With the first cold snap of the season expected to bring temperatures down to below -15°C next week, Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) Manitoba has advised motorists to prepare by having their battery checked over the weekend.

According to CAA Canada, even a fully charged battery can lose power when the temperature dips below 0° Celsius. Warning signs that a car’s battery may need to be replaced include a slow crank when trying start; a grinding, clicking, or buzzing noise when the ignition is turned on; and dim headlights when idle.

Read more: CAA warns drivers about the dangers of extreme cold

“Our top priority is always focused on keeping our members safe and that means proactively encouraging Manitobans to prepare their vehicles,” said Heather Mack, manager, government and community relations at CAA Manitoba. “The first cold snap of the season always takes some by surprise, so we are encouraging drivers to top up car fluids over the weekend, plug in cars Sunday night and make sure that emergency kits are stocked with warm clothing.”