda, and water combine to create an effective cleaner. Always make sure you perform battery maintenance with the car turned off.
It’s Been Awhile
Most experts say an average car battery will last you about 3 years, with the best of them lasting 5 years. If you have not had your battery changed in a while, it may be time to change it out. Again, there are plenty of places that do free battery inspection/testings so get it tested first. If it does turn out to be near death, think about getting a good replacement. It may be more expensive, but it will likely last a good amount of time and give you peace of mind knowing your engine will turn over.
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