The Four Pillars

Why Do Car Batteries Struggle in Cold Weather?

When temperatures plummet during a polar vortex, your car battery struggles to keep up. Cold weather slows the chemical reactions inside the battery, making it harder to generate the electricity needed to start your engine. Think of it like pouring syrup straight from the fridge—it’s sluggish and inefficient. On top of that, freezing temperatures thicken engine oil, forcing the battery to work even harder to turn over the engine.

This combination of slowed chemical reactions and added strain can leave even a healthy battery struggling—and an older or weak one may not stand a chance. If your battery fails, here are three effective ways to get back on the road when winter takes its toll.

Three Ways to Start Your Car in Freezing Weather

1. Portable Jump Starter: The Ultimate Winter Lifesaver

A portable jump starter, like our Zeus Pro or Zeus Air, is a compact, handheld device powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries. Designed to deliver powerful performance, it can jumpstart cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and even diesel engines—all without the need for a second vehicle or waiting to charge the battery.

• Incredible Power: Both the Zeus Pro and Zeus Air provide enough energy to handle large vehicles and demanding conditions.
• Compact and Portable: Small enough to fit in your glove box, yet powerful enough to get you back on the road.
• Multi-Functional: Includes USB ports for charging devices, built-in LED flashlights with emergency strobe and SOS modes, and a tire inflator on the Zeus Air for added utility.
• Cold-Weather Reliability: Lithium-ion technology and advanced engineering ensure reliable performance, even in freezing temperatures, by maintaining battery efficiency and delivering high bursts of power instantly when you need them most.

A portable jump starter eliminates the need for assistance from others, making it an independent and reliable solution for winter emergencies. 

2. Traditional Jumper Cables

Jumper cables are a tried-and-true method for reviving a dead battery. If you have a second vehicle or a helpful passerby, follow these steps:

1. Park the assisting car close to yours, ensuring the vehicles don’t touch.
2. Attach the jumper cables in the correct order (positive to positive, negative to grounded metal).
3. Start the assisting vehicle and let it run for a few minutes.
4. Attempt to start your car.

Pros:

• Affordable and widely available.
• Effective if another vehicle is accessible.

Cons:

• Requires a second car and a willing driver.
• Risky if cables are not attached correctly.
• Not ideal if you’re alone or in extreme cold.

Jumper cables are a solid backup but depend on external help, which may not always be available during harsh winter weather.

3. Call Roadside Assistance

If you don’t have a jump starter or cables—or prefer professional help—you can contact roadside assistance. Many car insurance policies and memberships (like AAA) offer jumpstart services.

Pros:

• Professional, no-guesswork solution.
• Often included with car insurance or memberships.

Cons:

• Long wait times during severe weather.
• Limited availability in remote areas.
• Can be costly if not covered under a plan.

While reliable, roadside assistance can leave you waiting for hours during peak demand in extreme conditions.

Choosing the Best Solution

Preparation is key to avoiding winter car troubles. Here’s how the options compare:

• Best All-Around Solution: The Zeus Pro or Zeus Air Jump Starter – Portable, independent, and ready anytime.
• Budget-Friendly Backup: Jumper Cables – Effective but require another vehicle.
• Last Resort: Roadside Assistance – Reliable but slow and dependent on availability.

Don’t Let the Cold Leave You Stranded

A dead battery is inconvenient in summer but can become an emergency during a polar vortex. Equip yourself with a Zeus Jump Starter to face winter with confidence. Whether you’re dealing with a dead battery, a low phone charge, or the need for extra light, the Zeus has you covered.

Stay prepared. Stay safe. And don’t let winter win.