AAA: Cold temperatures can wreak havoc on your car's battery

AAA reports an increase in roadside calls due to dead car batteries in freezing temperatures and offers suggestions for drivers.

During cold weather snaps, AAA reports that dead batteries are one of the top service calls they receive. According to AAA, a car battery loses a third of its power in freezing weather and as the temperature drops the oil in your car thickens and parts move slower causing your battery to use more power to turn over and start the engine.

It’s the dead of winter in Chicago, with a cold weather advisory in place, wind chills as low as -30 — and your car won’t start. Hopefully this isn’t a familiar scene. But according to AAA, cold temperatures can leave you with a dead or stressed car battery.