Your vehicle’s car battery plays an important role in its overall driving ability and performance. After all, the car battery is in charge of powering all sorts of electrical systems within your vehicle. From the taillights and headlights to the interior cabin lights, stereo system, windshield wipers, onboard computer systems, and of course, the engine, the car battery is a vital component that should be maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions. However, car battery malfunctions happen from time to time. With the proper knowledge, you can resolve car battery problems on your own and in no time at all.

Continue reading to learn the top three things you need to know about your car battery that can help you in situations just like that.

3 Car Battery Facts You Should Be Aware Of

Cold Weather Can Affect a Car Battery

It is common knowledge that cold weather can negatively affect a car battery. In fact, freezing temperatures can drain a car battery anywhere from 30% to 60%. Oppositely, extreme heat and hot temperatures can also cause parasitic draw in a battery. Car batteries use an electrochemical reaction to send power signals to the terminal ends. When temperatures drop, this electrochemical reaction is significantly slowed. As a result, your car battery can die. Fortunately, a handy set of jumper cables will solve this problem on the go. This brings us to our next important car battery fact that you should know!

Jumper Cables Can Fix a Dead Battery

All drivers are strongly encouraged to keep an emergency roadside assistance kit inside of their vehicle at all times. Part of this emergency roadside kit should be a quality set of jumper cables. Jumper cables are used to jump start a dead car battery. All you need is another car and their engine power to get the job done. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to jump start the car battery or ask your trusted mechanic for a quick lesson next time you take your car in for routine service. It is something simple and even a teenager can do it!

Car Batteries Can Be Recycled

Car batteries must be replaced every 3 to 4 years, so it is inevitable that you will be faced with the duty at some point in your driving career. But when the time comes to replace your old car battery with a new one, do not just toss your old one in the trash. Car batteries can be, and should always be, recycled. Simply contact your local scrap metal recycling center or auto salvage yard, and they will give you instructions on how to complete the process. They will even pay you cash for the scrap metal!