How to Keep a Car Battery From Dying in Cold Weather
- by Joe Weber - updated on 11/25/2024
Winter can be rough on your car battery. Cold temperatures make it harder for the battery to start your engine, and if the charge drops too low, you risk getting stranded. Luckily, you can take steps to protect car batteries in winter. Here's what you need to know to keep your car battery strong in the cold.
Why Do Batteries Fail in Cold Weather?
Here's a look at how cold weather can put a strain on your car battery:
- Cold temperatures slow down the chemical reactions inside your battery. This reduction limits the electrical current the battery can produce.
- Cold weather thickens engine oil, making it harder to pump and start the engine.
- Combining thick oil and slower chemical reactions makes your battery work harder with less power.
- Power-hungry features and devices push them past their limits.
- Older car batteries are more prone to failure in these conditions due to the increased strain.
Signs Of A Weak Car Battery
Your battery is pretty smart. It will tell you when it's time to replace it, you just have to pay attention.
- The engine is slow to start
- Your vehicle has lights and power but the engine won't crank
- The check engine light or battery light flashes or is illuminated
- The battery is swollen or misshapen
These are just a few of the ways your battery will alert you that it might be time to replace it. But, don't just jump to conclusions, stop into your nearest Batteries Plus to have your battery tested to make sure you need to replace it.
Can a Car Battery Freeze?
Yes, if it's cold enough. And by cold enough, I mean so cold that you shouldn't even be outside.
If it's -76 degrees Fahrenheit, maybe stay home that day because your battery will probably not start your car. At that freezing temperature, the electrolyte inside a fully charged battery will freeze.
If I'm being honest, you should stay home anyway because that is just too cold.
What are Cold Cranking Amps?
Cold cranking amps (CCAs) indicate how well a battery will handle cold temperatures. Specifically, a CCA rating measures the current a battery can produce and hold for 30 seconds at 0°F, maintaining at least 1.2 volts per cell.
While that's the technical measurement, the main takeaway is that a battery with a higher CCA rating will provide more power, helping it perform better in cold conditions.
How Many Cold Cranking Amps Do I Need?
Auto manufacturers specify a recommended CCA rating for each vehicle, which you can find in your owner's manual. When replacing your battery, always choose one that meets or exceeds this rating. If you live in an especially cold climate, a battery with a higher CCA rating can provide extra power to handle the conditions.
When you buy a battery from Batteries Plus, all the batteries we recommend for your vehicle meet the minimum requirements for your make and model, so you can feel confident about the performance of your new battery.
Is There A Better Battery for the Cold Temperature?
If you live in a region with extremely cold winters, consider upgrading to an AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery for enhanced winter performance. AGM batteries may have a larger investment upfront but offer long-lasting, cold-weather benefits:
- Higher cold cranking amps (CCA) for reliable starts in low temps
- Lower self-discharge rate, holding charge longer in storage
- Faster recharge times than flooded batteries
- Freeze-resistant design, preventing expansion damage
- Double the lifespan of standard flooded batteries, delivering long-term savings
Investing in an AGM battery can keep your vehicle reliable all winter.
Which Car Battery Brand is Best?
For the best-performing battery for your car or truck, X2Power is a top choice. Exclusive to Batteries Plus, these Thin Plate Pure Lead AGM batteries are engineered for durability and power. Key benefits include:
- 3x longer lifespan than flooded batteries
- 100% starting and reserve power in any climate
- 5x faster recharging
- 28x more vibration resistance
- High temperature and corrosion resistance due to 99.9% pure lead
- Made in the USA with a 4-year replacement warranty
X2Power ensures your vehicle performs at its best year-round.
Additional Cold Weather Car Battery Maintenance Tips
While your battery choice is key to cold-weather performance, there are a few extra steps to help protect it during winter:
- Limit short trips in extreme cold, as frequent starting and stopping drains the battery without enough time to recharge.
- Drive for 30 minutes at highway speeds once a week to fully charge the battery.
- Keep a jump starter in your car as a backup if the battery dies.
- If possible park indoors, like in a garage or parking structure.
These steps can help your battery stay charged and ready through the winter months.
How Do You Keep a Car Battery Charged in Storage?
If you're storing a vehicle for winter, a high-quality auto battery charger is crucial for maintaining battery health. Charging while the battery sits idle prevents it from falling below its minimum charge level, which can make recharging difficult or impossible when spring arrives. To find the right battery charger, check out our guide, "When Should You Use a Battery Maintainer?"
How Often Should I Check My Battery in Winter?
For optimal car battery performance, most manufacturers recommend testing your car battery twice a year. In regions with cold winters, test your battery in late fall to prepare for winter and again in late spring to assess any impact from the colder months.
Should I Take the Battery Out of My Car for Winter Storage?
Removing your vehicle's battery before storage can make charging easier and prevent parasitic drains. Once disconnected, store it in a battery box to shield it from temperature extremes and elements like wind, rain, and debris. If battery removal isn't possible, choose a charger designed for long-term connection to keep your battery healthy throughout storage.
Trust Batteries Plus for Your Winter Auto Needs
Winter can be hard on your vehicle's battery, but a few proactive steps can help prevent battery failure. If your battery is a few years old or you want to ensure it's in top shape, visit your nearest Batteries Plus for a free battery test to check its performance and reliability.
If you need a replacement battery, we offer top-quality auto batteries for every make and model, along with installation for most vehicles. To maximize the life of your new battery, consider our Premier Installation Service, which provides extra protection against the elements. Visit our Auto Center to learn more and ensure your vehicle stays reliable in any season.