Lately, it seems like the heat here in Arizona will never go away. The temperatures are really heating things up – but it is probably one of the things you love about living here! During the summer months, there can be a little extra pressure placed on your vehicle. The heat can have an impact on your tire condition as well as your car battery. Plus, nothing is going to get you even more heated up than a damaged or dead car battery when you need your vehicle most, right?
The Battery Drain
Summer temps can really drain and damage the battery. Just like people need to stay cool after activity, your vehicle is the same way. Summer temps tend to evaporate the necessary fluids your battery needs and this will weaken its charge. Inside the battery, the heat can also do a number on the internal components – they will start to corrode and weaken as well. Corrosion is irreversibly damaging to the structure of your car battery. Your battery now has less power, ages faster or could end up dead and you stranded in the heat.
The Preventative Measures
As things heat up, your trusted auto repair shop can test your battery and check the condition and power before something goes wrong. Being proactive can save a lot of time and frustration down the road. Although most batteries come sealed and they don’t require actual preventative maintenance services, a repair tech can check water levels and condition.
Cold Temps Followed by Heat
Cold temps kill batteries or can damage them, too. But the colder weather followed by extreme heat can really put things over the top. It doesn’t take much to damage your battery and add in those summer road trips and drives in the A/C and you could have a real problem.
Car Battery Issues To Look For
Be on the lookout for signs that your car battery is dying. These can include, but are not limited to, a slower than normal crank of your engine upon starting, an illuminated check engine light or battery light, a low level of fluid if you look at your battery, the battery case looks swollen or enlarged, there is corrosion where the battery cables connect, your headlights or interior lights seem dim or your battery is three years old or more.
Making Your Car Battery Last Longer
- Limit those short trips by car and several errands at once, as your battery cannot fully recharge and recover in between.
- Always be sure you turn off exterior and interior lights.
- Keep the battery and the battery posts clean.
- Don’t use electronics in the car when it is off.
- Park in the shade or in a garage to reduce direct sunlight.
- Make sure the barrier for your car battery is there.
- Have your vehicle maintained and serviced by a trusted repair shop who will check and repair your car battery needs as the summer progresses.
Happy driving! Stay cool!
