A Few Simple Steps Can Get Your Car’s Battery Ready For Winter
What Makes A Car Battery Ready For Winter?
Winter temperatures can cause several problems for drivers. Hazardous road conditions are just the start. Prolonged periods of cold weather force automotive systems to work harder, placing a heavier burden on just about everything — especially batteries. So, what makes a car battery ready for winter? A lot of standard maintenance is just what batteries need to survive another winter. The experts working in the Downtown Tyee Chevrolet Buick GMC Service Department outlined a few things that will be helpful to drivers over the winter season.
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How To Prep Batteries for Winter
The most straightforward thing car owners can do to make sure their car’s battery is ready for winter is to get it tested. Drivers can visit a repair centre like ours and a technician will test the battery to check its ability to generate power. While this does require an extra stop, most places will test a battery for free. Plus, if it needs to be replaced, the Downtown Tyee parts team will find a new battery that will fit your needs and budget.
5 Ways To Prep A Battery
- Avoid short drives to allow battery to fully charge
- Ensure cables are securely attached and not damaged
- Remove corrosion from battery posts and cable clamps
- Tighten battery to avoid vibrations
- Consider using a battery blanket to fight cold
What Is An AGM Battery?
If you need a more robust automotive battery, there is a more specialized option available. An Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery differs from standard batteries in a key way. Instead of having a liquid electrolyte (battery acid) free floating in the battery, an AGM uses fibre glass soaked in the electrolyte to produce and transmit electricity. One of the several advantages of using an AGM over a standard battery is better resistance to extreme cold and heat. Both of which can shorten a standard battery’s lifecycle. Other AGM advantages include:
- Higher voltage output
- Faster recharge rate
- Longer lifespan
- Slower discharge
- Spill-proof
- Resistance to vibration
If you have questions about the health of your automobile’s battery or electrical system, make an appointment to stop by our service department to have an expert technician examine your car, truck or SUV.