Posted on 10/31/2025
Cold weather can be tough on your vehicle’s battery. If your car has ever struggled to start on a chilly morning, you’ve seen firsthand how dropping temperatures affect performance. Fall is the perfect time to get ahead of potential problems before winter hits. A weak battery might still crank your engine during warmer months, but once the temperature drops, that same battery could leave you stranded. Here’s how to prepare your battery for cold weather and avoid surprises when you need your car the most. Why Batteries Struggle in Cold Weather Car batteries rely on a chemical reaction to generate electricity. When the temperature falls, that reaction slows down, reducing the battery’s ability to produce power. At 32°F, a battery loses about 20% of its strength. By the time it hits 0°F, it can lose more than half. Meanwhile, your engine oil thickens, and electrical demands increase with things like the heater, defroster, and headlights ... read more