2 minute read
How to Avoid Potential Cold Start Issues
by Lou Matteo
EDGEMONT AUTOMOTIVE
Fall is upon us. Along with the beauty of the foliage and the cooler temps, we’re reminded that a cold winter is sure to follow. It’s a perfect time to prepare our vehicles to avoid potential cold start issues.
Over the last few years, there’s been a drastic power demand increase in newer vehicles. Some vehicles may have multiple batteries to keep up with their high-power consumption. Battery technology has improved greatly from the old school battery we all used to maintain by adding distilled water to the cells, to prepare for winter. Today, most batteries are maintenance free and no service is needed, but there are steps we can take to prolong a battery’s life.
Lou Matteo
Here are some good examples: Don’t let a vehicle sit without running for more than a couple weeks. Just starting the engine and letting it idle will not be enough to sufficiently charge the battery. Drive the vehicle for 15–20 minutes without using unnecessary accessories.
Whenever a vehicle is not in use, onboard computers and modules monitor the vehicle, which requires some power consumption. Don’t burden the vehicle’s battery further by leaving accessories like phone chargers or GPS units plugged into power ports.
The useful life expectancy of a battery diminishes every time the battery dies. Some vehicles can turn accessories off automatically, but try not to leave the lights on or a door ajar.
Most of us have been in the position of needing a jump start. It is a common practice but it does have its dangers. Charging batteries emit flammable hydrogen gas and can explode with a spark. If using jumper cables, please use caution and verify the polarity of the battery. Use the positive battery terminal as a connection point, but for the negative connection, use a solid metal grounding point on the engine or body. To hook up cables, connect positive first. To unhook cables, disconnect negative first, to keep any sparks away from the battery.
If you’re a DIY kind of person, please reuse all existing battery insulation and protective covers. They help keep the battery cool in the summer and warmer in the winter months. If the insulation doesn’t fit, chances are the battery size is wrong. Some higher-end vehicles need to have a new battery registered to the car.
Check with your service professional, to avoid damaging the vehicle’s electronics system. As with every change of season, remember to check your tire pressures!
“Don’t get caught out in the cold. Let us check your vehicle for safe winter driving.”
