Welcome to Arizona Winters

For all our northern friends and snowbirds who join us during our Arizona winters, we know a part of that is because of our warmer temps in the valley and lighter snowfall and cold weather up north. Depending on where you spend your time throughout our state, you can enjoy a little of both warm and cold. With this, it is good to know how the temperature changes and cooler weather can affect your vehicle’s performance, including your car battery.

Car batteries are affected by temperature extremes

Those of us who call Arizona home all year know that our summer heat can have extreme effects on car batteries – with evaporating internal fluids and faster corrosion, which can cause permanent battery damage.

Cold weather can also have negative effects on your battery. As temperatures lower, engine oil thickens, making it more difficult for a battery to do its job. The internal chemical reactions that take place within a battery also gets slowed down by colder temperatures. This can make for a slower, sluggish to start or possibly prevent starting.

Features to consider when selecting a battery
The best battery for your vehicle is the one that fits correctly and is made for your weather. If you live primarily in a hot climate, our service advisors can help you select a battery well-fitted for higher temperatures. Just as they can help those living in our colder temp areas. These are some of the considerations that will be discussed:

• Durability
• Reserve capacity
• Cold-cranking amps (CCA)

Car battery maintenance tips
Just like any other vehicle part, car batteries require maintenance to get the maximum performance. How can you keep it running smoothly?

• Keep it clean
• Park in the garage when possible
• Have our team check your battery during routine maintenance services
• Replace when necessary
• Keep it working

Until Next Time...