How To Keep Car Battery in Winter
Winter in Calgary can be harsh—not just for you, but for your car battery too. Freezing temperatures slow down the chemical reactions inside a battery, reducing its ability to hold a charge and deliver power when you need it most. That’s why many drivers experience dead batteries on chilly mornings.
At Batteries Store Calgary, we understand how frustrating a cold-weather battery failure can be. The good news? With the right care, you can keep your car battery warm in winter and extend its life.
Why Cold Weather Affects Car Batteries
When temperatures drop, car batteries face two major challenges:
Reduced capacity: A fully charged battery at 27°C operates at 100% capacity, but at -18°C, it may deliver less than 50%.
Increased demand: In cold weather, your car requires more power to start, putting extra stress on the battery.
Together, these factors make winter the toughest season for vehicle batteries in Calgary.
Tips to Keep Your Car Battery Warm in Winter
1. Park Indoors Whenever Possible
If you have access to a garage or covered parking, use it. Even a few degrees warmer than outside temperatures can make a huge difference in how your battery performs.
2. Use a Battery Blanket or Warmer
Battery blankets are specially designed heating pads that wrap around your battery.
Plugging them in overnight keeps the battery warm, making cold starts easier in the morning.
3. Install a Block Heater
A block heater warms the engine and indirectly helps the battery by reducing the effort needed to start your car. In Calgary’s cold winters, this is almost essential for reliable performance.
4. Limit Short Trips
Frequent short drives don’t give your alternator enough time to recharge the battery. Try to combine errands into one trip to keep the battery charged.
5. Choose an AGM Battery
AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries are built for severe climates. They handle cold weather better than standard flooded batteries, making them a smart choice for Calgary drivers.
6. Keep Your Battery Fully Charged
Cold weather drains batteries faster. Consider using a trickle charger or battery maintainer overnight to ensure your battery stays at peak charge.
7. Insulate Your Battery
In addition to blankets, you can use insulated battery cases that protect against both extreme heat and cold. Many modern vehicles come with these, but if yours doesn’t, it’s a smart winter upgrade.
Signs Your Car Battery is Struggling in Cold Weather
- Slow engine crank when starting
- Dim headlights or electrical issues
- Battery warning light on the dashboard
- Needing multiple attempts to start the car
- If you notice these signs, it’s time to test your battery before it leaves you stranded.
Buy Reliable Car Batteries in Calgary at Batteries Store
Don’t let Calgary’s freezing winters stop you in your tracks. Batteries Store Calgary carry a wide range of high-performance car batteries built to withstand extreme temperatures.
Visit Batteries Store Calgary today for the best selection of car batteries, chargers, and boosters to keep you moving all winter long.
Conclusion
Keeping your car battery warm in winter isn’t just about comfort—it’s about reliability and safety. By using battery blankets, maintaining a full charge, and parking smartly, you can protect your battery from Calgary’s extreme cold.
When it’s time for a replacement, trust Batteries Store Calgary as your one-stop solution for all types of batteries.
Stay powered this winter—shop at Batteries Store Calgary!