When the temperature drops in northern Illinois, so does your car battery’s will to live.
It’s not personal. It’s just chemistry. Cold weather slows down the chemical reactions inside your battery, and the oil in your engine thickens up, meaning your battery has to work even harder to get things turning. The result? That dreaded click-click-click when you’re already running late and your car decides it’s taking a snow day.
Why Cold Weather Wrecks Batteries
Batteries are a bit like people. They don’t like working in extreme conditions. Here’s what’s going on under the hood when it’s freezing out:
- Lower temperatures reduce battery capacity. A battery at 0°F has about half the cranking power it does at 80°F.
- Engines require more power to start. Thickened oil and increased internal resistance make it harder to turn over.
- Older batteries struggle the most. If your battery is over 3 years old, winter might be its breaking point.
Signs Your Battery Might Be on Its Last Legs
- It struggles to start in the morning
- Your headlights dim when idling
- The battery light is glowing on the dashboard
- It’s older than a toddler
If any of that sounds familiar, it’s time to get it tested or replaced before it lets you down.
What You Can Do to Prevent a Dead Battery This Winter
At Bockman’s Auto, Truck & Tire, we’re all about being proactive. Here’s how to stay ahead of winter battery issues:
- Test Your Battery
This takes just a few minutes. We’ll check voltage, cold cranking amps, and overall condition.
- Keep It Clean
Corrosion on the terminals makes it harder for power to flow. A quick cleaning helps prevent slow starts.
- Park Smart
Whenever possible, park in a garage or covered spot. Even a few degrees warmer can make a difference.
- Drive More, Don’t Just Idle
Letting your car run for a few minutes isn’t enough. Regular drives of 15 to 20 minutes help recharge the battery properly.
- Use a Battery Blanket or Trickle Charger
If your car sits for long periods or the forecast gets brutal, these can keep your battery ready to go.
Don’t Wait for a Dead Battery
Most winter battery failures aren’t surprises. They’re warning signs we tend to ignore. Stop by Bockman’s Auto, Truck & Tire in DeKalb or Sycamore for a quick check. We’ll make sure your battery is ready before winter really shows its teeth.
Schedule your free battery test today. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it could save you from being stranded in the cold.
Book your battery check online
Or give us a call:
- DeKalb: 112 Industrial Dr. | 815-754-4200
- Sycamore: 2158 Oakland Dr. | 815-756-7413