If you’re a northern snowbird who migrates to Arizona for the winter, you probably appreciate the state’s overall lack of snowfall and cold weather. Depending on where you settle in for the winter, however, you could still see some of that white stuff and some colder temperatures. Consequently, it’s good to know how the cooler weather can affect your vehicle’s performance, including your car battery.

Car batteries are affected by temperature extremes

Those of us who live in Arizona year-round know that the summer heat can have disastrous effects on car batteries – it can evaporate the battery’s internal fluids, speed up corrosion, and cause permanent, irreversible battery damage.

Similarly, cold weather can also have negative effects. As temperatures plummet, engine oil thickens, making it more difficult for a battery to do its job. The internal chemical reactions that take place within a battery also get slowed by colder temperatures, making it sluggish to start or possibly preventing it from starting altogether.

Features to consider in a cold-weather battery

The best battery for your vehicle is the one that fits it well and also fits where you live. If you live primarily in a hot climate, you should choose a battery well-fitted for higher temperatures. Conversely, if you and your vehicle spend a significant amount of time in colder temperatures, a cold-weather battery will best suit your needs. Here are some features to consider:

• Durability – Choose a battery that will withstand the temperature extremes it will be exposed to, as well as one that will handle everyday use.
• Reserve capacity – Once a battery starts a vehicle, the alternator takes over and keeps electrical components running. If the alternator fails, however, the battery’s reserve capacity can keep things running longer. The higher the reserve capacity, the better the battery.
• Cold-cranking amps (CCA) – This refers to how much current a battery can send to the starter at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 seconds, all while holding a voltage of 7.2 volts or greater. The higher the cold-cranking amps, the better the battery will perform in cold weather.

Car battery maintenance tips

Just like any other vehicle part, a car battery requires maintenance in order to have maximum performance over an extended period of time. How can you keep it running smoothly?

• Keep it clean – Dirt and debris can cause battery terminals to become corroded over time and lead to faulty performance. Have the battery checked and cleaned regularly by an auto repair professional to keep it in the best working order.
• Park in the garage – Parking inside helps keep the battery from being exposed to temperature extremes and can also help keep it clean.
• Replace when necessary – Car batteries have an average lifespan of 3 to 7 years, but you may not want to push it to the outer limits. Replacing it around the 4-5 year mark may provide some extra peace of mind and keep you from getting stranded … in the heat, or in the cold.
• Keep it active – Batteries lose charge when they are left inactive for long periods of time. Try to run your vehicle at least once every 3 days.

At Good Works Auto Repair, we offer comprehensive battery service to preserve the performance of your car battery and keep it running smoothly. When it does come time for a new one, we can handle that, too. Schedule an appointment today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a powerful, quality car battery that’s functioning at its best!