At Limberlost Automotive we know that it’s important to check the condition of your battery. Not only does the winter weather take a toll on the performance of batteries, so does the summer heat. On average, car batteries last between 2 and 5 years. Within 24 hours of driving in hot weather, a car battery will begin to discharge. That’s why the average car battery life in hotter regions is about 2 and a half years, compared to almost 4 and a half years in colder regions. So when estimating how long your car battery life will last, consider the climate you will do most of your driving in. In Tucson with the hot weather you need a battery that is built for the heat. Interstate batteries are proven to stand up to the intensive heat that we have. With their full replacement guarantee you know that Interstate stands behind their products and we are happy to partner with them to provide you the best battery in the industry.
Here are the eight main things that go wrong with car batteries:
- Short-circuited cell due to failure of the separator between the positive and negative plates.
- Short-circuited cell or cells due to a build-up of shed plate material below the plates.
- Sulfation after a long period of disuse in a low- or no-charge state.
- Corrosion or damage to the positive and negative terminals.
- Broken internal connections as a result of corrosion.
- Broken plates due to corrosion and vibration.
- Damage to the battery case.
- Low electrolyte (fluid) level.
Dead car batteries are more often linked to winter conditions, when colder temperatures inhibit the chemical reaction necessary to make a battery work. Extreme cold also increases the thickness of the engine oil, meaning your battery has to work harder to crank the engine.
Under such conditions we also tend to use energy consuming features more often, such as the heater, windscreen wipers and lights.
Most drivers know that car batteries don’t like extreme cold weather and have turned the ignition key on a cold winter’s morning only to find the battery has died.
But, did you know that high temperatures can be worse for your car battery and often the battery problems we experience during the winter actually started back in the summer?
WHY DO CAR BATTERIES DIE IN HOT WEATHER?
Batteries contain a liquid being a mixture of acid and water. It also generates heat and along with gaseous venting causes the liquid to slowly evaporate. When the fluid level gets too low, the internal plates of the battery are not adequately protected and damage can occur.
Damaged cells means a battery produces less voltage. However, at Limberlost Automotive we can sometimes repair damaged cells by applying an equalizing charge to give an extra boost – although this boost over-charges the healthy cells as well and can damage them. With standard acid flood car batteries it is possible to top up the liquid, extending the battery’s life
Five Ways To Give Your Battery TLC During The Summer
- Keep it cool
Since heat drains a car’s battery, parking it in a cool or shaded spot can buy your battery extra time. (Added bonus: Your car’s interior will be cooler when you get in, too!) - Increase your driving time
Driving short distances is a sure way to kill the battery because the alternator needs time to recharge the battery after it’s been started. Short trips with lots of starts and stops don’t allow time for your battery to fully recover. If you don’t use your car often, consider investing in a portable car battery charger. These portable chargers can jump start your battery without another vehicle in case you’re ever stranded. - Keep your battery tightly fastened
A battery that’s not securely fastened could end up vibrating, potentially resulting in internal damage and short circuits. Have your battery terminal checked regularly, especially if you frequently drive on bumpy roads, to ensure it is tightly and properly positioned in the mounting bracket. Limberlost Automotive can install the proper battery - Cut down on car battery drain
These days, we’re asking a lot from our cars, with electricity-loving devices such as navigation systems, DVD players, MP3 players, smart phones and onboard computers draining the battery. Everything you plug into the system takes a toll, so re-evaluate what you really need and how often you use it. - Keep it clean
Dirt and grease serve as insulators that trap heat around the battery. Wiping it down with a paper towel or rag on a regular basis will help keep the power-draining grime from accumulating. Check out engine cleaning tips to help keep your car on the road.