If we have a flat auto battery, this is usually in winter when it is cold. So we blame the meteorologist, and call the auto electrician for a new one. Did you know the damage might have happened during the height of summer when it was hot? We thought to write a post about how to make auto batteries last longer during summer months, when we should be able to take extra care of them.
The Problem of Batteries Sitting in Hot Cars
When batteries get hot, they literally sweat inside. If you have a car battery with removable filler caps, then the water in the electrolyte inside is going to evaporate through the breather holes.
If you do not get around to regularly topping the water up, then you could have a problem in the winter because you damaged the internal structure. This may only be evident on a cold day, when it has to work extra hard.
If you overcharge your battery, it gets even hotter and you worsen the problem. The culprit this time is usually the voltage regulator under the hood that it supposed to prevent this. The best remedy for avoiding over charge problems is to ask a competent auto electrician to run a check once a year. That way, we can make auto batteries last longer during summer by taking proper care of them on warm summery days.
Driving Habits to Make Auto Batteries Last Longer During Summer
During summer when it is hot, we feel too languid to walk to the corner store for the paper. So we drive everywhere because it is just too hot to exercise. Each time we use the starter motor, we shave away another of our auto battery’s lives.
This brings us closer to the point when our headlamps go dim, and our starter battery refuses to perform on a cold winter morning. Perhaps we should change our driving habits, and improve our health by walking short distances when we can. This could make our battery healthier too. and winter driving more a pleasure.
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2 Comments
This is one of the best articles I have come across. Keep up the good work.
I appreciate that thanks Terry!