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We're at the end of August now, and that means it's a good time to start thinking about winter car prep, and in particular for this article, seasonal maintenance for your car battery. Issues with the car battery aren't fun to deal with on a nice day, let alone one with sub zero temperatures. So as the days become shorter and colder, it's important to prepare your battery for winter so you don't end up having that experience.

With a few simple precautions, you can ensure that your car battery remains in optimal condition and ready to face the challenges of winter.

1. Check the battery's age: Before winter arrives, know the age of your car battery. On average, car batteries last around 3 to 5 years. If your battery is approaching that age range or is older, it may be a good time to replace it. A new battery will provide you with the peace of mind that your vehicle is less likely to leave you stranded in the freezing winter weather.

2. Inspect the battery and its terminals: Perform a visual inspection of your car battery to look for any signs of corrosion on the terminals and cables. Address any corrosion to improve the connection and prevent starting issues during winter.

3. Test the battery's voltage: Testing the voltage of your car battery can provide valuable insights into its health and performance.

4. Keep your battery charged: Regularly driving your vehicle can help keep the battery charged and prevent it from draining. In general, it is a good idea to take longer trips to ensure that the alternator has enough time to recharge the battery fully. A 30-minute highway drive is typically long enough but times may vary depending on the vehicle. Depending on your destination and time restraints, it might not always be possible to take your car for a long drive to recharge the battery, but it's a good tip to remember so you can do it more often when you have the ability.

5. Protect your battery from extreme temperatures: Extreme cold and heat can both negatively impact your car battery's performance. In winter, power loss is a common concern because low temperatures reduce the battery's capacity, making it difficult to start your vehicle. To protect your battery from extreme cold, consider parking your vehicle in a garage or using a car cover.

By following these simple steps, you can make sure your car battery is well-prepared to face the challenges of winter. In the event you run into issues or see the battery light illuminate on dashboard, reach out to Grismer Tire. We have locations across Ohio in the Dayton area, Columbus area, and Cincinnati area to assist with your automotive service needs. We want you to enjoy a worry-free winter driving experience knowing that your car battery is ready to go!