Don’t Get Stranded This Winter: Recognizing the Critical Warning Signs Your Car Battery is About to Fail
As winter approaches, your car battery faces its greatest test of the year. Freezing weather drains your battery power by 30-60%, and most batteries lose about 20% of their normal capacity around 32°F, and it only gets worse when you go below freezing! Understanding the warning signs of a failing battery and knowing when to replace it can save you from being stranded in freezing temperatures.
The Most Common Warning Signs of Battery Failure
A slow engine crank is one of the most common signs of a dying car battery. If you notice that your engine cranks more slowly or sluggishly than normal when you turn the key, your battery may be nearing its demise. It’s important that you take notice of that warning sign since you’ll only get one shot at a slow start before the engine refuses to crank again.
When the starter receives reduced or insufficient power from the battery, it often makes the clicking noise you’re hearing. If you are hearing a clicking sound when you try to turn the engine over, your battery is probably already dead. If you hear a clicking sound when you go to start your car, it’s a sign that there is limited or no battery power.
If your car battery is failing, it’s not going to be able to fully power your vehicle’s electrical components – including your headlights, radio, air conditioning, and power windows. If your battery is failing, it will not be able to fully power your car’s electrical components to the extent that it normally can. For example, if you switch on the radio while using the headlights and the headlights go dim, the battery might not be up to snuff anymore.
Physical Signs of Battery Deterioration
If the battery case seems swollen or bloated, it means that your car battery is overheating and about to fail. When a car battery is exposed to excessive temperatures, the flat sides of the battery case may swell or bulge. Freezing and swelling from excess heat often result in an electrically “dead” battery that cannot be recovered and will require replacement.
Corrosion will appear like white, ashy stuff around the terminals. It inhibits electricity flow, causing problems and reducing the efficiency of the battery. Cleaning the terminals may help, but persistent corrosion indicates an expiring battery.
The stink of sulfur is a sign that your battery acid is leaking. Leaking battery acid is one of the top signs a car battery is dying. A dying lead battery will produce hydrogen sulfide gas, which smells like something between rotten eggs, a sewer or well water.
Why Winter is Particularly Harsh on Car Batteries
Maximum current is demanded from the car battery in cold weather. This is due to slow-moving engine oil. This will quickly drain the life out of a battery as it requires much more power to start the engine. Most batteries work through an electrochemical reaction, which sends power signals to your terminal ends. This chemical reaction slows down in colder weather, weakening your battery’s power.
Excessive summer heat does most of the damage. As temperatures drop (and we go into winter), an already failing battery can lose power and eventually fail to start your car. This makes fall the critical time to assess your battery’s health before winter arrives.
When to Replace Your Battery Before Winter
Most car batteries last between 3 to 5 years, depending on factors like driving habits, climate, and maintenance. On average, a car battery lasts about four to five years. This average lifespan will fluctuate depending on extreme temperature exposure, number of deep discharges and whether or not it goes through full charge cycles.
Vehicle batteries have a finite lifespan, usually 3 to 5 years, although they can fail sooner or last beyond that window. If your battery is older than three years, have it tested to ensure it is up to the challenge of winter weather or if it needs to be replaced.
Additionally, the older your battery is, the more it’s likely to struggle during the cold weather months. It’s always best practice to have your battery tested before winter weather sets in to see if it needs to be replaced.
Protecting Your Battery Through Winter
One of the simplest things you can do to protect your battery is to park your car in a garage or other indoor space. Shielding your battery from the cold winter wind can help prevent it from becoming colder than necessary and therefore lose less capacity.
Every winter, clean the corrosion off the top of your battery and make sure the cables are tightly connected. To remove corrosion, use an old toothbrush and a 3-to-1 ratio of water and baking soda.
These accessories can put a significant drain upon your battery when you start your car in cold temperatures. Instead, when you start your car, give the alternator a few minutes to charge the battery up before turning on the heater and other accessories.
When Professional Help is Needed
If you find yourself dealing with a failing battery during Alaska’s harsh winter conditions, professional assistance becomes crucial. Whether you’re experiencing a dead battery in your driveway or stranded on a remote highway, having access to reliable Emergency Roadside Service Willow, AK can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a dangerous situation.
Tonka Towz, serving the Wasilla, Alaska area and surrounding communities, understands the unique challenges that winter weather presents to drivers. With years of dedicated service under our belt, we’ve established ourselves as the go-to provider for reliable towing and roadside assistance services. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to delivering prompt, courteous, and efficient service, ensuring that you and your vehicle are in safe hands. At Tonk-A-Towz, we understand the importance of quick response times and expert care, making us your trusted partner on the road.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Thankfully, batteries usually give us a few warning signs that they’re about to fail, so you can get a replacement battery before you’re stranded. Watch for these eight telltale signs of a failing battery so you don’t end up stranded on the side of the road!
The key to avoiding winter battery failures is proactive maintenance and replacement. That’s why it’s important to make fall battery checks a regular part of your scheduled maintenance. If your battery is approaching the three-year mark or showing any of the warning signs discussed, don’t gamble with Alaska’s winter weather – replace it before the cold sets in.
Remember, if your battery is on the verge of failure, replacing it before winter arrives can save you from unexpected breakdowns in the cold. Taking action now can save you from the inconvenience, expense, and potential danger of being stranded in freezing temperatures with a dead battery.