Did you know that it takes at least 20 minutes to fully recharge a car battery after it provides the power to start the engine? The burst of cranking power substantially drains the battery and it takes awhile for the alternator to bring it back up to full strength. Consider this with the long list of potential strains on your battery in cold weather and it’s no wonder that your car might have problems starting in winter! Let Carworks of Longmont test your current battery to ensure you won’t have to deal with a dead car in freezing temperatures, and if you need a new car battery- we have a great selection of durable and affordable options.
Winter Problems that Lead to Needing a New Car Battery
- Slower Internal Processing– In freezing weather the starter will require more power because the electricity-generating process slows when the thermometer drops.
- Thickened Engine Oil– Cold temperatures turn engine oil to sludge and make it harder for the battery to push the thickened oil through all the internal components involved in startup.
- Increased Use of Lights & Wipers– With the shorter days and more rain/snow, headlights and windshield wipers are used more often in winter, which drain the battery.
- Depleted Reserves from Summer– Both extreme hot and cold temperatures are damaging to car batteries, so your battery may already be operating at a reduced capacity from overheating the past summer.
A few tips to prevent the unwelcome surprise of a dead battery are: have it load tested before winter; keep the terminals clean and make sure the cables are secure; drive long enough for a solid recharge; and don’t leave electronics plugged in when engine is off. The average life of a battery is 3-5 years, so if your vehicle is due for a new battery, consider investing in one with the highest cold-cranking-amps rating suggested by the manufacturer. When you need a new car battery fast and one that doesn’t cost a fortune, Carworks of Longmont has a high-quality and long-lasting NAPA battery to fit your vehicle’s needs!