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Battery Maintenance Tips For Driving In Freezing Winter Weather
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By Counterman
The winter registration deadline for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) testing and recertification is March 31.
Those service professionals
link hidden, please login to view by the deadline will have 90 days to schedule an appointment to take their selected ASE tests. ASE now offers three options for taking certification or recertification tests:
link hidden, please login to view is available throughout the year and is conducted days, nights and weekends at more than 450 secured, proctored Prometric test centers. Those with unexpired automobile certifications (A1-A9) can use the link hidden, please login to view for recertification. ASE also offers link hidden, please login to view as an online recertification solution for all ASE recertifications tests, excluding L1 and L2 tests. To register and select an available option to take selected ASE certification tests, visit
link hidden, please login to view by March 31, click on register and sign-in. Once logged in, users can next click on “orders” and then “store” where they can find the tests they want to take, add those tests to the cart, check out and registration is complete. For assistance from ASE customer service, call 800-390-6789. The post
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By NAPA
What Maintenance Does a Hybrid Car Need?
While standard vehicles that rely only on combustion engines do suffer from more wear and tear under the hood due to high heat and intense vibrations, hybrid vehicles still require routine maintenance and repair. A hybrid vehicle combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. Hybrid vehicles can go anywhere without requiring a charge because they are started with a fuel injection to get the motor running. The electric motor in a hybrid vehicle reduces the work the vehicle must do, making fuel consumption minimal.
Due to the advanced technology of regenerative braking, a hybrid car is designed to capture excess engine power to improve vehicle efficiency and mile per gallon (MPG). Hybrid owners benefit from less frequent brake part replacements because the regenerative braking system redirects the friction involved in stopping your vehicle. While the brake pads and brake rotors on a hybrid do not wear as quickly as standard combustion cars, it is still important to have them routinely inspected, cleaned and replaced when advised by a professional technician at a
link hidden, please login to view. The maintenance needs of your hybrid vehicle still include tune-ups. Don’t skip out on those routine oil changes and fluid top-offs, as well as replacing
link hidden, please login to view, link hidden, please login to view and link hidden, please login to view. A proper wheel alignment and tire rotation is still recommended each 5,000 miles or every six months for daily commuters in hybrid vehicles. During those service appointments, your technician should also check the condition of your belts and battery. You are possibly wondering about the cost to maintain a hybrid vehicle. The cost covers a large range because of factors like the type of hybrid you own and the advanced level of service required to work on a hybrid vehicle. Fortunately,
link hidden, please login to view to comprehensively perform your hybrid vehicle maintenance. NAPA is committed to keeping maintenance costs affordable for drivers while offering state-of-the-art vehicle parts, services and support. Different Hybrid Vehicles for Different Drivers link hidden, please login to view
The burning question remains: Do hybrid vehicles cost more to own? The good news is that most hybrid vehicles do not need any special maintenance. And the great news is that investments in the upkeep of a hybrid vehicle are often balanced by the savings at the gas pump, as well as the long intervals between routine servicing. Keep in mind, the replacement parts of a hybrid, from popular makers like Toyota and Lexus, can cost more at checkout due to their advanced functionality.
As the future of car driving, ownership and maintenance moves toward all things electric, the experts at The NAPA Network are here to guide you as you debate if it’s worth making the switch to hybrid, a hybrid plugin or a fully electric vehicle. Remember, an EV draws all of its power solely from an electric battery system that needs charged regularly. For more information, checkout “
link hidden, please login to view” on our NAPA Know How Blog. Another factor when gaging if a plug-in model will work for your lifestyle is determining if there are charging stations in your area, at home and at work or if you will take the leap by installing an at-home charging station in your garage. NAPA offers electrification installation services powered by
link hidden, please login to view, which provides all of your home-garage EV charging station needs. Whether you are cost-saving or trying to save the planet, the evolving hybrid and EV market offers fascinating technological advances and fun ways to save money while still exercising your freedom to take on the open road. Remember, you can order all the hybrid replacement parts you need from NAPAOnline.com or visit
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By NAPA
Some people have been asking, do electric cars work in cold weather? Absolutely they do! But winter driving doesn’t always mean a winter wonderland, sometimes it just means preparing for the cold. People have been link hidden, please login to viewelectric cars in cold weather for years with little or no trouble other than potentially shorter battery range. Here’s a few tips about driving an electric car in winter.
Preheat Before You Leave
One advantage to plug-in electric cars in the winter is they can use grid power before you drive. It makes far more sense to prepare for your drive while connected to grid power than use up battery range. If your electric car has the option to preheat the cabin while link hidden, please login to view take advantage of that feature. Vehicles like the link hidden, please login to view and Nissan LEAF can be toasty warm for your departure. Use seat heaters if so equipped as they are more efficient at warming the occupants directly. Once you are on the way it will take far less power to maintain a comfortable cabin than if you had started cold leaving you parking spot.
Use The Right Tires
If you live in an area where winter tires are recommended, by all means use them. Snow tires are able to stay pliable in low temperatures and typically feature a special tread design that helps grip the wintery roads.
