Summer is over and the harsh winter months are right around the corner or already frosting your windshield, depending on where you live. As you roll up your windows to keep the elements out, consider the last several months of soaring temperatures, both outside and under the hood of your vehicle—all of which may have damaged your battery. As a result, your battery may not be ready for the big chill.
“What most motorists don’t realize is that it’s the hot summer weather that causes the initial damage to batteries,” said Cam Douglass, director of product development at
Optima Batteries. “Summer heat is what causes them to fail in the winter.” And, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), faulty batteries cause more car/truck starting problems than any other factor.

During the hot summer months, the temperature under your hood causes the material inside the battery to break down. The heat causes evaporation and gassing, resulting in declining acid levels. The potential for problems down the line is obscured by the fact that batteries naturally perform better in hotter temps. Vehicles are easier to start in warmer weather because the oil is thinner and engines are easier to turn over. However, as the temperature drops, so does the battery’s ability to start your car. “Even though the battery’s effectiveness has already declined, users may not see the signs until the winter months, when it’s too late,” said Jeff Zagrodnik, director of product engineering for Optima.
In addition to the damage caused by heat, cold weather is brutal on a battery's starting power. Winter’s cold simply makes it harder for the battery to provide power, especially in a weakened state. So, now is the time to check your battery before it leaves you stranded in the frozen tundra.

Tips to Prevent Winter Battery Failure
− Check the battery using a voltmeter, especially after numerous short drives (less than a mile). Short drives don’t allow the alternator to recharge the battery properly.  
− Ensure your charging system is working properly.
− Inspect belts to ensure they are tight and in good order.
− Check battery connections to ensure they are clean and tight. Use a wire brush to clean off any corrosion.  
− Secure the battery to the tray to prevent excessive vibration.

The technology of an Optima battery can help keep your vehicle running throughout the winter and avert the damage of next summer’s heat. They have lower internal resistance, which delivers more starting power than a traditional battery, even in cold weather. The absorbent glass mat (AGM) technology and sealed construction prevent acid evaporation, which protects internal materials and maintains the battery’s charge. Optima batteries also have greater repetitive reserve capacity, which allows the battery to be completely drained and fully recharged more times than traditional batteries.
So, by giving your battery a little attention now, you can help prevent it from leaving you stranded this winter.