When temperatures drop this low, weak car batteries can't hang. Why Extreme Cold Creates Weak Car BatteriesCold weather doesn’t suddenly kill a healthy battery. How Battery Age Plays a Bigger Role in WinterMost car batteries last between three and five years under normal conditions. How to Test Your Car Battery During a Cold SnapA quick battery check can make the difference between getting where you need to go and waiting for a jump in freezing wind. If your battery is weak, a battery blanket or trickle charger can help maintain power in extreme cold, especially if the vehicle sits overnight.