Nothing strands a driver faster than a car that won't start due to a dead battery in frigid winter weather. But vehicles left unprepared for challenging winter conditions face a higher risk of battery failure, refusing to turn over when needed most. Protect yourself by understanding exactly why cold weather kills batteries. These are the following essential winter automotive care tips from the expert technicians at Car repair Worcester Park auto shops.
Check Battery Age and Capacity
During fall service appointments at car servicing Worcester Park shops, technicians can assess battery age, and storage capacity and determine if it's strong enough for harsh weather. Typically batteries over 3 years old struggle in winter. Proactively change older batteries before it leaves you stranded.
Look for Signs of Corrosion and Cracks Technicians
Moreover, you can at Car repair Worcester Park auto shops and check for battery damage during oil changes and fall servicing. Cracked battery casings allow acidic electrolyte fluid to leak. White powdery buildup around posts indicates corroding connections. Address issues immediately before breakdowns.
Keep Batteries Clean and Secure
In wintertime inspection, local car servicing Worcester Park specialists ensure battery terminals and posts remain corrosion-free. Hard starts generate extra heat that accelerates corrosion. Tight, secure connections are critical for reliable power transfer to the starter.
Recharge Low Batteries
The battery management systems in today's cars track power levels. But drivers can also have discharge tests done at Car repair Worcester Park workshops. If volts dip below 12.4, charging restores optimal function. Otherwise cold easily drains marginal reserves.
Store in Warmer Locations
When not driving, limit exposure to the elements by storing in garages rather than icy outdoor parking when possible. As car servicing Worcester Park technicians can attest, keeping batteries warmer preserves chemical charging activity better than extreme cold. Fully charged warm batteries start easiest.
Limit Accessory Use
When Starting Any extra electrical loads hamper low-cranking power reserves. Only activate essential functions like ignition, fuel pump, and engine controls when firing up frozen vehicles. Expert Car repair Worcester Park auto electricians recommend disabling all accessories when restarting stalled vehicles to maximize power.
Invest in Battery Warmers
Aftermarket battery pad warmers available from car servicing Worcester Park parts departments heat batteries to optimum temperatures for cold weather performance. External heating protects capacity and charging functionality despite frigid conditions.
By following a few key winter battery care recommendations, drivers reduce their chances of being stranded by a no-start. Have fall checkups done and address underlying issues early. Store your vehicle protected from extreme cold whenever possible. And don't hesitate to contact Car repair Worcester Park technicians if battery problems arise!
Conclusion
Vehicle batteries work overtime in winter just trying to start vehicles, often resulting in sudden failure. Protect yourself through proper winter maintenance steps like testing, cleaning, and charging batteries at facilities like car servicing Worcester Park workshops before cold sets in. Storing cars above freezing and minimizing electrical loads when starting also takes the pressure off the battery function. Don't leave batteries vulnerable to winter's damaging effects.
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