I still remember the day that I bought my first car. I thought it was the most perfect vehicle in the world, and I vowed to care for it diligently. Unfortunately, within a few days I had forgotten about my promise, and I started tossing fast food wrappers in the back like everyone else. After awhile I realized that neglecting my car was turning the inside into a garbage pit, and I decided to learn how to take better care of my vehicle. I took a class on auto detailing, and it really helped me to turn things around. I want to teach you what I learned, so you should read this blog.
Driving in the winter has a variety of risks, including sliding on black ice, getting stuck in the snow, and having certain parts of your vehicle freeze. When temperatures drop below zero, you are at risk of having a frozen battery. Here are some tips to prevent this.
Keep the Battery Clean
The first thing you should do when you are preventing your battery from freezing is clean it thoroughly. Just before the cold season arrives, pop the hood and look at the post and terminals of your battery. You want to look for any signs of build-up of debris, grease, or oil, as these can freeze and affect your battery. Remove the terminals with a box wrench and make sure they are clean. When they are removed, you can clean the battery posts. A terminal cleaner can be used on the battery terminal to remove debris and build-up from that as well. Put the battery back together when you're sure it is as clean as possible.
Inspect the Car's Electrical System
It is always a good idea to have your vehicle's electrical system inspected before the cold winter season begins. Issues with the electrical system might increase the risk of your car battery freezing. For example, if your car battery is not fully charged, it could lead to alternator problems. Get your car inspected and maintained on a regular basis, paying close attention to the electrical system. It helps avoid a frozen battery and potentially worse issues.
Keep the Battery Fully Charged
It is also a good idea to keep your car battery fully charged. Batteries that are not fully charged are more likely to freeze, so be sure it is completely charged. If you replaced it recently, you most likely don't need to do this. However, if it has been a few years and you really are not confident with how much juice it has left, it is a good idea to recharge it before a winter freeze sets in. It is not only good to avoid it from freezing, but also so you don't risk getting stranded somewhere because your battery is dead.
If you still find yourself stranded because of a frozen battery or due to a dead battery, call a tow truck service right away. Don't try to get out when it is freezing out and attempt to fix the problem yourself. The tow truck can either jump start your car or tow you to a local auto repair shop.
Share19 August 2015
