Heat and Your Vehicle Battery

When people think of battery failures, they often imagine the icy climes of winter wreaking havoc on their vehicles. However, for residents of Arizona, it's the searing heat that poses the greatest threat to your vehicle battery. The desert sun can take a serious toll on your vehicle, causing premature battery failure. In this month's blog post, we look at why extreme heat is the real culprit, the signs of battery problems, and how to keep your battery in tip-top shape during and after the hot weather season.

The Impact of Heat on Batteries

Vehicle batteries thrive in moderate temperatures. However, when the mercury soars, several factors combine to degrade battery performance:

• Increased Chemical Activity: Heat accelerates the chemical reactions inside the battery, causing it to produce energy more quickly. While this might sound beneficial, it actually shortens the battery's life by depleting its components faster.
  
• Evaporation of Fluids: The extreme heat causes the water in the battery's electrolyte solution to evaporate more quickly. This can lead to a lower fluid level, reducing the battery's ability to hold a charge.
  
• Corrosion: High temperatures can speed up the rate of corrosion on the battery terminals and connections, impeding the flow of electricity.
  

Signs of Battery Problems

Recognizing the early signs of battery trouble can prevent you from being stranded with a dead battery. Keep an eye out for these symptoms:

• Slow Engine Crank: If your engine cranks slowly when you turn on the vehicle, it could indicate a weakened battery struggling to provide the necessary power.
  
• Dim Lights: Headlights and interior lights that appear dimmer than usual might suggest a declining battery.
  
• Battery Warning Light: Most modern vehicles have a dashboard warning light for battery issues. If this light comes on, it's a sign to get your battery checked.
  
• Swollen Battery Case: High heat can cause the battery case to swell, which is a clear indicator of internal damage.
  

Preventing Premature Battery Failure

To keep your vehicle's battery running smoothly through the hot Arizona summer and beyond, follow these maintenance tips:

1. Regular Inspections: Have your battery and charging system inspected by a service professional at least twice a year. This can help catch issues early before they become serious problems.
   
2. Keep It Clean: Clean the battery terminals and connections to prevent corrosion. Use a mixture of baking soda and water to neutralize any acid deposits and apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly to the terminals to prevent future corrosion.
   
3. Check Fluid Levels: If your battery has removable caps, check the fluid levels regularly. If the levels are low, add distilled water to maintain proper electrolyte balance.
   
4. Limit Short Trips: Short trips do not allow your battery enough time to recharge fully. Combine errands to give your battery a chance to recover.
   
5. Shade and Ventilation: Park your vehicle in the shade or a garage whenever possible. Good ventilation helps dissipate heat and keeps the battery cooler.
   

As the extreme heat subsides, it's crucial to continue maintaining your battery by getting a post-summer check-up. This test can determine if there was any sustained damage during the summer heat. By understanding how extreme heat impacts your vehicle's battery and taking proactive steps, you can prevent premature failure and enjoy reliable performance year-round. Stay vigilant and keep your vehicle in peak condition, no matter the season.

If you would like your battery inspected, contact the service professionals at Bell Road Automotive to schedule an appointment.