5 Tips for Protecting Your Car Battery In Winter

Cold weather can wreak havoc on almost all machinery including car batteries. This is why it’s important to make sure you’re adequately prepared for the winter season.

We don’t like being stranded any more than you do. For a stress-free winter with your car’s electrics, we recommend you take some precautions.

Below we provide you a beginner’s guide on how to protect your car battery in winter.

1. Test Your Battery

The first step towards protecting your car battery during winter is by having it tested. Ask any professional mechanic and they will recommend you change your car battery every three years.

This helps to maintain your vehicle in good health. But you can get away with changing the battery every five years if you do not drive your car often.

Take your car to a garage that tests batteries using computerised test equipment. The mechanic will thoroughly check out your car’s starting and charging systems.
A test like this shows if your battery needs replacing or re-charging. If all is well, you can keep on using your car.

Because as you well know, if your car battery is defective or low on charge, your car will not start!

2. Keep Your Battery Warm

Just like humans, car batteries need warmth to remain healthy during the winter months. Keep your car parked in your garage if possible.

If you do not have a garage, park your car in a sheltered area protected from wind. Face the car east so it catches the morning sun.

Or you could invest in a car cover, especially when you’re parking for long periods. Doing either of these will help the battery stay warmer. And you will avoid dealing with a flat battery.

3. Take Your Time

When starting your car on a cold morning, turn off the lights, radio and air conditioner. All of these place extra strain on the battery.

Leaving them off for a minute or two allows the alternator to replenish the car battery after the drain of starting.

4. Clean Up Your Car

Grime, dirt, and corrosion on battery terminals contributes to electrical resistance. So make sure to keep your engine bay clean.

You don’t need to visit your auto shop and buy a special cleaner for the battery terminals. Simply make your own with a mixture of water and baking soda. Apply the mixture with an old toothbrush and you’ll soon remove the grime and dirt.

5. Trying Again

If your vehicle won’t kick into life after fifteen to twenty seconds turning the ignition, stop and rest before trying again.

If your car still won’t start, check the battery terminals. Clean and tighten the connections then try again. It’s possible your battery connections are simply loose. So cleaning or tightening will fix the problem.

Final Words

In winter you do not want to find yourself stranded with a battery that struggles to start your engine. Do what you can to protect your car battery during these cold months.

At the very least, be proactive and have your battery tested before winter hits.

But we hope you will find our tips useful for protecting your car and avoiding damage to your battery.

For any other help, come and talk to our experts at Battery Power Centre

The post 5 Tips for Protecting Your Car Battery In Winter appeared first on Battery Power Centre.

What You Need To Know About AGM and ECM Stop-Start Batteries

Stop Start Battery Technology

Car manufacturers introduced stop-start engine technology to help reduce vehicle emissions and improve fuel efficiency. Cars that use this particular technology are referred to as stop-start vehicles. The benefits of these cars are very clear. Yet one of the major challenges their owners face is maintaining the special stop-start battery they use.

What Makes A Stop Start Battery Special?

The difference between this type of battery and those used in older cars is that a stop-start battery does not contain lead acid. Instead they rely on enhanced cyclic performance which gives the battery a greater ability to recharge and discharge. What this means is that, even when the vehicle is not in motion, the stop-start battery still continues to charge the ancillary system.

This unique type of battery has special features in its design. It can both provide power for the car and also recharge afterwards as the vehicle is coming to a stop. A regeneration system collects all energy created during the braking process and stores it in the stop-start battery.

What You Need To Know About AGM Batteries

There are two different types of stop-start batteries, which are AGM and ECM. 

Absorbent Glass Mat (or AGM) batteries are designed for stop-start vehicles. These cars have extra technology that helps to reduce fuel consumption. AGM batteries form part of the system.

This extra technology includes EMS (Energy Management System) and the brake regeneration system. An AGM stop-start battery copes well with the increased demand created by these extra systems.

Facts About ECM Batteries

ECM (Enhanced Cyclic Mat) batteries are also compatible with stop-start vehicles. Even though these particular batteries may not last as long as ACM batteries, they will still last longer than a standard battery.

ECM batteries also lower vehicle emissions by six percent when compared to lead-acid batteries.

Handling a Stop-Start Battery

Stop-start batteries can keep your car running for a long period. Like all cars though, a time will come when your car’s battery will need changing, Check the specifications of your current battery and replace it with a similar stop-start battery. Make sure you stick to the same type of stop-start battery you were using, as another type of battery may affect the performance of your car.

Where does your stop=start battery live? Don’t be surprised if you look under the bonnet and it’s not there! A stop-start battery can be fitted anywhere in your car, it does not necessarily have to be under the bonnet. Cars fitted with stop-start technology sometimes have their batteries located in unexpected places.

So if there’s no battery in your engine bay, check your car’s technical manual. It will show you the exact location of the stop-start battery for your car’s make and model.

Once you locate the battery, it is advisable that you handle it with care. Yet don’t worry about spilling any acid since the stop-start battery does not contain any. Stop-start batteries are completely sealed so chemical spillage is less likely to occur.

Stop-start batteries are a bit heavier compared to standard lead-acid batteries. Make sure your muscles are up to the task, and lift with care. If you can’t handle it, take your care to your trusted mechanic. He will be able to switch batteries over for you without any problem.

In Summary

Understanding the type of stop-start batteries available today is critical for your car. Knowing this will help you choose which one is right for your modern stop-start vehicle. Lead acid batteries no longer make the grade.

Contact us for further information on AGM and ECM stop-start batteries. Our skilled team at Battery Power Centre will help you select the appropriate battery for your car.

The post What You Need To Know About AGM and ECM Stop-Start Batteries appeared first on Battery Power Centre.