While it is common for electric vehicles to use special low rolling resistance tires, during the winter months you want all the grip you can get. Luckily with the growing popularity of electric vehicles there are now specific link hidden, please login to view made for EVs. These EV winter tires are designed specifically to address the needs of an electric car by balancing low rolling resistance while still offering winter weather traction. Just make sure to change into winter tires before the weather shifts.
Drive Easy
If your warm driving style is already easy going to maximize battery range, driving an electric car in cold weather will be an easy transition. The roads will likely be slippery so easing into acceleration and braking will help keep things under control.
Keep in mind that most electric vehicles are fairly heavy, so there is a lot of momentum built up even under normal driving. Loads of low-end torque make for spirited driving in warmer months, but you will need to dial back the accelerator pedal in slippery conditions. If your vehicle has “ECO” mode, use it. You may have a winter/snow driving mode as well so check your owner’s manual.
Turn Off Regenerative Braking
As amazing as regenerative braking is at recouping energy and extending driving range, it can also cause problems on slippery roads. Normally when the driver lifts their foot off the accelerator pedal the regenerative braking system kicks in to help slow the vehicle. This is great in dry weather, but the braking action that recovers electricity can cause the wheel to lose grip on slick roads making for erratic handling. People driving electric cars in winter conditions need to pay attention to the road surface. If the road conditions are slippery, it is best to turn off your regenerative braking system and go back to using your trusty brake pedal.
Your Range May Vary
Depending on your vehicle, electric car battery life in cold weather will vary. If you have an older electric vehicle with less than 100 miles of range you will need to be as sparing with power as you can. Things like headlights, link hidden, please login to view, radio, seat heaters, battery heaters, fans, even power steering all take previous battery power. On the flip side, if your vehicle’s range is in the hundreds of miles and your trips around town are short, there’s no reason to skimp on the power. Of course this assumes you will recharge once you are done driving for the day.
Plan For An Emergency
This tip applies to everyone on the road, but in an electric vehicle your
link hidden, please login to viewshould include a portable 110v charger if you have one. Sure it is the slowest way to recharge, but it beats no charge at all if you are stuck at a friend’s house. Check out all the
link hidden, please login to view available on link hidden, please login to view, or trust one of our 17,000 link hidden, please login to view for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on taking care of an electric car battery in cold weather and learning more about electric cars in winter driving, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your link hidden, please login to view. The post
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By NAPA
Why Do Car Batteries Die in the Cold?
It happens every year: the days get shorter, the nights get longer and we bundle up and prepare for the long, cold months ahead. When it comes to automotive issues, winter is sometimes an especially challenging time. When the mercury drops, it can
link hidden, please login to view on the complex systems and parts under the hood of your vehicle. If you drive a car, truck or SUV with a traditional internal combustion engine, the battery in your ride is particularly vulnerable in lower temperatures. Most vehicle batteries are 12-volts, and they consist of six cells. Each cell houses two plates—one made of lead, the other of lead dioxide. The plates are submerged in sulfuric acid, which acts as a catalyst, causing a chemical reaction between the plates producing about two volts of energy per cell. With six cells, you get twelve volts of power.
Your battery may start acting up when the temperature drops, so check out these
link hidden, please login to view. The chemicals inside the battery move slower at lower temperatures, putting stress on the battery and making it difficult to provide sufficient starting power to your vehicle. If you park your vehicle outdoors, you may notice a significant decrease in battery power if the temperature dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, especially if your battery is older than three years and you don’t plan on starting your vehicle for several days or weeks at a time. Let’s face it: vehicle batteries are expensive, and the added stress of cold temperatures can shorten their lifespan. To prolong battery life and save cash, it’s a good idea to invest in a
link hidden, please login to view or disconnect and safely store your vehicle battery indoors. Car battery winter storage is also a great way to maintain the units of your favorite outdoor toys, such as boats, ATVs or link hidden, please login to view. Let the experts at the NAPA Network help you save money and get the most out of your vehicle battery by safely disconnecting and storing it this winter. Disconnecting a Car Battery for Storage
So, you decided to disconnect your car battery for storage this winter. Great idea! Troubleshooting battery problems in cold weather is a headache, but it can also lessen the overall life of your battery, costing you a lot of money in the long run. If you park your vehicle outdoors or in a garage with minimal insulation, it’s a good idea to remove and store the vehicle battery if you don’t plan on driving it more than once every two weeks during the winter.
First, you need to safely disconnect your vehicle’s battery. Before you begin, make sure you’re using
link hidden, please login to view and insulated link hidden, please login to view. You’ll also need a link hidden, please login to view that fits the bolts of your battery—your owner’s manual should have this information available. Turn off your vehicle. Never attempt to disconnect your battery with the engine running. With the engine off, locate the terminals of your vehicle battery. They may have black and red caps on them, black for negative and red for positive. The negative terminal is labeled with a negative symbol and the positive terminal is labeled with a positive symbol. Remove the plastic caps and locate the negative terminal. Using the wrench, loosen the nut and bolt, then remove the connector cable from the terminal. Repeat this process with the positive terminal. Now you’re ready to safely remove and store your battery!
