Turn on your headlights for 10 seconds before driving to save money
Cold mornings can be brutal for both you and your car. You step outside, turn the key, and… nothing. The engine stutters, the dashboard lights flicker weakly, and your vehicle refuses to start. It’s a common winter struggle caused by low temperatures draining the strength of your battery. But according to mechanics, there’s a simple, often-overlooked trick that can make a big difference: turning on your headlights for about ten seconds before starting the car.
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It might sound strange, but this small step helps “wake up” your battery by warming up its chemical components. When temperatures drop, the electrolyte inside the battery thickens, and its efficiency decreases. By briefly switching on the headlights, you allow a small current to flow, activating the battery and restoring some of its lost energy before it has to handle the heavy task of starting the engine.
For people whose cars spend the night outdoors, this trick can be a lifesaver. But it’s just one part of a smart winter strategy for keeping your car healthy
and reliable. Parking under shelter whenever possible, covering the hood at night, and turning off all electrical systems (radio, wipers, AC) before shutting off the ignition can all help preserve battery life. Regular maintenance — especially checking battery voltage and replacing old batteries before the coldest months — also plays a key role.
Turn on your headlights for 10 seconds before driving to save money
Every winter morning, it’s the same story: you turn the key, and nothing… Or your car coughs before deciding to start. The cold seems to drain all the energy from your battery, and here you are facing a new morning ordeal. However, a simple trick could well save the day. My mechanic, Stéphane, revealed his secret to me, and since then, no more worries!
If your vehicle sleeps outside and the temperatures drop sharply, your battery can even discharge completely . A problematic situation, especially when you are in a hurry in the morning!
Protecting your car from the cold: a few simple steps
Protecting your car from the cold: a few simple steps
To avoid a dead battery, adopt these good habits :
Park under cover : If possible, park your car in a garage or under cover. If not, park it near a wall or hedge to reduce exposure to the icy wind .
Turn off all equipment before switching off the ignition : Radio, heating, windshield wipers, etc. These devices consume current when starting. By deactivating them when stopping, you preserve your battery .
Use a winter cover : A simple cover can limit the impact of the cold on your engine and battery.
Check the condition of your battery : If it starts to age, consider replacing it before winter to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Car dealership
A simple solution for more peaceful mornings
With this tip, no more stress when starting. A simple action – turning on the headlights for a few seconds – is enough to wake up your battery and avoid unexpecte
