Your Car’s Battery Needs A Break From the Heat, Too!

How Does Hot Weather Hurt Battery Life?

The humble automotive battery is one of the most important components in any vehicle. However, for as reliable as they have become, extreme temperatures can have a pretty negative effect on a battery. So, how does hot weather hurt battery life? In short, an overheated battery can have a shortened lifecycle. Our team of Davis Chevrolet service experts has put together a few pieces of information that could be helpful to help owners take better care of their vehicles. Let’s see what they put together.

READ MORE: How Do You Know If You Need Service?

High Temperatures Affect Battery Function

Most automotive batteries used by most passenger vehicles have a comfortable operating range that falls between 21° and 26° C. However, when it’s hot outside in the summer, it gets hotter under the hood where the heat of the engine can combine with ambient air to drive up temperatures. 

In the winter, colder temperatures slow down the chemical reactions used to create electricity. The heat of summer does the opposite and speeds up those chemical reactions, causing a faster discharge cycle and generally shortening the battery’s lifespan.

Additionally, high summer temperatures can put extra strain on the vehicle’s internal charging system, which can burn out the alternator from increased demand. 

How Do You Prevent Heat Damage to Batteries?

It might seem like heat damage to your car’s battery is inevitable. However, there are a few simple things you can do to give yourself the best chance of preventing heat damage to the battery system.

• Avoid letting the vehicle sit for long periods. Regular trips of more than 20 minutes will keep the battery charged
• If possible, park out of the sun in a garage or, at least, in the shade
• Don’t turn on the lights or stereo without the engine running
• Keep battery posts/terminals clean and free from corrosion 

If you think you might need a new battery, stop by the Davis Chevrolet Service Department, and a member of our team will perform a quick test. Make an appointment with us today to learn more.