Why You Should Have Your Vehicle's Battery Tested BEFORE the Winter!

Cold weather is tough on car batteries

It's November already! Winter will quickly be upon us. The leaves are falling, and all the signs point to cold. Even if you haven't noticed any issues with your vehicle starting, now is the time to have your vehicle's battery checked with a professional battery tester. There are many reasons this is a great idea. Cold temperatures significantly reduce your vehicle battery's power, and a weak battery is more likely to fail, which can leave you stranded. Cold weather slows down the chemical reactions in your battery, decreasing its ability to hold and deliver power, and the increased electrical demand from winter accessories adds to the strain. Checking the battery beforehand allows you to identify a potential issue and replace it before a breakdown occurs.

Why cold weather is tough on car batteries:

• Reduced capacity: In cold weather, a fully charged battery can lose up to 50% of its capacity and power.

• Increased demand: The heating system, defrosters, and headlights all demand more power from the battery in winter, putting extra strain on it.

• Slower chemical reactions: Cold temperatures slow the chemical processes that generate electricity, making it harder for the battery to start the engine. 

Signs a battery may be weak:

• Slow engine crank: The engine takes longer than usual to start.

• Dimming lights: Headlights or interior lights dim when the engine is running.

• Dashboard warning light: The battery warning light is on.

• Corrosion: There is corrosion buildup around the battery terminals.

• Age: The battery is old. Most new batteries last about 3-5 years.

How to check your battery: 

• Professional inspection: Bring your vehicle to Crouch Automotive for a load test, which is the most accurate way to check its condition. It only takes a few minutes, and it won't cost you anything when you have it completed during any service with us.

• DIY voltage test: If you prefer the DIY approach, you can use a multimeter to check the voltage. A healthy, fully charged battery should read about 12.6 volts when the car is off. A reading below 12.4 volts may indicate a weak battery that needs replacing.

• Visual check: Look for signs of corrosion on the terminals or a swollen battery case. When you complete a battery terminal service here at Crouch Automotive, we thoroughly clean your battery terminals and apply a corrosion resistant lube that will keep your terminals nice and clean for many months.

In November and December, you can get up to $25 back when you purchase and have installed a new battery here at Crouch Automotive! Check out our DieHard special: