The Heat is On - Is Your Battery Ready?
Temperatures are rising, but is your car ready to beat the heat? Everyone knows that winter’s chill can kill a car battery faster than you can say Jack Frost, but did you know that high heat is actually the number one cause of a dead car battery?
In the same way that sweltering temperatures take a toll on your energy level, your car battery can also give out during the dog days of summer.
When Temperatures Go Up, Battery Life Goes Down
As the sun beats down, temperatures raise dramatically under the hood. The typical car battery performs best when temperatures hover around 77°F, but on a summer day it can reach an internal temperature of 140°F or higher! High temps cause the battery’s vital liquids to evaporate, weakening its ability to release heat. With less cooling liquid in the battery, internal components cannot do their job as well, eventually resulting in irreversible damage. The hotter the battery gets, the greater your chances for a battery failure.
An Ounce of Prevention
Car batteries last, on average, three to five years. AAA Members should take advantage of contacting a AAA Battery Service Technician to inspect their car battery as part of their routine maintenance. The Technician drives to the Member’s location (e.g., home, work, etc.) to check the battery’s charge level. They also examine the condition of the terminals and cables, while ensuring it is mounted securely under the hood.