Cold brings out battery of charges

Curious about the toll the cold weather is taking on batteries these days, I stopped by The Battery Man at 1390 St. James St. on Tuesday to get the scoop, and learned that rather than vehicle batteries, the highest demand is for cellphone, camera batteries and the like.

“And why is that?” I ask Brett Duseigne, managing partner of The Battery Man.

“There’s just so many batteries of that nature out there these days, volume rules, but cold weather has no favourites, it’s hard on all batteries,” he said. “And frigid weather really brings out the duds.”

The good news is, Brett and his boys have every battery you could possibly imagine, and when it comes to your vehicle, they offer free battery/charging system checks that have you in and out “in less time than the coffee line at Tim Hortons”, jokes one of the guys.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’m a fan of this place. You can trust them, the service is great, the prices competitive, and their knowledge of batteries unmatched.

No question, the right battery is essential in this climate. My Mini Cooper is always parked outdoors and has no block heater. Imagine. But because of the combination of a really good battery and 0/40 synthetic oil, it starts every time. Love it.

Any other tips, Brett?

“Don’t forget gas line antifreeze,” he said. “Doesn’t matter how good your battery is. No gas, no go.”

Excellent point (also, don’t leave your phone/camera in your cold car overnight). Any questions, give Brett a dingle at 775-8271 and he’ll make the pain go away.