How to Take Care of Your Car Battery in the Winter

The battery in your car is the main power source for the ignition system and starter so that you can crank it up. In the winter months, the cold weather can wreak havoc on your battery if it has not been properly maintained. Since the battery loses up to one-third of its power potential when the temperature dips below the freezing mark, you should perform a check to be sure that when you go out to start your car, you will not be greeted with silence when you turn the key.

The Construction and Chemistry of the Battery

A car battery is a rechargeable battery that supplies power to the ignition system, starter, and lights. Most of them are lead-acid, which are comprised of alternating plates of lead and lead dioxide that is submerged in a sulfuric acid-water solution. Electricity is produced by the electrons that are emitted from the chemical reaction between the plates and the solution. The chemical reaction changes the surface of the plates from lead to lead sulfate as the battery discharges, and the process reverses itself when the battery is recharged. Some batteries are closed, which means that you cannot open the top to check the fluid level. Other batteries can be opened to replenish the water in the cells. 

The Maintenance of the Battery

You should be aware of the age of your battery. Most batteries last up to 48 months, so if your battery is close to that age, you should consider replacing it. The cold weather will place extra stress on the battery, and an older battery will not be able to tolerate the additional stress placed on it. Before you begin any work on your car and battery, make sure you have proper protection for your hands, eyes, and clothing. Take a visual inspection of the battery. Is the case firmly seated and secured in the bracket? Are the terminals free from corrosion and dirt? Are the cables firmly attached? Make certain that you have the terminals cleaned by a professional if you notice any corrosion on them. Clean off the case with a baking soda and water solution and a brush, and then rinse the surface. Cleaning away the dirt will keep the battery from prematurely discharging. 

The Failure of the Battery

A battery that is nearing the end of its service life should not be trusted to perform during the cold months. If you have an old battery, have it changed before the temperature drops. If the cold weather catches you by surprise and you encounter that awful silence of a dead battery, you can recharge it if the recharge system in the car is not functioning. You can purchase a battery charger that plugs into an outlet and the clamps are attached to the positive and negative terminals on the top of the battery. The instructions will tell you how to read the dials to make sure that you do not undercharge or overcharge. You can also jump-start your car, by connecting the dead battery to the battery in another car with jumper cables. Do not charge a battery if it is frozen or if the sides are bowed out, or it could explode.