When winter hits Brisbane, most of us are reaching for a hoodie and a hot coffee — but your car battery? It’s doing it tough.
Here’s why winter is one of the worst times for your battery, and why a quick check could save you from being stranded on a cold morning.
❄️ Cold Weather = Sluggish Batteries
Car batteries rely on chemical reactions to generate power. The colder it gets, the slower these reactions become. Even in a mild Queensland winter, lower temps can reduce your battery’s output — meaning it might not have the grunt to start your car, especially first thing in the morning.
🔧 Short Trips Don’t Help Either
Winter often means shorter drives — just to the shops or dropping the kids to school. These quick trips don’t give your alternator enough time to properly recharge the battery, especially if you’re using the heater, demister, headlights, and wipers all at once.
⚠️ Warning Signs Your Battery’s Struggling
- Engine slow to crank when you start the car
- Flickering dashboard lights
- Needing a jump-start more than once
- Battery more than 3 years old
If you’re seeing (or hearing) any of these signs, it’s time to get it checked — before it lets you down.
FJ Manning offers – Free Battery Checks

We get it — no one wants to be stranded. That’s why we offer free battery checks right here at our Stafford workshop. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it gives you peace of mind.
We’ll test your battery’s health, check the terminals for corrosion, and make sure your alternator is charging correctly. If a new battery is needed, we’ll help you choose the right one for your vehicle.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t Wait Until It Dies
Most car batteries only last 3–5 years, and winter is when weak ones give up the ghost. Catching the problem early means avoiding the hassle of a breakdown or a tow.
Pop in today and let FJ Manning keep your car running smoothly all season long.
📍 Stafford | Family-Owned Since 1968
