You may think it’s just an old wives’ tale, but it’s actually true: Temperature impacts the life of your car battery.
Extreme temperatures — something we know a bit about here in the South — are particularly cruel to our car batteries. While an average car battery can live about 5 years in more northern U.S. regions, battery life can be around 3.5 years or shorter for those in the warmer, southernmost regions.
“Most drivers know that the cold is rough on car batteries, but many don’t realize that heat is actually the number one cause of battery failure and reduced battery life,” said Tiffany Wright, public affairs director for AAA -The Auto Club Group in the Carolinas.
Hot air temperatures drive up the temperature under the hood — especially when the vehicle is in direct sunlight. In the summer, battery fluid can evaporate much faster, leading to corrosion on terminals and connections, Wright said.
“Summer heat accelerates the rate of fluid loss, resulting in oxidation of battery components, which can leave you stranded without warning,” Wright said.
The number of drivers who call for assistance increases significantly when temperatures are above 90 degrees for a few days straight, according to Wright. The most calls for AAA assistance in the summer come from drivers with dead batteries and flat tires, she said.
AAA reportedly responded to 1.93 million service calls related to batteries during the summer of 2023.
What should you do if you live in a warmer climate? How can you protect your car battery?
Experts suggest parking your vehicle in the shade or a garage whenever you can. Drivers should also avoid using their battery when the engine isn’t on, which can drain the battery.
It’s a good idea to clean the battery posts often enough to prevent the buildup of dirt, grime and corrosion.
“Heat and vibration are a battery’s two worst enemies leading to internal breakdown and eventual failure. While drivers can’t do much about the heat, they can make sure their battery is securely mounted in place to minimize vibration,” AAA said. “Check the car battery to be sure cable connections are clean and tight, and the hold down hardware is secure. Dirty, loose connections limit the flow of current and are a common cause of battery issues.”
Experts also suggest driving the vehicle regularly — for at least 20 minutes per trip — to replenish the battery.
How often should you check in on your car battery?
Experts encourage drivers living in warmer climates to have their car battery load tested every year once the battery reaches 2 years old. Load tests help determine the battery’s ability to hold voltage while being used.
Load tests typically need to be carried out by professionals with the proper equipment. These test results can help identify how much longer you can trust your battery to operate properly.
You can also check in on the voltage of your battery, but it’s not necessarily a good indicator of how much life is actually left in the battery.
AAA says its members can request a free battery check from a service professional.
Most experts agree that it’s better to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to car battery health. Car batteries can give out at any moment and without warning. Checking in on the battery can help you decide when it’s time to buy a new one.