Battery Health — Why Cold Kills Weak Batteries & Signs Yours Is Weak

Battery Health — Why Cold Kills Weak Batteries & Signs Yours Is Weak

When Spokane temperatures drop below freezing, your car battery works harder than ever. Cold weather thickens engine oil, meaning the starter needs more power. At the same time, a weak battery delivers less energy in the cold—sometimes cutting its cranking power in half. That’s why Spokane drivers often wake up to a dead car on frosty mornings.

Signs your battery is getting weak:

• Slow cranking when you turn the key or push start

• Dashboard lights dimming when you start the car

• Clicking noise instead of engine turning over

• Battery warning light on the dash

• Corrosion or swelling on the battery terminals

Pro tip for Spokane winters: If your battery is over 3 years old, get it tested before the cold season hits. At All Motors Center on Trent Ave, we do quick battery checks so you’re not stuck in a frozen parking lot.