St. GEORGE – While winter is a time many people associate with the gradual death of their car battery, it turns out that summer is harder on those batteries and kills them faster, according to AAA.
Calls to AAA for roadside assistance increase by up to 25% during the summer months as the heat wreaks havoc on battery life, fluid levels, tires and other vehicle parts.
“Summer heat takes its toll on vehicles, and it’s easy to overlook the impact it can have,” John Walter, who serves as AAA Utah’s auto repair manager, said in a news release. “As summer approaches, don’t let the heat catch you off guard. Every driver should ask themselves, ‘Is my car ready for summer?'”
Car batteries They are generally estimated to have a lifespan of three to five years, but can be shortened to 24 months in hot, humid areas of the country, according to AAA. It is recommended to periodically check car batteries for corrosion and replace any loose or damaged parts.
Jiffy Lube offers more details on what heat does to a car battery:
As the temperature rises (eventually reaching triple digits in southwestern Utah), it causes the fluid in the batteries to evaporate. This can adversely affect a battery’s ability to hold a charge and therefore prevent a car from starting.
Liquid evaporation can also cause physical damage to the battery and lead to battery acid leakage. These leaks can corrode the battery and also eat away at other parts of a car’s engine, which can lead to expensive repair bills.
How do you know when your battery may need to be replaced? Jiffy Lube lists the following symptoms to watch out for:
- The battery light illuminates on the dashboard.
- There is a grinding, clicking or buzzing sound when turning the ignition.
- The headlights dim when you’re idling, but brighten when the engine revs.
- Slow start when starting the engine.
Heat can also affect electric vehicle batteries by affecting battery life and the overall range an electric vehicle can travel. However, performance and impacts may vary as these vehicles are built with battery-related heating and cooling systems, according to the EV Solutions blog.
AAA also recommends leveling the fluids in the vehicle as they will also fall with evaporation.
“To keep your engine running smoothly, keep fluids topped up, including engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and especially coolant,” states AAA.
AAA adds this checking your tires It is also advised as higher temperatures can cause the air to expand, resulting in over-inflated tires that can rise, while under-inflated tires can create excessive friction on hot roads, increasing the risk of explosion
Check your tire pressure periodically to make sure it is within the manufacturer’s recommended range.
“By taking the time to check your vehicle before you hit the road, you can catch any potential problems early and save yourself from costly repairs down the line,” said Walter. “Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you and your passengers are traveling in a safe and reliable vehicle.”
One way to decrease potential heat damage to your vehicle is to store it in a covered garage or shaded area.
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