Is Your Car Ready for the Frost? 5 Signs Your Battery is Struggling This Winter
Winter is the ultimate endurance test for your vehicle. At McMartins, we see it every year: a battery that performed perfectly in July suddenly gives up the ghost in January. Batteries rarely fail without dropping a few hints first—the trick is knowing how to spot them before you’re stranded on a frosty morning.
If you’ve noticed any of the following, your battery is likely crying out for help:
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The "Lazy" Crank: If your engine sounds sluggish or takes longer than usual to turn over on cold mornings, your battery is struggling to provide the necessary "cranking amps."
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Dashboard Warnings: Modern cars are smart. If a battery or charging system light flickers on, don’t ignore it—it’s your car’s way of asking for a check-up.
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Glitchy Electronics: Are your headlights looking a little dim? Are the power windows moving at a snail's pace? When a battery is under strain, it struggles to power these auxiliary features.
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Silent Stop-Start: If your car’s "Stop-Start" system has stopped activating during your commute, it’s often because the onboard computer has detected that the battery doesn't have enough reserve power to restart the engine safely.
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The Three-Year Rule: Most lead-acid batteries have a reliable lifespan of 3 to 5 years. If yours is over three years old, its ability to hold a charge in sub-zero temperatures is significantly reduced.
Why Winter?
Cold temperatures are a "double whammy" for batteries. Not only does the cold slow down the chemical reaction needed to generate power, but the engine oil also thickens, making the battery work twice as hard to turn the engine over.
Don’t leave it to chance. If any of these signs sound familiar, pop into our workshop for a professional battery health check. Catching a weak cell now is much easier (and cheaper) than dealing with an unexpected breakdown in the middle of winter.
