Winter’s icy grip can put even the toughest batteries to the test. While your Optima battery is engineered for superior cold-weather performance, a few simple practices can help ensure reliable starts throughout the winter months. We spoke to Daryl Brockman at Optima to get a better understanding of the harsh impact that cold weather has on batteries and gathered some tips for keeping your car’s battery effective.

Don’t let this be you. This can be avoided with proper battery maintenance.

Understanding Winter’s Impact

The irony of winter battery care is that summer heat typically causes the most damage, but winter’s cold temperatures reveal these weaknesses at the worst possible moment. When temperatures plummet, your battery’s chemical reactions slow down, reducing its power output just when your engine needs more power to turn over.

For daily drivers, the heat of Summer is when most of the damage occurs, but cold temperatures are when the battery is really put to the test.  Before it gets too cold it’s best to get your battery tested. – Daryl Brockman, Optima Batteries

Just like Daryl said, before winter sets in, get your battery tested at your local auto parts store, most offer this service free of charge. This simple step can help you avoid that dreaded “click” on a frigid morning. Look for signs of wear or corrosion on your battery terminals and clean them if necessary.

Daily Habits That Make a Difference

On particularly cold days, consider starting your vehicle and letting it idle for a few minutes, even if you’re not planning to drive. This helps ensure your battery maintains a full charge. When you do drive, try to make trips that last at least 10-15 minutes, giving your battery enough time to recover the energy used during start-up and sitting in the driveway.

If you make mostly short trips, your battery might not fully recharge between starts. In these cases, a longer weekend drive can help maintain proper charge levels. Think of it as taking your car for a winter wellness walk, or as my wife would call it, “a hot girl walk.”

Smart Storage Strategies

Battery maintainers are great tools, but shouldn’t be your only line of defense from a dead battery.

For vehicles you don’t drive daily, there are a few approaches to battery maintenance. The simplest is disconnecting the battery if the vehicle will sit unused for extended periods. This prevents modern vehicles’ electronics from slowly draining your battery.

For vehicles that are stored in Winter… Using a battery maintainer will keep the battery fully charged in the off-season.  This is the preferred option because lead acid batteries last the longest when they’re kept fully charged.  A fully charged battery also has a much lower freezing temperature, so this all but eliminates the possibility of freezing damage. – Daryl Brockman, Optima Batteries

While disconnection works, using a battery maintainer is ideal. Optima batteries, like all lead-acid batteries, perform best and last longest when kept fully charged. A fully charged battery also has a much lower freezing point, providing additional protection against winter damage.

Temperature Considerations

Cold-cranking amps (CCA) become crucial in winter. An Optima battery features pure lead and thick intercell connectors that help deliver more power efficiently in cold conditions. However, even the best battery needs proper care to perform optimally.

Your cold-cranking amp rating can be found on the battery label.

When to Consider Professional Help

If your battery struggles to start your vehicle, or if it’s more than three years old, have it professionally tested. Many battery issues can be prevented with regular maintenance, but all batteries eventually need replacement. It’s better to address potential problems before you’re stranded in freezing weather.

Remember, winter battery care isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns, it’s about extending your battery’s life and ensuring reliable performance when you need it most. By following these simple practices, you can help your battery deliver the exceptional cold-weather performance it was designed for.