Freezing temperatures are a frequent killer of car batteries, which can leave you shivering in the driver’s seat. But why is winter weather a cause for dead batteries? Let’s find out.

Old man winter versus your car battery

When the mercury falls, so does your car battery’s energy storage. The colder it gets, the harder your battery must work to start your engine and run the onboard electrics. And let’s face it, when it’s freezing outside, you immediately activate all the warmth resources at your disposal, including the car’s heat, heated seats, and heated steering wheel. While these accessories are marvelous, they all need your battery to give them the power to perform.

Sucking molasses through a straw

Cold weather causes your engine oil to thicken like molasses. The thicker the sludge, the more power your battery requires to push it through the engine. This effort takes a toll on your battery’s energy storage, especially if the battery is more than three years old or just went through a sweltering summer.

Cold cranking amps keep jack frost at bay

When the mercury plunges below zero, car batteries lose about 60 percent of their power, but car engines still need up to double the power to start the car in freezing weather. The batteries struggle to start the vehicle. Having the right amount of cold cranking amps (CCA) will improve your battery’s ability to start the engine in frigid temperatures.

Vehicle manufacturers spend hundreds of hours working with engineers to determine the appropriate CCA levels for each make and model in a variety of climates. AAA sources the highest quality batteries available to provide members with ample CCA for a quick start in the harshest winter conditions.

Your battery’s third birthday

Has your battery reached its third birthday? If so, schedule a convenient car battery test with AAA to avoid getting stuck out in the cold. A Battery Service Technician comes to you – at work, at home, almost anywhere – to test your battery and determine if it will last through the winter. Most batteries can be installed quickly on site, and all come with a six-year warranty with a three-year free replacement if it fails.

Don't wait until your battery dies. Set up a free battery inspection today.

AAA Battery Service