Cold weather will put your battery to the test. Credit: Contributed photo

Make sure your battery is ready for cold weather

Fall is the best time of year to perform vital maintenance to your vehicle so that your car is winter-ready before the cold sets in.

You can avoid many dangerous winter travel problems by planning ahead. On cold winter mornings, a reliable battery is a necessity. As the mercury drops, so does your car's battery power. Cold temperatures dramatically reduce the effectiveness of chemical reactions within the battery, causing a reduction in cranking power as temperatures drop. Cars require an increased amount of cranking power in cold weather, due to the fact that motor oil is thicker and makes engines harder to crank.

Your best defense against harsh weather and lack of cranking power is making sure your battery stays fully charged by following these preventive tips:

• Start by having a load check on the battery - a test easily performed by most service centers. If the power is marginal, be on the safe side and get a new battery.

• Have your tech inspect the battery for cracks and defects, tighten any loose clamps and cable connections, and replace anything damaged.

• Avoid acid and gunk build-up by scrubbing the battery terminals with a toothbrush and a pasty mixture of baking soda and water.

• Minimize terminal corrosion by rubbing a little petroleum jelly on the battery posts.

• Keep the car engine in good condition. Tune up and change the oil regularly.

• If possible, park your car in a garage at night. This will provide some insulation against low temperatures, ice, and snow in cold weather.

• The average life of a battery is 3 1/2 years. If your battery is older than that and shows signs of wear, it's probably time to replace.

Remember, battery failure is the most common source of trouble in winter. Don't be caught unprepared for the first blast of winter weather. Before the snow flies, have a reputable garage do a tune-up and inspection on your vehicle -- especially the battery -- to prevent problems.