Colorado winters can be magical when the snow flies, ski lodges open, and people cozy up by fireplaces to relax after a hard day at work or on the slopes. The holidays are just around the corner, and people are getting ready to make memories with family and friends. However, our vehicles don’t have it as good as we do unless you have a heated garage. Once the temperatures begin to drop, car batteries start to decline. A good battery is a must during the harsh Colorado winters.

Cold Weather Impact on Batteries in Colorado Springs

When the cold sets in, there’s a higher risk of being stranded because of a car battery, thanks to how cold weather affects car batteries. Legend Motor Works in Colorado Springs CO, can test the battery and help you maximize battery performance in cold weather. The cold impacts batteries in several ways, including:

Reduction of Battery Capacity

A car battery produces a chemical reaction to create electricity used to power your vehicle. Without it, the car won’t start, and some accessories won’t work. Car batteries are at peak performance at above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and below about 113 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the type of battery. As the temperature drops, the battery’s ability to provide power drops. Below-zero temperatures can deplete up to 60 percent of a battery’s power.

Increased Engine Strain

During the winter, the oil in your car becomes thicker, which makes the vehicle harder to start. It also increases the strain on the battery, which reduces the battery’s lifespan. Combining reduced capacity and increased demand can significantly shorten a battery’s lifespan and could leave you with a dead battery on a cold Colorado Springs CO, morning.

Self-Discharge Rate

In addition to issues with the cold, every battery has a natural self-discharge rate. When it’s warm, the rate is relatively slow. However, cold temperatures increase the self-discharge rate, leading to further degradation of the battery, especially if it is older.

Signs of a Weak Battery

Identifying the symptoms of a weak battery can help you avoid becoming stranded. Signs of a weak battery include:

• The engine cranks slowly.
• The headlight or interior lights dim when you start the vehicle.
• Electronics behave erratically.
• The battery or charging warning light illuminates.

Winter Battery Maintenance in Colorado Springs

Legend Motor Works in Colorado Springs CO, can help with European car battery challenges, including winter battery maintenance and overall European vehicle battery care. Before winter temperatures set in, you can take certain steps to give your car’s battery every chance it has to survive the winter, including:

• Have an auto technician at Legend Motor Works test the battery’s capacity and condition.
• Replace a weak battery, especially if it’s close to its expiration date. If the battery is fairly new but weak, you may be able to charge it. If you choose this route, always check the battery within a couple of weeks to ensure it’s still holding a good charge.
• Remove any corrosion on the battery terminals, as it restricts the flow of electricity. You can remove corrosion with a mixture of baking soda and water.
• If you expect the winter temperatures to get extremely cold, invest in a battery insulation kit to help maintain a stable temperature around the battery.
• Drive your car regularly. If you can’t drive it due to the weather, at least start it and let it run for about a half-hour to help maintain the battery’s charge.
• Parking in a garage or covered area during the winter also helps increase battery life.
• Check the alternator when you check the battery to ensure it is charging properly.
• If you expect your vehicle to sit for weeks at a time, invest in a battery minder.
• Always let your vehicle warm up gradually when starting it in the winter. Warming the vehicle allows the oil to thin a bit and circulate properly. It also eases the load on the battery if you let the vehicle warm before driving at highway speeds or revving the engine.

Contact Legend Motor Works To Get Your Car Battery Tested Today

Whether you need maintenance or repair for your Japanese or European vehicle or hybrid vehicle, contact Legend Motor Works at (719) 394-9686 for an appointment. We are conveniently located at 21 Commerce St., Colorado Springs CO 80907.

Take your Nissan to a trusted auto repair shop

The very first thing that you need to do is gather information about the repair shops in your location. Ask your family, friends, and the people you trust for some bits of info on where to take your Nissan. Don’t head out to the first shop you see without doing some research first. Asking around for details about the best Nissan auto repair near you usually yields good results. This step is crucial especially if your vehicle needs immediate maintenance or repairs.

Nissan repair should only be done by professionals

Never attempt to fix anything in your vehicle on your own. DIY auto repairs almost always end with costly repairs. Even basic maintenance work can turn into a disaster if done incorrectly. A Nissan mechanic has gone through hundreds of hours of training to be able to deliver expert service, so let the professionals handle it.
How to choose a Nissan mechanic
Choosing the right mechanic is vital. Just like getting medical care, you want an expert to take care of your vehicle. Look for a shop that has ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified mechanics. This should serve as the baseline requirement when searching for a place to get a Nissan auto repair done near you. Certified technicians are equipped with the necessary skills to handle just about any kind of problem your vehicle may have.

Maintaining your Nissan in Colorado Springs

Having a vehicle inspection done once you have found a reputable shop like Legend Motor works helps to keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come. Technicians will look into your vehicle’s condition and categorize its needs based on urgency. Proper scheduled maintenance ensures your vehicle performs well, lasts long, and provides the best possible mileage per gallon. Maintenance serves an invaluable purpose for any vehicle and especially for your daily driver. Always visit your trusted mechanic for regular maintenance and for Nissan auto repair near you.

What is included in preventive maintenance?

Newer car models have functionalities that tell its user when maintenance is required. Older vehicles, however, are not equipped with such warning features. This is why you need to be more careful if you are driving around an older vehicle. Typical routine maintenance usually involves getting your oil changed, fluids checked, brakes inspected, tires aligned and balanced, and more. The list goes on depending on the type of vehicle you have. Getting well-rounded maintenance will depend on the auto shop you go to. Some shops are thorough and others are not. When it comes to maintenance and Nissan auto repair near you, don’t go to the cheapest option only to be ripped off, always do your research ahead of time.

How to choose auto repair services

Make sure to select a decent and reliable auto shop before taking your car in for repairs. There are three things that you need to consider. The first is service quality. The level of service quality will depend on the skill set of the technicians handling your vehicle and the equipment they have. Skilled mechanics and the right tools are what you should be aiming for. The second is the cost. Make sure the cost of Nissan auto repair near you is reasonably priced. Third and last is the warranty. Make sure the repair shop offers warranties on most of the services they offer. This will give you peace of mind, knowing you have a safety net if anything goes wrong.

When is auto repair necessary?

Your Nissan, just like any other vehicle, will give you signs when repair is needed. These problems can be relatively easy to detect. Always consider four things. When your vehicle looks, smells, sounds, and feels like there’s something wrong, it is most likely time to head over to your trusted auto shop and get a Nissan auto repair done near you. Never delay repairs to avoid making the problems worse.

Key takeaways

Nissan maintenance and auto repair are crucial to keeping your car in top shape. Keep in mind that vehicles will need to be tuned more often the more miles are on your vehicle. Regardless of make or model, repairs will be needed at some point depending on certain variables. Lastly, when the need for auto services arise, remember these things:

• Go to an auto repair shop you trust
• Only let experienced technicians service your vehicle
• Do not delay repairs

For professional and reliable auto services, visit Legend Motor Works. We offer maintenance and repairs for your Nissan with fast turnaround times. Come see us today!