Anyone who has walked out to a dead vehicle on a cold Calgary morning knows how brutally unforgiving our winters can be on your car’s batteries. Bitterly cold temperatures can cut your battery’s capacity by more than half, making it much harder to start your car—even if it worked just fine the day before.
Whether you’re commuting across town or heading out early to warm up the car, here’s how to keep your battery alive—and yourself on schedule—during a Calgary deep freeze.
Why Cold Weather Drains Your Car Battery
Your battery relies on a chemical reaction to generate power. In extreme cold, that chemical process slows down—meaning your battery has to work much harder to produce the same amount of energy. Combine that with the greater demand from heaters, defrosters, and heated seats, and it’s no wonder so many Calgary drivers end up stranded in the winter.
Employ a Block Heater Overnight
Of all the cold-weather tools you can employ in Calgary, the block heater is likely among the best. It gently heats up your engine’s coolant and engine block, allowing the engine to turn over much easier, reducing the stress on your battery in morning starts.
Pro Tip: Plug your vehicle in when overnight temperatures dip below -15°C. If your car doesn’t have a block heater or you’re unsure if it’s working, book a quick checkup with us.
Consider a Battery Blanket
If you happen to park outdoors or don’t have a garage, then battery blankets are a very affordable solution to help your battery keep warm. These insulated wraps plug in, similar to block heaters, and hold your battery at just the right temperature through the night to preserve the charge for reliable starts.
Drive Longer When You Can
Short trips during winter do not give your alternator enough time to recharge the battery. If most of your driving is stop-and-go driving or under 15 minutes, your battery simply may not be regaining the charge it used to start the engine.
Tip: You can combine errands or take a longer loop now and then to give your battery more charge time. If you suspect weak battery performance, we can test it. Call us today: 403-243-4204
Keep Terminals Clean and Corrosion Free
But corrosion on your terminals can interfere with the flow of power, especially in the cold. A quick, monthly inspection—and cleaning with baking soda and a toothbrush—can go a long way.
Look for:
- White, green or blue buildup around the terminals
- Loose or cracked cables
- Swelling in the battery case evidence
Not sure what you’re looking for? Bring your car in for a winter checkup—we’ll make sure everything’s tight and corrosion-free.
Replace Old Batteries Before They Fail
The battery should last 3–5 years in ideal conditions—Calgary’s climate is far from ideal. If your battery is more than 3 years old, winter is not the time to push your luck.
Warning signs of a dying battery:
- Engine cranks slowly in the morning
- Dashboard lights dimming or flickering
- You require frequent boosts.
Our services include battery testing and replacement using cold-weather-rated models. Contact us today for a quick assessment.
Don’t Let Winter Leave You Stranded
A dead battery on a –25°C morning isn’t just an inconvenience, it can derail your day. However, with a few proactive steps you can keep your battery healthy, your car reliable, and your morning stress-free. Need help getting your vehicle winter-ready? Book your winter vehicle inspection by Calling Rite-Price Today: 403-243-4204