WINTER weather is tough on all parts of a vehicle but it is the battery that can suffer the most when the temperatures drop.

Your vehicle's battery loses 33 per cent of its power in cold winter weather and more than 50 per cent of its power when the temperature falls below zero.

To make matters worse, your vehicle requires more power in the winter to turn over the engine and run the heater and defroster.

A weakened battery can easily fail to start your vehicle, leaving you stranded just when you need to be on the move.

Fortunately, performing proper battery maintenance can help you avoid getting stuck when the weather turns cold.

Follow these guidelines to help your battery survive the winter and see you through to the summer: Clean your terminals Corrosion of your battery terminals can be a major source of problems in cold weather. The corrosion keeps power from flowing freely from the battery even when it is actually there, reducing the power that is available to start the car. To avoid this, clean your battery terminals with a wire brush or spray some battery cleaner on the terminals. But be sure to wear safety glasses and take proper safety measures whenever you are working with a battery.

Give your battery a medical If your battery is three years old or older, you should have it tested to make sure it can survive the coldest winter months. And don't forget to have your battery tested before you take a long trip or after it's been recharged.

Don't assume the worst Just because you needed a boost to start your car on a cold morning doesn't necessarily mean that you need a new battery. Your battery depends on a properly functioning charging system, so make sure the system is working well before going to the expense of buying a new battery. Your reputable local garage may be willing to test both your battery and your charging system for free, helping you save money and time by identifying the real problem.

Be smart when you jump start If the battery fails, and you need to jump-start a vehicle, be sure to follow the vehicle manufacturer's guidelines. Passers-by may chip in with their own advice and questionable short cuts, but go strictly by the book. Failure to do so could invalidate your warranty.

Jump-starting incorrectly can be dangerous and can damage the vehicle's electrical system, so always exercise caution. Once again, you should always wear safety glasses and take all appropriate safety measures to prevent injury.