The holidays are nearly upon us, which means the time for winter road trips is fast approaching as well. The last thing you want to happen during one of these trips, especially if you’re traveling relatively far, is to find out that your battery wasn’t ready for it. Cold weather can do a number on our car batteries, so even though every Chevy vehicle is built with reliability in mind, things can still happen. Especially the older your vehicle and, therefore, its battery gets. So it’s important to check your battery before embarking on your winter trip, but how exactly do you do that? That’s the question we’re here to answer today.
Why Is Winter Tough on Car Batteries?
Why exactly is it that our batteries have a hard time when the weather gets cold? The truth is that the lower temperatures drop, the slower the chemical reactions inside your battery get. This in turn reduces the battery’s ability to hold a charge, while at the same time your vehicle is demanding more power in order to start. This is precisely why we see so many vehicles getting jumped during the winter.
When you add in the extra strain from heaters, defrosters and any other demanding accessories or features, your battery is forced to work harder than ever. So even if you take off from home just fine, you could get to a gas station along your path and suddenly find yourself stranded. That’s why a quick check before you leave can save you from unexpected delays and dangerous situations.
Step 1: Inspect the Battery Terminals
The first step in the process of checking your battery is to inspect the terminals. Pop open your hood and locate your battery, then find the terminals — which are usually small metal rods sticking out of the battery with a + and a - denoting which is which.
- Once you find them, you’ll want to look for corrosion, which is a white or bluish sort of buildup around the terminals. Corrosion can interfere with the connection, so if you see it you should clean the terminals with a wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water.
- Alternatively, you can find and purchase an actual battery terminal cleaner if you wish.
- You’ll also want to check to make sure the connections are tight by gently wiggling the cables. They should be snug and secure, as loose connections can prevent your Chevy from starting reliably.
Step 2: Test the Battery Voltage
Next up you’re going to want to test the battery voltage. To do this yourself you’ll need a device called a multimeter, which is a relatively inexpensive tool. But if you don’t want to spend money on something you might only use a few times a year, you can also bring your vehicle in to get checked by a professional. We’d be happy to do it here, but you can also bring it to just about any auto parts store and they’ll test your battery for free.
- A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts when the vehicle is off. If you’re seeing a number below 12.4 volts, then your Chevy battery might be weak.
- If you check while the vehicle is running, then the reading should be between 13.7 and 14.7, which shows that the alternator is charging properly.
Step 3: Look for Warning Signs
This step is technically outside of the process, but your vehicle might already be giving you signs that your battery is struggling. If you’ve noticed any of these warnings, you may want to consider having it professionally looked at or simply replaced.
- Slow cranking when starting engine
- Dim headlights, interior lights
- Clicking sounds when turning key
- Dashboard warning lights
Step 4: Consider the Battery’s Age
While there isn’t an exact cut off or anything, how old your battery gets definitely has an effect on its efficacy. Most batteries are meant to last from three to five years, so if you’re in the range or even past it, you might not want to gamble on it lasting your whole winter trip. Once again, consider having it looked at by professionals, or simply replace it.
Step 5: Prepare for Emergencies
Lastly, make sure you prepare for emergencies. Even if you decide it’s time to replace your battery before hitting the road, anything can happen… so you should still be prepared. Pack the following essentials in your vehicle before heading out, and you’ll have better peace of mind along your journey.
- Jumper cables or portable jump starter
- Flashlight; extra batteries
- Warm blankets, gloves, etc.
- Extra phone charger
We hope this process helps you prepare for your winter trip and to hit the road with more confidence. If you have any questions or would like to have the expert technicians at Jim Glover Chevrolet take an even more in-depth look at your vehicle before your trip, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us right here at the service desk.