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What effects could the temperature have on Car Battery Life

Updated: Sep 16, 2021



A Battery is like a human body, The quality of the battery depends on the external thermal conditions. The better the environment of the battery, the better the battery will work. The battery can harm in extremely low or extremely high temperature. Also the storage of the battery can effect the life of a battery. If you are wondering why your battery fails after using a new one we will guid you through this.


Battery basics

Car batteries are electrochemical devices that have three major components :

  1. electrodes that collect and circulates an electrical charge

  2. electrolytic solution that supplies sulphate with water for an electrochemical reaction

  3. battery casing that houses these components

Most battery's have the current to provide the car to turn on the engine by turning the ignition system that crank the engine and starts. It also used to power auxiliary devices : radio, brake, headlight, reverse light, indicators and fans. A battery plays a major role to make your car provide a smooth driving experiences that's why it's important to understand how temperature can effect the battery life.


Effects of Sweltering Heat on Car Batteries

Sweltering heat or extreme heat to the battery could lead to great danger to your car battery. Due the extreme heat the batter life gets shorten. This happened because the acid gets evaporated, overcharge or corrosion.


Fluid Evaporation

A car battery working temperature soar up to 60° – 70°C under the hood. Above this temperature the battery fluid gets evaporated too much evaporation can cause the battery internal damage.


Incorrect Charging

High temperatures can causes the voltage regulator or other charging systems to malfunction. This can leads that the battery will overcharge or undercharge. A routine of this problem can cause the battery death.


Battery Corrosion

High temperature can cause the lead platers inside the battery to corrode. If the corrosion is too much the battery has been damage and the life cycle of the battery will be shorten. If your battery is been damaged by corrosion it could not be restored. The ideal operating temperature for an automotive battery that allows it to work at maximum efficiency is 26° – 27°C.



Effects of Freezing Cold on Car Batteries

Cold temperature could lead to major battery breakdowns. If you're in a hurry to start your car in the morning it could fail. The reason it would fail :


Diminished Capacity

At lower temperature the battery capacity will drop below 50%. By the reduction in capacity the power output will be reduced, which will lead to a car failure to start the car.


Oil Viscosity

At colder temperature the engine oil is thicker, this makes the engine to turn over difficulty. That's why a battery will have to work harder and also the battery capacity is lower at colder temperature. So it will have to work twice as harder.


Decreased Recharge Rate

A car automatically charge the battery by driving. The rate of Charging reduces by the cold weather. That's why you need to drive further to ensure the Health of your battery.



Solutions

As solution you cannot control the weather but you can take steps to help maintain the battery health. For a good health of your battery clean the terminal and remove the corrosion, by that the battery makes good contact with the alternator and the battery will charge optimal. Once a week open the bonnet of your car and take a clean dry cloth to wipe off the dirt and dust that is settled on the battery. Double-check if you have turned off your headlights and parking lights after you have parked your car. Headlights drain your car’s battery very fast. If you have a car battery installed which needs topping off, especially during summer months, top it off with distilled water.


A battery’s life is limited and the change in weather conditions make matters worse. Get your car batteries replaced from a reliable establishment.


For more information contact Walther





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