Keep Your Battery Healthy This Winter with Lacombe Ford Tips
Winter in Alberta can be tough on vehicle batteries. Cold temperatures make it considerably harder for engines to start, but even year round, accessories like heat/AC and lights put extra strain on your battery.
The good news?
Choosing the right battery and taking a few simples steps can help your vehicle stay reliable all season long. Here's everything you need to know!
Choosing the Right Battery for your Vehicle
Not all batteries are created equal, and the right one depends on your car, truck or SUV. Here's what to consider:
Size and Fit
Your battery needs to physically fit your vehicle and have the correct terminals. Using the wrong size can cause installation issues or poor performance. Our Parts experts can ensure the right battery size for any make and model.
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)
CCA measures the power your battery can deliver to start your engine in cold weather. Alberta winters are tough, so choosing a battery with enough CCA is critical for reliable starting.
Reserve Capacity (RC)
RC tells you how long your battery can keep your vehicle running if your alternator stops working. A higher RC can save you in unexpected situations.
Warranty
Motorcraft batteries are built to meet Ford's exact specifications, which is why we trust them in our customers' vehicles. We carry a rull range of car, SUV, and truck batteries, typically backed by a 36-month warranty. We also carry a wide selection of coimmerical and heavy-duty batteries with a 24-month warranty.
Backed by this strong nationwide coverage, Motorcraft batteries offer dependable performance and peace of mind no matter where the road takes you. Engineered for consistent cold-start reliability, durability in extreme conditions and power for today's technology-packed vehicles, Motorcraft batteries are a trustworthy choice for virtually any compatible vehicle.
Simple Ways to Help Your Battery Last Longer
Even the best battery benefits from a little care. Here are some Lacombe Ford tips to keep your battery healthy:
Trickle Charging or Battery Maintainers
If you don't drive your vehicle every day, a trickle charger keeps the battery topped up. This is especially helpful in the winter when short trips may not fully recharge the battery.
Parking Inside
Parking in a garage or other sheltered spot keeps your battery warmer. Even a few degrees can make a difference in extreme cold,.
Battery Blankets
A battery blanket wraps around the battery to keep it warm during freezing temperatures. This reduces the strain when starting your vehicle in the morning and helps maintain battery life.
Reconditioning Your Battery
Reconditioning restores some charge to a weak battery. It's not a permanent fix, but it can extend the life of a battery that's losing power before a replacement is needed.
Myth: "I had my block heaters plugged in, which will warm the battery."
A block heater warms your engine, which can make starting easier, but it does not directly warm your battery. Using a block heater is still useful, just don't rely on it alone to protect your battery.
Quick Tips for Winter Battery Health
- Turn off accessories (heat, lights, radio) before starting your engine.
- Drive your vehicle for longer trips when possible (20 minutes to 30 minutes); short trips don't fully recharge the battery.
- Test your battery before the coldest months arrive. When you schedule your regular maintenance with Lacombe Ford, we will perform a complimentary multi-point inspection to assess the health of your battery.
- Replace batteries that are more than 3 - 5 years old.
Winter doesn't have to leave you stranded with a dead battery. With the
right battery, proper maintenance, and tips from Lacombe Ford, your vehicle can stay reliable all season long.
Need help picking the right battery or a quick winter check? Visit Lacombe Ford, we'll make sure your vehicle is ready for anything Alberta throws at it.
