Our lead-acid batteries could be the toughest of their kind, but they still work best within the temperature range that suits humans. That figures, because people invented them, however climate change is shifting the boundaries. Today we consider the relationship between batteries and extreme hot and cold weather. This is becoming important, as we face the possibility of more heat waves and cold snaps.
How Hot and Cold Weather Affect Battery Performance
Batteries and Extreme Hot Weather
Lead-acid batteries have a liquid electrolyte around their plates that contains water. Water evaporates faster as the battery becomes warmer. Our sealed lead-acid batteries control this. However, if you have a battery that needs topping up, then you must do so regularly to avoid risking irreversible battery damage.
Hot weather increases the speed of the chemical reactions in batteries, which is why they charge faster. This increases the rate of oxidation (corrosion) of their terminals. Clean the terminals of lead-acid batteries regularly to counter this. Avoid parking your vehicle in the blazing sun when you can.
A soaring heat wave makes your battery work faster. We already know that, but this is not where it ends. A battery can overcharge above its limits according to Thaiger, causing more heat in a self-fulfilling cycle. This can lead to permanent damage if the charger is not working correctly.
Battery Performance in Plummeting Temperatures
Extreme cold weather slows down the chemical reactions inside batteries. That’s why they charge slower in winter when they are sluggish. This situation can even prevent a lead-acid battery charging at all. But then we don’t want to get out of bed either, when the snow is deep outside.
The liquid electrolyte inside a lead battery can thicken as it moves towards freezing, much the same as the oil does in the engine in your car. This restricts the movement of energy inside it, so its performance slows down. That’s why your starter motor cranks slower on a cold winter morning, if at all.
How to Befriend Your Lead-Acid Battery
Understand the relationship between your battery and extreme hot and cold temperatures. Keep it cool in summer and warm in winter, and it should perform better for you all year round.
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