Photo: Jim Mackay
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — With the Arctic blast moving over Massachusetts, starting your car in the morning can be a little more difficult.
According to AAA, car batteries lose 35% of their power when temperatures are at or below freezing. If your battery is already pretty old, the extreme cold could provide that fatal blow.
Steven Donovan with General Auto Supply in Marshfield said the average battery lasts four to five years.
“Anything over 4 years [old] that’s not starting — it’s time to replace the battery,” Donovan said.
There are some ways to save the battery if it’s not cooperating.
Donovan said he recommends a rechargeable battery booster pack.
“You can move it anywhere, which is nice. You don’t have to back the car in and all that fun stuff,” Donovan said. “[Car batteries] are like a phone, you gotta keep them charged”
Starting your engine every few hours is also a good idea when temperatures drop, Donovan said.
“If you’ve been inside for a week, and you go to the car, it probably won’t start,” Donovan said.
WBZ’s Jim MacKay (@JimMacKayOnAir) reports.
