As temperatures get colder, motorists get more conscious of their car’s conditions. In some instances – especially in colder European markets – this means changing to winter tyres. Meanwhile testing lights are a matter of course for drivers. However, the car battery is often neglected, although it is under even more stress during the cold season. For example, continuous use of the windshield heater or the air conditioning system takes a large amount of power and makes heavy demands on the battery. Especially in winter, the only way to avoid unpleasant surprises is to have the battery checked regularly by the workshop – something battery maker Johnson Controls is advocating. The latest ADAC statistics show that 39 per cent of all breakdowns are due to the battery.