Why The Car Battery Fails More Often in Winter

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(and How We Can Help)

When temperatures drop, it’s not just you that struggles to get moving in the morning — your vehicles battery does too. Cold weather is one of the leading causes of battery failure, and many Colorado drivers find out the hard way that their battery was on its last leg when the first freeze hits.

At Smoky Hill Auto Service, we see it every winter: a rush of no-start calls, tow-ins, and stranded drivers — all because of weak or failing batteries. Here’s why it happens and how you can avoid being left out in the cold.

Cold Temperatures Reduce Battery Power

Vehicle batteries rely on chemical reactions to produce electricity. When it’s cold, those reactions slow down, and the battery can lose up to 60% of its strength at 0°F. Meanwhile, your engine oil thickens, which means your starter motor must work harder — demanding even more from an already weakened battery. Even if you did not have any issues during the warmer months, a battery can immediately show signs of struggle as temperatures begin to drop and cranking power seriously reduces as winter moves in.

Increased Electrical Load in Winter

Heated seats, defrosters, headlights, and the blower fan all pull power from the battery. When you start your vehicle on a freezing morning, that extra demand can push a marginal battery past its limit.

Another part of the vehicle to keep in mind that works closely with the battery is your vehicles alternator. Your alternatorand battery are strategic partners that must work together to keep your car running. Think of the battery as energy storage and the alternator as the energy generator.

  • Starting the Engine: The battery provides the initial power to crank the engine.
  • Running the Engine: Once the engine is running, the alternator generates electricity to power the vehicle’s electrical systems and recharge the battery.
  • Keeping the Battery Charged: If the alternator isn’t working properly, the battery has to supply all the power on its own, which can drain it quickly — especially in cold weather.

In other words, a weak alternator can make even a good battery fail, so a proper winter inspection always includes checking the entire charging system.

Older Batteries Can’t Handle the Cold

Most car batteries last between 3 to 5 years. Once a battery reaches that age, it’s more vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Corrosion, sulfation, and reduced capacity all take a toll over time.

If your battery is nearing that range, a battery test before winter can save you from a surprise breakdown. Keeping track of routine maintenance and maintaining good records of when you replace the battery in your vehicle will help you be proactive when getting close to approaching your batteries shelf life. Smoky Hill Auto will always maintain records on your behalf to help you keep track.

Corrosion and Loose Connections

Cold weather can cause metal parts to contract, sometimes loosening cable connections or exposing corrosion around the terminals. Even a small amount of corrosion can interrupt the flow of electricity and make it harder for your battery to deliver power.

How Smoky Hill Auto Can Help

At Smoky Hill Auto Service, we make sure your vehicle is ready for the cold months ahead. Our certified technicians can:

  • Test your battery and charging system to ensure everything is performing at full capacity
  • Replace weak or failing batteries with reliable, high-quality options that have a wonderful nationwide warranty.
  • Inspect cables, terminals, and alternator output for any signs of corrosion or wear & tear
  • Check your coolant, oil, and overall winter readiness so your car runs smoothly in cold weather

We’ll make sure you’re confident every time you turn the key this winter — no jump-starts required.

Don’t Wait for the First Cold Snap

If your car’s been slow to start, your headlights dim at idle, or it’s been more than three years since your last battery replacement, now’s the time to act.

📍 Schedule your winter battery check at Smoky Hill Auto Service today — before winter leaves you stranded in the driveway.

Here’s to smooth rides, enjoyable experiences and safe travels!

Sincerely,

Caitlyn Pridemore-Sjaardema – Co-Owner/CMO