Carol Bell, Owner


AUTHORIZED DEALER

OUR BLOG

1/9/2020
The winter cold is known to take a toll on many parts of your car, especially the battery. Before you're left with a dead battery, use these tips to care for your car's battery all winter long.

How to Take Care of Your Car Battery in the Cold

During the winter, you may notice that car batteries have a harder time doing their job. In fact, you may even notice more dying batteries than during any other season. Since the cold can add extra strain to many parts of your car, your battery will certainly be working harder to get its job done. To keep it running strong no matter how cold it gets, use these car battery care tips.

Check on Your Battery Early in the Winter

Yes, the winter can cause your battery to be pushed to its end, but this isn't going to happen overnight. The extreme heat your car puts up with during the summer can be just as bad for your battery. Because of this, it's important that you check on your battery before entering winter. Ideally, you should get a volt test done in the fall just to be sure that your battery will make it through the winter. If you're lucky, your battery will show signs of a struggle before ultimately coming to its end. This will remind you to get your battery checked. If your battery is working fine, just keep in mind that most batteries last about five years, so if it's close to this, you may need a new battery before a rough winter.

Clean up Your Battery's Connections

Since your battery will be pushed harder during the winter, you want to be sure that you make it as easy as possible for it to do its job. This means you'll want your battery's connections to be clean and tightly connected. If you're not sure that they are, go ahead and pop open your hood and visually inspect the connections. If you see a buildup of rust, corrosion, and other debris, the connections should be cleaned. Once they're clean, go ahead and tighten the connections so that you're sure your battery has no extra trouble sending power to all the parts where it's needed.

Stay out of the Cold

This may sound like a tough one to accomplish, but it's important that you do your best to avoid the cold. Your car will be driving through some seriously cold temperatures and chilly weather, and that's fine. However, do your best to keep it out of the cold overnight. If possible, park your car inside a garage or a covered space to keep it protected from the cold and wind. Keeping inside will keep it warmer, making it easier for your battery to start in the morning. Giving your car a synthetic oil change in Austin, TX this winter can help reduce some of the strain your battery feels. Click here to buy AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil and keep your car happy this winter. To learn more, contact the friendly oil experts at AMSOIL Dealer-Carol Bell at (512) 658-0357. They will be happy to help you find the products you're after. Check out their online store for more great items or to place your order.

Be Patient With Your Car

When you jump in your car in the morning, you may be tempted to turn everything on right away. This can add extra strain on your battery as soon as it turns on. Instead, after you turn the key in the ignition, wait a few seconds before you start blasting the music and before you turn on your lights. This will give your battery a chance to turn on and start charging before you put more strain on it.

Stay Prepared

Finally, as much as you want to avoid it, you may come across battery issues during the winter. After spending a ton of time in the cold, your battery may not want to start. This can be frustrating and can be super inconvenient no matter where you're parked. The best thing you can do is be prepared for these types of situations. Be sure to carry jumper cables in your trunk just in case. Learn to use them so you're ready to jumpstart your car should your battery let you down.

Give Your Car a Synthetic Oil Change in Austin, TX This Winter

Before the winter cold gets to your engine, give it a synthetic oil change in Austin, TX. Contact AMSOIL Dealer-Carol Bell to find a great oil for your car. Give them a call at (512) 658-0357 to learn more or to place an order.