Winter in New Jersey can be tough on your car, especially the battery. Cold weather reduces a battery’s ability to hold a charge, making it more likely to fail just when you need it most. To avoid the inconvenience of a dead battery, it’s important to take a few simple steps to care for your car’s battery during the colder months.
Why Cold Weather Affects Your Car Battery
Batteries rely on a chemical reaction to generate power. As temperatures drop, this reaction slows down, reducing the battery’s efficiency. In fact, at 32°F, a battery loses about 35% of its power, and at 0°F, it can lose up to 60%. That’s why it’s common to see more car breakdowns during winter, especially if the battery is older or hasn’t been properly maintained.
How to Care for Your Battery in Winter
- Test Your Battery
Before winter fully sets in, have your battery tested by a professional. Many auto shops offer this service for free or a small fee. A test will tell you if your battery is strong enough to survive the winter. If it’s weak, it’s better to replace it now rather than risk getting stranded in the cold. - Keep the Battery Clean
Dirt and corrosion can reduce the battery’s efficiency. Check the battery terminals regularly and clean off any dirt or corrosion with a mixture of baking soda and water. Use a brush to scrub the terminals gently, then rinse with water and dry them thoroughly. - Drive Regularly
If you’re not using your car much during the winter, take it for a drive at least once a week. This helps keep the battery charged. Short trips, however, can be tough on the battery, so aim for a longer drive to give it time to recharge fully. - Limit Power Use When Starting
On cold mornings, avoid using the radio, lights, or heater until after you’ve started the car. These draw power from the battery, which can make it harder for the car to start. - Park Indoors When Possible
If you have a garage, use it. Parking indoors protects your car from the cold, helping to keep the battery warm and more efficient.
Where to Go If Your Battery Fails
Despite your best efforts, sometimes a battery will fail. If you find yourself in this situation and decide it’s time to sell your car rather than invest in a new battery, consider looking for the best place to sell a car in NJ. Many people search for “buy my car NJ” to find a convenient and reliable way to sell their vehicle quickly.
Taking care of your car’s battery during the winter months is crucial for avoiding cold weather breakdowns. With a little preventive maintenance, you can keep your car running smoothly all winter long.