Why Cold Weather Kills Batteries
A car battery makes power through a chemical reaction, and cold slows that reaction down. On a frigid Toronto morning your battery can deliver noticeably less power than it does on a mild day. At the same time, cold engine oil is thicker, so the starter needs more power to turn the engine over. Less supply plus more demand is why weak batteries fail on the first truly cold mornings of the season.
Warning Signs Your Battery Is on Its Way Out
- Slow, laboured cranking when you start the car, especially first thing in the morning.
- Dim headlights or interior lights at startup.
- A battery warning light on the dashboard.
- Electrical glitches like a flickering radio, slow power windows, or a clock that resets.
- Age. Most batteries last about 3 to 5 years. If yours is in that range, get it tested before winter.
What to Do When It Won't Start
Turn off the headlights, heater, and accessories, then try once more. If it still only clicks or cranks slowly, stop. Repeated attempts can drain what's left and, on some vehicles, flood the engine. Call for a boost.
A professional boost pack is safer for modern vehicles than jumper cables from a stranger's car. Hooking cables up in the wrong order can damage sensitive electronics.
Boost or Replace?
When we boost a battery, we also check it. If it holds a healthy charge, a boost and a drive to recharge it may be all you need. If it fails the test, it will likely leave you stranded again soon. We can deliver and install a new battery on the spot so you don't need a tow.
How to Avoid a Dead Battery This Winter
- Have your battery tested in the fall, especially if it's over 3 years old.
- Take longer drives occasionally. Short trips don't fully recharge the battery.
- Park in a garage when you can.
- Make sure lights and accessories are off when you leave the car.
Dead battery right now? Call Roadsides Finest at (647) 370-2463 for a battery boost anywhere in Toronto and the GTA.
Need Roadside Help Right Now?
Roadsides Finest is available 7 days a week across Toronto and the GTA.
Call (647) 370-2463