Last week in the morning, I saw a car in the parking lot that wouldn't start on the first try. It made a clicking sound before finally starting. This is a signal that should be addressed before the real cold hits Omaha.

Batteries often seem fine one day and suddenly die the next. However, they usually weaken gradually over weeks or months. The problem is that the moment you notice it is often the coldest morning of the year.

Why winter? According to data from the AAA Automotive Research Center, when the temperature drops to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, battery power decreases by 35%.

If it drops to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, the loss can increase to 60%. Seeing the numbers, it's much more significant than I thought.

To make matters worse, AAA explains that on cold days, starting the engine requires up to twice the normal current. Supply decreases while demand increases.

Nebraska winters often bring both of these conditions at the same time. So, November is the perfect time for a check-up.

It's also good to know the lifespan of a battery. According to AAA, it typically ranges from 3 to 5 years, and modern cars with more electronics may lean closer to the 3-year mark.

So, if your car is over 3 years old, it's wise to check its condition before this winter. Many batteries have a date sticker that indicates their age.

Here's the key tip: you don't need to pay for a battery check. Most major auto parts stores offer free battery tests.

According to Jalopnik, O'Reilly, Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, and NAPA all provide free testing. You can go without an appointment, but it's advised to call ahead.

An employee will come out with a portable tester, connect it to your battery, and that's it. The results usually come back in just a few minutes.

O'Reilly states in their official guide that they offer free battery testing and charging, as well as free starter and alternator tests. This is important because it helps determine whether the starting issue is due to the battery or the charging system.

Replacing a battery that's still good is the most wasteful expense. If the alternator is the problem and you only replace the battery, it will die again in a few weeks.

If a replacement is necessary, you can save on installation costs. O'Reilly, Advance, and AutoZone will install a battery for free if you purchase it from their store. However, NAPA does not offer free installation, according to Jalopnik.

Keep in mind that not all cars qualify. If the battery is located under the seat or deep in the trunk, they may direct you to a service center.

There are also chain service options. Goodyear, Firestone, and Pep Boys offer free checks, but Firestone requires a coupon from their website, and Pep Boys excludes hybrids and EVs.

If you're an AAA member, there are also free tests available for members. Availability varies by region, so check with your local AAA first.

Don't just ignore the test results; make sure to review them. They will indicate whether the battery is normal, needs charging, or should be replaced. If it says charging is needed, it's a good idea to charge it and request a retest.

Even if a replacement is recommended, you don't need to choose the most expensive option right away. Many stores display batteries in categories like good, better, and best.

Consumer Reports advises choosing a battery with a long free replacement period. If it's labeled 24/84, that means 24 months of free replacement and 84 months of prorated warranty.

Consumer Reports also noted that once you enter the prorated period, the amount you get back decreases quite quickly. So, I prefer to look at the longer free period first rather than the larger number on the back end.

It's also good to have a sense of pricing. Torque News quoted CR's newsletter stating that the average price of batteries recently tested was $170, with the most expensive exceeding $350.

Additionally, CR mentioned that regular lead-acid batteries have sometimes performed better in tests than batteries that are two to three times more expensive. Just because something is expensive doesn't mean it lasts longer.

When replacing, there's one more thing to keep in mind. Depending on the store, if you don't return the old battery, they may charge a core charge as a deposit. Make sure to bring the old battery back to get your money back.

There's also a reason you shouldn't just throw the old battery in the trash. It contains lead and acid, which are harmful to the environment, and returning it to the store is the cleanest way to dispose of it.

Regular maintenance isn't difficult either. If you only drive short distances repeatedly, the battery may not charge fully, so it's good to occasionally take a longer drive.

If you see white or green powder on the terminals, it can affect the connection. You can ask the staff to check this when you get tested.

If your headlights are dimmer than usual, your horn is weak, or your engine starts slowly, these are warning signs. AAA recommends checking the battery, starter, and alternator if you notice these symptoms.

CR also advises testing the battery annually to replace it before you get stranded. Since it's free, there's no reason not to do it.

If it were me, I'd stop by an auto parts store on my way to grocery shopping this weekend. A quick stop could save me the towing fee on a freezing morning and prevent being late for work, which is a great value.