New Hampshire winters can get pretty cold, and your car battery feels the chill as much as you do. But while you can do your best to fend off the cold by putting on another layer, your car battery has to take the brunt of it, especially if you park outside. Cold weather is one of the biggest culprits behind car battery failure, and it’s the source of a lot of auto repair needs in Hudson in the winter. At Devoted Repairs, our team is here to help you protect your car battery and keep your car running through the winter.
We run into a lot of dead car batteries in the winter at our Hudson auto repair shop. Here’s a look at why it happens and what you can do to prevent it.
Reduced Chemical Reactions
A car battery relies on a chemical reaction between lead plates and an electrolyte solution to produce electricity. In cold weather, this reaction slows down significantly. When temperatures fall below freezing, a battery can lose as much as 35% of its power. At 0º F, that number can climb to 60%. This drop in power means your battery has less energy available just when your car demands more to start a cold engine.
Increased Power Demand
Winter driving conditions put extra strain on your vehicle’s electrical system. Frequently, winter driving requires you to run the heater, defrosters, headlights, and windshield wipers, sometimes all at once. These accessories draw power from the battery, leaving less available for starting the engine. If your battery is already weak, this added demand can push it over the edge.
Engine Oil Thickens in the Cold
We’ve covered how cold weather affects your oil and engine performance, but cold, thick engine oil also affects your battery. When the oil is thicker, the engine has to work harder to turn over, requiring more power from the battery. When your battery is already operating at reduced efficiency from the cold, the result is a slow crank or completely failing to start.
Auto Repair in Hudson: Prevent Cold Weather Battery Problems
To protect your car battery during the winter, start by visiting Devoted Repairs to have your battery tested. We can tell you if your battery is in good shape or if we recommend replacing it. We usually recommend replacing your battery if it is more than three years old or already showing signs of weakness.
You should also keep the battery’s terminals clean and corrosion free and ensure the connections are tight. It’s best to park your car in a garage if you have one to prevent the battery from getting too cold overnight. Plus, your car will be much warmer when you have to get in it first thing in the morning.
Get the Best Auto Repair in Hudson at Devoted Repairs
Cold New Hampshire winters can cause some problems for your car, but you can handle them all with the help of our team at Devoted Repairs. Whether you need routine maintenance or have extensive auto repair needs, our mechanics in Hudson can do it all.
We make scheduling easy with our online scheduler! Let us know what repairs you need, and we’ll schedule a service appointment. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for updates, car maintenance tips, and more.