Avoid winter car problems with proactive battery care

Winter emphasizes the importance of keeping your car's battery in first-class condition. A stalled car on some dreary night when the thermometer is hovering around zero is not a pretty sight.

Bottom line: the last thing you need during winter is a car that won't start because of an unexpected problem with your battery.

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When temperatures turn colder, turning over an engine can take up to twice as much current as is needed under more favorable conditions and low temperatures can significantly decrease battery output.

Here are a few car battery care tips in order to promote a safe and reliable winter travel experience.

• Regardless of battery type, you should periodically check the terminal connections (where the battery cables are connected to the battery) for tightness and corrosion.

• If the terminals are corroded, clean them with a brush such as a discarded toothbrush and a light application of baking soda and water.

• Also, check the condition of the battery visually --- if you see any cracks, leaks or other damage, replace it immediately.

Indeed, the time to save your car battery is before the telltale signs of wear appear. Unfortunately, there is no way to know for certain when a battery will have problems. However, some of the things to look out for are a slow turning starter, headlights that brighten when the engine is revved and a noticeably slow clock.

For more information on batteries, or to find a new battery for your car, click here.