Test Your Battery Before Winter — Cold Kills Weak Batteries

The Problem

Your car won't start on the coldest morning of the year. The battery was already weak but summer heat masked it.

The Hack

AutoZone and O'Reilly test batteries for free. If capacity is below 80%, replace before winter. Batteries typically last 3-5 years.

Why It Works

Battery capacity drops ~50% at 0°F while the engine requires 2x more power to start in cold. A battery at 70% capacity in summer effectively has 35% in winter — not enough to start.

Pro Tips

• Free battery testing at AutoZone and O'Reilly — takes 5 minutes
• Replace if capacity is below 80% or age is 4+ years
• Battery replacement: $80-150 installed
• Keep jumper cables in the trunk as backup