In these cold mornings we all have trouble getting going and our cars aren’t any different at all. Winter is a dangerous time for car batteries; they’re more likely to die on us usually at a awkward time. However a few simple checks will reduce your chance of getting stuck somewhere with a car that won’t run (of course it always seems to happen you need to be somewhere or are late for a meeting). Just about all of us have a similar story, a flat battery at the worst possible time? So what is it about cold winter that hurts our batteries? During winter our batteries ability to produce energy is reduced as a chemical reaction also the oil thickens in the engine and places additional strain on the battery. During wintertime the battery’s ability to produce cold cranking amps is reduced. That reduces the battery’s ability to start the engine. Most people just know where battery is, it doesn’t interest them so they haven’t taken the time to learn how they work. There are a few simple things you can do to make sure your vehicle starts every time. First of all check the fluid levels inside each of the cells of the battery. If they need topping up use distilled water and be careful not to overfill. Every three or six months is a good time to check the battery fluid levels. Also check the connections to the terminals. Look out for any signs of corrosion that look like a white or bluish powdery crystal. While you’re looking at your batteries make sure it is secured to the vehicle. If it’s not tied down properly it can lead to cracks and failure of the battery. To check if yours is on the way out its best to get it tested. The auto battery tests are normally free; typically they take between 30 seconds and 15 minutes depending on which test is done. There are 2 or 3 different tests. So next time your are feeling the cold you know your battery is also feeling those cold starts but with a little care you can make sure you automobile starts every morning.