Autoworkers give advice for keeping vehicle batteries in good condition during low-temps

 

GOSHEN, Ind. -- Car problems are something everyone comes across in the wintertime, but there are plenty of ways to keep your battery freezing up from becoming a constant issue.

Any temperatures below freezing can have a negative effect on batteries, but the colder it gets outdoors, the more likely it is for those batteries to not hold their charge. 

Some simple fixes to maintain a good charge include making sure you keep up to date with preventative maintenance such as getting oil changes on time, keeping your gas tank at least half-full and making sure the vehicle gets plenty of time out on the road. 

"When you drive it every couple weeks or so, we want it running for 30 to 40 minutes on a single trip, that'll help keep it charged." said Rob Campbell, Assistant Manager at Batteries Plus. 

Brad Gingerich, Owner and Technician at Drive Diagnostics, recommends a quick test to make sure levels are good and the battery is charging. He also says getting a jump on preventative maintenance can help in the long run.

"Don't wait until the last minute, keep it up to date, get your oil changes done and items checked on a regular basis instead of waiting until it's cold and then checking it because it might be too late then." said Gingerich.