One of the most important parts of your car to keep an eye on is the vehicle’s battery. If your battery dies, your engine will not start & you will need a jump – or even a new battery – immediately. Batteries tend to especially struggle during the wintertime in areas like New England where the weather gets cold. For expert advice on your car’s battery, contact Robertson’s Auto Salvage, or check out our best tips below! 

How to Preserve Your Battery

Although all batteries will fail sooner or later, there are plenty of ways you can prolong your car battery’s life during your everyday driving. 

Let Your Engine Warm Up

Just like you know to warm up your body’s muscles before exercise, your car needs to be warmed up before running. In colder temperatures, engine oil does not flow as well as when it is not properly warmed up, and the chemical reaction that needs to occur to charge your battery does not occur as efficiently as it normally would. Make sure to turn your engine on and give it time to warm up before taking off in your vehicle. Believe it or not, a part called a “battery blanket” can sometimes be wrapped around your battery to keep it warmer in the winter. Be sure to check out your local salvage yard for a good price on this! 

Don’t Push Your Battery

Your car battery has many jobs to take care of, and you can cut down on how much energy is required when you know the battery is cold. For example, don’t run your radio or leave your headlights on while your car is still warming up. If you are not using the charging socket, unplug it when out of use so that this power is not wasted. 

Signs That Your Battery is Dying

Regardless of the weather, a responsible driver should know what to look out for in the case of a dying battery. The following signs can often mean your battery is running out.  Metallic smell  Slow engine turnover Flickering power going to your radio, headlights, or dashboard lights If your battery is more than 3 years old

What To Do If Your Battery Dies

If you notice your battery appears to be on its last limb, do not wait to act on this. Either recharge your battery for a temporary fix, or act to replace it immediately. For a good price on car parts, including batteries & more, check out Robertson’s Auto Salvage in Wareham, MA!