Car Battery Storage for Winter link hidden, please login to view
The battery is a vital component of your vehicle, but it is also sometimes a volatile one. The chemicals that provide the crucial reaction that powers your vehicle and its systems are extremely caustic and dangerous. Neglecting proper car battery storage for winter can cause significant damage to your battery and anything nearby, so let NAPA Auto Parts help you plan for properly storing your battery.
Before you store it, take the time to carefully clean any
link hidden, please login to view and out of the battery tray. Ideally, you should store your battery indoors in a dry, temperature-controlled area like a closet or utility pantry. Always store your battery in a link hidden, please login to view and keep it on a low shelf above the cold cement floors or carpets to avoid static discharges. If you’re storing your battery in an area with minimal temperature control like a garage or shed, equip the space with link hidden, please login to view to ensure the battery storage box stays level and away from any moisture that might collect on the ground. Never store a vehicle battery on a high shelf above your head. Make sure to routinely check the batteries while in storage to ensure no fluids are leaking and top off any fluids that have evaporated. While some drivers want to disconnect and store their vehicle batteries, others may not have the time or a good space to store them. Fortunately, NAPA Auto Parts offers a great selection of battery maintainers, battery conditioners and trickle chargers. These low-profile devices not only charge and maintain your vehicle battery while not in use, but they also help break down any buildup of sulfur crystals on the plates.
Don’t let Old Man Winter’s plummeting temperatures send your battery to an early grave! Shop NAPA Auto Parts for car battery winter storage solutions. Now you can choose to stay out of the cold and take advantage of our
link hidden, please login to view. After you checkout online, select “Deliver From Store” and add your delivery address (must reside within 5 miles of the servicing NAPA Store). The store will notify you when your order is out for delivery, it’s that simple! Photo courtesy of
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By NAPA
Tread Carefully! It’s a Slippery Slope
If you live in an icy climate, you know the danger that comes with venturing onto roads layered with snow and sleet. Any slippery surface like that requires superior traction to maintain a sense of control. Without proper handling of your vehicle, you’re raising the risk of an accident, getting stranded and ruining the underbelly of your vehicle. That’s why it’s always important to have a
link hidden, please login to view. No matter if you feel confident trekking snowy terrain, loss of tire traction can result from a lot of things, including worn tires, hurried acceleration and climbing steep hills that cause wheels to spin. Even in climates where it isn’t the norm, having the right gear to handle those one-off snow days is critical! That’s when tire snow chains come in handy. Rather than investing in costly
link hidden, please login to view for your vehicle, link hidden, please login to view are a budget-friendly solution that improves the grip your tires have on ice and snow. These are chain systems help dig into packed snow and icy surfaces with spiked grip, improving the traction of your vehicle so you aren’t prone to skidding. Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution link hidden, please login to view
Before you get started, you’ll want to know the right kind and amount of snow tire chains needed for your specific vehicle. It’s also important to check the legal restrictions of tire chain use as some states don’t allow them. Clearance heights and material restrictions also apply to certain vehicles. If you need a refresher on your specific needs, check your owner’s manual for details.
Once you’ve read up on OEM requirements and sizing, the next step is to look for chains that fit your application. For example, if you’re dealing with more icy conditions than snow, you want to look for chains that feature spiked ends, studs or “icebreakers” that can properly grip the slick surface. There are also
link hidden, please login to view designed with large, square links that are a bit more rounded, giving you a smoother ride over packed snow. You should also know chains aren’t the only option out there, but they work well for moderately snowy climates. There are also
link hidden, please login to view, which are long pieces of metal cables wrapped in plastic that are ideal for occasional use. They’re typically cheaper, easier to install and allow for higher speeds, but they’re not as durable as chains. We outline the differences in link hidden, please login to view so can narrow down the options for a better lifestyle fit. Survive Snowpocalypse with NAPA
For most snow drivers, chains are the happy medium. However, installing chains and pulling them apart is a process you’ll have to familiarize yourself with before you can use them without damaging your vehicle or road. You’ll need to drive slower than usual and always make sure to pull over and remove the chains when not directly driving over packed snow or ice. Using snow chains over bare pavement or gravel can result in serious damage to your tires and the road itself. For a more in-depth look into how you should incorporate tire chains into your gear collection, check out
link hidden, please login to view Depending on your vehicle’s build and the amount of snow you’re dealing with on a regular basis, your best tool for combatting snow chaos might look different than that of your neighbor. What’s most important is that you stay prepared for the days when you can’t stay indoors and hide from the blistering cold weather. Using traction-enhancing devices to stabilize your vehicle is the key to calm, collected snow driving. Let the friendly NAPA folks help you choose the best tire chains for snow or ice by shopping our selection of
link hidden, please login to view. If you still aren’t sure of the right fit, stop by your link hidden, please login to view to get expert guidance on vehicle-specific parts, tools and more. Photo courtesy of
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