Cold weather affects batteries more than any other engine component. This winter, Interstate Batteries encourages motorists to protect and care for that part of the vehicle a driver depends on most every day.
Filled with fluid containing mostly water, batteries are susceptible to freezing when the battery is not fully charged. Additionally, cold weather thickens engine oil, forcing the battery to work harder when starting your truck. Your vehicle's battery loses approximately 35 percent of its efficiency when the temperature dips below freezing and close to 60 percent of its efficiency when the temperature falls below zero.
"Motorists should have their battery checked when they learn of an incoming wave of cold weather," said Interstate Batteries engineering services manager Gale Kimbrough, also known as `Mr. Battery'. "A fully charged battery is the best defense against cold weather and vehicle non-starts. In cold weather, engines require more cranking amps and batteries are less efficient, reducing their charge acceptance and ability to start an engine."