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We're no strangers to cold in Anchorage, Alaska or to the significant challenges that low temperatures cause for our vehicles. One part you'll almost always hear about in any seasonal upkeep guide is the automotive battery. That's because low temperatures reduce battery capacity and make starting your car or truck more difficult. However, there are some things you can do throughout winter to ensure your car battery performs optimally.

For the purpose of this article, we'll assume you have a newer car battery. If your battery is three years or older, have your battery tested. You can make an appointment with Alignment Center and Alaska Car & Truck if you need to know its condition, and we can install a replacement battery if it's time for a new one.

Car & Truck Battery Tips During Winter

Clean Battery Terminals

Corrosion can build up on battery terminals, leading to poor connections and starting issues. Regularly clean the terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water. Ensure the battery is disconnected before cleaning to avoid any electrical issues.

Keep It Charged

Cold weather can drain a battery faster than usual. Make sure to drive around on occasion and try to avoid letting your vehicle sit for an extended period of time.

Park Indoors When Possible

Whenever you can, park your vehicle in a garage or sheltered area to protect it from extreme cold. One item to be mindful of with parking in winter is climate controlled garages. The warmth causes condensation and accelerates the risk of rust or mold forming. This is due to snow and ice that accumulates while driving, creating a moist environment as it meets the warm air and melts. That said, it's hard to find studies (if there are any) comparing vehicles parked outside during winter to those parked in warm garages during winter (although you'll find a lot of forum chatter). That said, there are products to prevent rust and the pros of staying inside might outweigh the cons of parking outside in this scenario.

Need Automotive Battery Services in Anchorage? Give Us a Ring!

At Alignment Center and Alaska Car & Truck, we provide a variety of electrical and battery services, including car and truck battery installation and testing. Give us a call if you're experiencing issues, such as dim headlights, trouble starting your vehicle, intermittent lights, or other issues related to your vehicle's starting system, charging system, and battery. Otherwise, we hope these tips help you keep your current battery going strong through winter and beyond!