The result? Decreased battery capacity, a weakened ability to start an engine and, ultimately, shorter battery life. Make sure your battery is ready for the hot summer months. Get a free simple five-minute battery test to make sure your battery will beat the heat. Use our Find a Retailer to find a location near you for a free battery test.
It is important to prepare your battery for the winter season during autumn. If a fan belt is frayed or cracked, have it replaced. Add water. Most batteries today are sealed and do not require you to monitor water levels. Even with good care and maintenance, the life of a car battery is only three to five years. If you live in a part of the country that experiences temperature extremes, your battery life may be even shorter.
Maintenance matters. Performing regularly scheduled maintenance, such as oil changes, battery tests or having a full mechanical inspection, is recommended as the seasons change.
Keeping it cool. Window covers are a great way to keep the heat from building up inside your cabin, too. Get a Battery Quote. Share this article: Twitter. Related Articles. Automotive How to protect your vehicle from rust. Automotive 4 things you probably didn't know about your CAA Membership. Automotive CAA's ultimate tire buying guide. By keeping the battery charged and in a cool location you can help prevent these things from happening.
Battery tests have indicated that for every 15 degrees Fahrenheit the ambient temperature rises, the life of a typical car battery is cut roughly in half. A battery that might last ten years at 77 degrees might only last for five years at 92 degrees — and if the temperature is increased to then that lifespan drops to two and a half years.
One good precaution is to park your car in the shade, in a carport or in a garage, instead of in the direct sunlight. Doing so will help keep the temperature a few degrees lower. Also, try to keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt acts as a conductor and corrosion acts as an insulator, which can affect your electrical system as your battery alternately leaks energy and works harder to do its job. This increased heat can cause corrosion inside your battery which can result in inhibited current flow.
Inspect your battery on a regular basis for signs of corrosion. Clean any corrosion with a copper brush or a scouring pad. In a lead-acid battery, the summer heat can cause the water to evaporate from the electrolyte. Check the water level in each cell and if low, refill with distilled water. Examine the battery for signs of leaks, cracks or bulges. If you notice any of these issues, it is time to replace your battery before it leaves you stranded.
Before summer heats up, have your mechanic check the battery and electrical system. They can spot issues before they become bigger problems. If your battery is more than four years old, consider changing it.
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