As the region endures winter’s frigid grip, AAA is reminding drivers to check their vehicle’s battery and charging system to prevent facing a dead battery to start the next cold morning.
A typical battery requires 30% more power to start a vehicle when the temperature reaches 32 degrees. Additionally, a battery can lose up to 50% of its capacity when the temperature approaches zero degrees. This combination of cold-diminished batteries requiring more energy to start a vehicle is why many cars fail to start during cold snaps.
“The recent cold affecting the region could lead to a spike in dead batteries partly due to many vehicles sitting parked for extended periods of time over the holidays,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “If your car has been idle for several days, consider starting it and going for a drive before your next essential trip.”
The average battery reaches the end of its life between four and six years. As batteries age, they’re more susceptible to the impact of cold on capacity and starting power. The only way to gauge remaining life is with a battery test.
AAA offers the following tips to ensure your car will start no matter how cold it gets outside:
- Consider having the battery and charging system tested at an AAA Approved Auto Repair facility if your battery is older than three years or you’ve noticed recent difficulty starting your vehicle in the cold. If you have a dead battery and need a replacement, AAA members have access to mobile car battery replacement.
- Short trips might not be enough to keep your battery charged, especially when heating systems cause extra strain in cold weather. If you don’t drive often, consider driving the car for at least 30 minutes once or twice a week. It won’t fully charge the battery, but it can help.
- When you first get in a cold car, make sure all the lights and accessories are turned off. If your car doesn’t start on the first try, wait 10-15 seconds and try again.
- If your car is likely to sit idle for days at a time, a trickle charger or battery booster pack might be a worthwhile investment.
The same advice applies to owners of electric vehicles, which also come equipped with 12-volt batteries. AAA recommends the following cold-weather tips for EV drivers:
- EV range can be reduced anywhere from 20% to 50% in subfreezing temperatures. To maximize range in cold weather, keep the vehicle plugged in so the battery is warmed by the cold weather preconditioning and remains at its optimum operating temperature.
- Warm the vehicle’s cabin when the vehicle is plugged in.
- Depending on the vehicle, seat heaters might be more efficient than the heater.
- Drive at moderate speeds to maximize efficiency and reduce battery drain.
Based in Rhode Island, Jillian Young is AAA Northeast’s director of public relations. She regularly appears in local TV, radio and print media to discuss traffic safety, travel, insurance and more.
