Check your battery before winter arrives: these places will test it for free – Jalopnik

Although car batteries discharge more quickly in warm weather, it is still essential to keep everything under control in winter. Here’s why: Cold temperatures reduce a battery’s starting ability. A battery that isn’t in the best health to begin with could leave you stranded when the weather turns cold. Of course, a car battery never runs out when it suits you, and no car battery lasts forever – three to five years is normal. So checking this before a problem occurs can save you a lot of trouble later.

If you don’t feel comfortable under the hood or don’t know the difference between a cold front and a cold crank booster, there are plenty of places you can test the battery. Ideally, this service should be part of your car’s routine maintenance. However, if you’re already overdue for an oil change or you drive an electric car that doesn’t require much maintenance, you’re probably not far from a company that will check the 12-volt battery for free. Most auto supply chains, such as O’Reilly and AutoZone, and some national auto repair centers, such as Firestone Complete Auto Care and Pep Boys, are eager to help.

Don’t just think of this as a public service; these companies want to sell you a new battery when yours is about to run out. Still, it’s worth taking advantage of this service if you see warning signs that a battery has reached its prime.

Chances are you’re not far from a store operated by one of the big four auto suppliers: O’Reilly Auto Parts, Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone and NAPA Auto Parts. All four offer free battery tests. Any of these locations are a good place to start. You don’t need an appointment (although it’s always a good idea to call first), and there may be options (think good, better, and best) if the battery needs to be replaced. Most also offer free installation (O’Reilly, Advance, and AutoZone specifically list this as a free service. NAPA does not).

Be on the lookout for sales and promotions, which can save you money if the battery needs to be replaced. Also, research the best car batteries so you don’t walk in blind. Meanwhile, Batteries Plus doesn’t fit the mold of an auto parts store, but it is also a retailer that offers free testing and installation. As the name implies, it focuses on batteries, including those for cars.

If you have a good relationship with a local garage, consider requesting a free battery check. Otherwise, national auto repair companies like Firestone Complete Auto Care and Pep Boys offer free testing. However, these companies may require additional steps or have limitations. For example, Firestone requires customers to present a coupon available on the website. Meanwhile, Pep Boys is excluding hybrids, electric vehicles and hard-to-reach batteries from its free service. After all, car manufacturers can place batteries in the worst locations. You can also add Goodyear Auto Service to the list of national repair shops that offer free battery testing.

You do not necessarily have to go to a major chain store for a free battery check. A branch of a regional repair company may offer free battery testing. On the East Coast, Mr. Tire offers free checks, as does Monro Auto Service, which is owned by the same company and also has locations in the Midwest. Based in Arizona Call Auto offers free battery diagnostics through a national network of local small and medium service centers operating under different names.

Keep in mind that repair shops of all sizes work with more than just batteries. These facilities can be busy, so calling ahead is wise and you may need to make an appointment.