Waking up to 21-degree weather this week, some drivers are cranking cars to find dead car batteries and a laundry list of other cold weather-induced vehicle problems.

“It (cold) does take a toll on a battery,” said Richard Rankin, owner of Rankin Auto Works.

According to Wally Keys, store manager of Firestone, they have been replacing more car batteries in the past week than usual, most of which are done in by the cold.

Batteries require more cranking amps in colder weather, reducing their charge and ability to crank an engine. Cranking is the hardest work a battery does and in 25 degree temperatures, cranking power can be reduced as much as 35 percent, according to AAA Carolinas.

AAA reported on Tuesday a spike in the number of motorists stranded by dead car batteries.

“We received 45 percent more calls yesterday related to battery trouble compared with the past four Mondays,” said David E. Parsons, president and CEO of AAA Carolinas. “The drop in temperatures and winter conditions makes this a very busy time for road service.”

Rankin personally hasn’t seen many cars with dead batteries but is busy with other repairs.

Exacerbated by sub-freezing temperatures, car batteries top the list, but aren’t the only issues local car repair shops are mending.

“We’ve been seeing coolant flushes (and) batteries going,” Keys, “Also lots of tires. People are traveling around, especially to the mountains where it’s snowing.”

Rankin said he has been seeing a rise in the number of vehicle owners bringing in heaters in need of repair.

“If they didn’t need heat then, they need it now,” Rankin said. “Been seeing a lot of that here.”

Primarily Rankin attributes faulty heaters to heater cores that need flushing and cleaning. That doesn’t always help though.

Keys recommends that drivers have their vehicle inspected before the winter season, but if they’ve waited until now, go ahead and do it.

“Have it looked at by a trusted mechanic of a shop with good reputation.”

Likewise, vehicles need to be inspected by the first of spring to prevent damage to a vehicle in the summer.

“Motorists should have their battery checked when they learn of an incoming onslaught of cold weather,” said Parsons. “A fully charged battery is the best defense against cold weather and vehicle non-starts.”

AAA offers some other winter tips:

Check your batteries connections for corrosion. When starting your car in the morning, turn on electricity first and wait 30 seconds for the battery to warm up before starting.

Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid freezing gas lines.

Thinner grades of oil are better for colder weather, opt for 5W-30 over 10W-30.

Check tire pressure every one to two weeks as low temperatures can reduce tire pressure and will limit control on slick roads.

Never use wiper blades to clear ice or frost as this damages the blades.

Use a scraper or canned de-icer. Make sure all windows are clear for best visibility.

Staff writer Bryan Stewart can be reached at 997-3111 ext. 15 or by e-mail at bstewart@yourdailyjournal.com.