Harsh Winter May Leave Drivers In The Cold

    DALLAS, TX, November 30, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Three-quarters of the nation will endure more days of cold weather this winter than in recent years and significant snowfall is predicted in every zone, according to the 2010 Farmers' Almanac. With harsh weather on the way, 58-year-old Interstate Batteries provides expert advice on ways to protect car batteries from the cold.

A vehicle's battery will lose 35 percent of its efficiency when the temperature dips below freezing and more than 50 percent of its power when the temperature falls below zero. Interstate Batteries recommends the following tips to ensure your battery is ready for inclement weather:

Check It: The cold weather can dramatically reduce a battery's available starting power, so have your car's starting and charging system tested every three months.
Charge It: Use a battery charger to maintain charge levels and keep the battery in good condition. A fully charged battery will not freeze until -76 degree F; however, a fully discharged battery could start to freeze at just below 32 degree F (0 degree C).
Maintain It: Inspect your battery cables, posts, and fasteners. Make sure your cables are in good shape and are secured firmly to the battery, and promptly address issues before they leave you stranded.

"As the weather continues to steadily drop, a battery's efficiency will decrease and produce less current making it difficult to start your engine," said Gale Kimbrough, Interstate Batteries Technical Services Manager. The colder temperatures also affect the engine's need for additional power during starting. The starting power required at freezing could be 150% of that compared to 80F (26.7C) and approximately 250% at 0 degree F (-18C). "At Interstate Batteries, we provide essential maintenance tips that will ensure your battery will last during holiday season travels."

Interstate Batteries will kick off its winter battery creative campaign this month with new TV commercials designed to reach an increasingly younger target demo. Videos can be found on YouTube ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctB6E_3OyCM ) and Interstate Batteries' Web site under winterizing batteries ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54pmRLzd9ZE ).

The trusted Interstate Batteries brand promises outrageous dependability and advises drivers to perform these tasks a month prior to road trips to eliminate any problems.

About Interstate Batteries
Founded in 1952 and based in Dallas, Texas, Interstate Batteries is comprised of a privately held group of companies who sell, market and distribute all types of batteries and related products. Its member companies operate retail All Battery Center stores, provide franchising opportunity and support, and distribution through a state-of-the-art distribution center in Des Moines, Iowa. Interstate Batteries also provides products and services for motive and critical power needs through PowerCare Service and Solutions, Inc. Interstate Batteries is "#1 in Batteries," best known for its system of nearly 300 distributors who service more than 200,000 locations selling automotive, marine/RV, commercial and other types of SLI products throughout the United States, Canada and select international locations.

Since Interstate's beginnings, recycling batteries has been a key part of the services the company offers. Last year alone, Interstate returned more than a billion pounds of lead-acid batteries to government-regulated smelters across the United States for recycling. Interstate Batteries also offers batteries and information online at www.InterstateBatteries.com

Media Contacts:
Lauren Jones-McClain or Michelle Huff
(214) 379-7000
[email protected]
[email protected]

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