It’s true that battery failure can occur in any climate and season and that both hot and cold temperatures can influence the lifespan of your battery. But contrary to what seems more likely, warmer weather can be even more detrimental to the health and life of your battery than cold, winter temperatures.
In fact, the uptick of battery replacements in winter is often a result of strenuous activity during the summer. Warm temperatures outside of your car have a much greater impact on the chemistry that goes on inside your vehicle’s battery. Excessive high temperatures can cause accelerated chemical reactions, leading to loss of electrolytes that can result in a reduction in lifespan.
There are ways to reduce this damage and keep your battery running smoothly for as long as possible. Simple, basic maintenance should never be overlooked. It’s important to know how to perform basic maintenance on your vehicle to avoid damage and improve battery life. Here are a few basic maintenance tips to follow:
- Perform regular visual inspections of the battery to ensure that the battery is clean, dry, and has no signs of swelling. Wipe down the battery to remove dirt and grease- this is an insulator and can keep the battery hot.
- Check that the battery terminals are not loose.
- Where possible, park your car in a cool spot to prevent exposing the battery to high ambient temperature and consequent high self-discharge.
- It is recommended to test your battery at least twice a year – when it has not been in use for extended periods and before a long-distance trip. You can have your battery tested at one of our approved battery specialists.
Get the battery checked regularly by a professional if you’re not sure about maintenance and remember that all batteries will naturally age and lose function over time. It’s vital to know when your battery has reached the end of its life and needs replacing. The following are signs that your battery is on its way out:
- You hear grinding or a clicking sound when you turn the ignition.
- The engine does not swing at all when you turn the ignition.
- Your vehicle cranks slowly when attempting to start.
- Your headlights dim when idling but brighten when you rev your engine.
Keep in mind other factors that will also affect your battery’s life. These include your personal driving style and routine, weather conditions, vehicle mileage, and age.
Where you live also influences your battery’s life. Average temperatures and other environmental factors can significantly affect the quality and years of service you can expect from any car battery. The best thing drivers can do to extend this life is understand the importance of maintenance and buy the highest quality battery you can from trusted brands – like SABAT!