While freezing temperatures sweep the country, many drivers are having batteries give out on them. Talk about a crappy surprise! Cold weather makes weak batteries fail. If your car struggles to start, you may be due to replace the battery. But before you spend money on a new car battery, here’s what you need to know.

Is a 5-year-old car battery still good?

If it still works and isn’t leaking or misshapen, you can probably keep running it. But if you’re planning a long camping trip or driving to a colder part of the country, replace the battery now.

Most car batteries last three to five years, according to Firestone Complete Auto Care. After five years, failure is more likely, especially in extreme temperatures. The cold temperatures mean the battery holds less of a charge. Also, cold weather thickens engine oil, making the battery work harder to spin and start the engine. If you’re heading into a freeze, it’s better maintenance to replace an aging battery now than to risk getting stranded later.

How do you know if your car needs a new battery?

Watch for signs like slow cranking on start-up, dim headlights, a low horn pitch, and dashboard warnings. A swollen battery or acid leaks also mean it’s time to replace it.

A weak battery gives warning signs before it quits. Jiffy Lube lists the above red flags. Firestone adds that a swollen or leaking battery is a sure sign of failure. And dangerous! If your windows roll down slowly or your radio flickers, your battery might not be delivering enough power.

Do I need a new battery or just a jump?

A jump-start can get you going, but it won’t fix a bad battery. Instead of heading home, drive straight to an auto parts store for a test.

Many chain parts stores, such as AutoZone, offer free battery testing and charging. Their test machines check voltage with the engine off and running to pinpoint whether your battery, alternator, or another system is failing. If your battery just needs a charge, they’ll do that for free too. This quick check can save you from wasting money to replace a battery when the real problem is your alternator.

The bottom line on when to replace your battery

If your battery is more than three years old, winter could push it over the edge. A weak battery won’t always give obvious signs before dying. The best move? Get it tested before it fails. A free check at an auto parts store and investing to replace your battery early could save you the hassle of a dead car in the cold.