ROCHESTER, N.Y. — As temperatures drop, car batteries have a tougher time getting started.

Cold weather thickens engine oil, making it harder for the engine to start. Additionally, the cold slows down the chemical reactions inside the battery, resulting in less power. With wind chills expected to push temperatures below zero starting Friday, car batteries will have less power and more work to do.

Paul Marone, owner of East Ave Auto, advised keeping the gas tank at least three-quarters full. He also recommended getting your battery tested if you hear a lazy, wind-up sound when turning the key.

If your car sounds fine and you’re on the road, Marone suggests you leave the house dressed for the weather outside. Marone said there have been numerous instances where a tow truck arrived to find someone stranded in pajamas, which can be dangerous in the expected weather.

When driving in active snow, Marone emphasized the importance of knowing how your brakes work, as every car make and model is different.

“New cars, a lot of them have anti-lock brakes. You want to be ready and know how it works. It’s not pumping the brake anymore. You hold your foot on the brake pedal,” said Marone. “The best experience is go find a parking lot that’s full of snow, slam the brakes on in your car and watch how it reacts. And be used to how your car breaks in the snow or ice.”

Marone also suggested washing your car frequently if you drive through salted roads often, as salt can erode brakes. He advised washing the salt out of the car’s body to keep the brakes in good shape.

For those traveling by air this weekend, Marone recommended getting dropped off at the airport instead of driving. This prevents leaving your car out in the cold for extended periods.

How does the cold impact electric vehicles?

Electric Car Corner says that cold weather primarily impacts how far electric vehicles will go. When temperatures drop to around 32 degrees, the range of EV batteries decreases by about 10%, they said.

When temps fall below 10 degrees, battery range depletes another 15-20%, Electric Car Corner said. Even if you charge it all the way, that battery gets drained quicker and you can’t drive as far in colder weather.

Unlike gas-fueled cars, electric vehicles do not require engine oil. Once the EV battery is on, it operates efficiently, they said.

Electric Car Corner advised thinking of an EV battery like a phone battery. The more apps you have open, or the more things you have going like heated seats, hot air, the radio, the more energy you’re using up, they said.

Electric car companies recommend parking EVs inside when possible. Charging outside in the elements does not affect battery health.

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