You keep a close eye on your battery during the winter since cold weather can zap its power. However, the heat can be just as detrimental to a battery as the cold. Below, the ASE-certified team at A-1 Auto Service, a full-service auto repair shop in Lorain, OH, explains how a car battery can be damaged by the heat.

How Your Car Battery Is Affected in Summer

How Does the Battery Power a Car?

A battery consists of positive and negative electrodes that produce and keep a charge. Due to these electrodes, the battery transports power through a current flow to the various electrical components of a car, such as the power seats, windows, radio, and engine. When the battery fails, you won’t be able to start the car because the engine hasn’t received enough power from the battery.

What Effect Does the Heat Have on a Battery?

A battery performs best at 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When the battery is exposed to extreme heat, the chemical processes it uses to produce and send a current are sped up. These hastened processes then cause corrosion, which cannot be reversed. Corrosion shortens the battery’s lifespan, so you’ll need to replace it sooner than expected. Heat also causes the battery fluid to evaporate, ultimately leading to more damage. 

How Can I Protect My Battery From the Heat?

To minimize the effects of the heat on your battery, keep your vehicle in the shade as much as possible. Park it in a garage overnight or under a tree. Whenever you’re at the shop, have the battery fluid level checked and refilled by a mechanic. Additionally, regularly inspect the battery for cracks, corrosion, dirt, and other damage, all of which negatively impact the current flow within the battery. Bring it to an auto repair shop for fixing if you notice any abnormalities.

If you’re concerned about the status of your car’s battery, then stop by A-1 Auto Service in Lorain. They perform auto repairs ranging from wheel alignments and oil changes to brake service and engine tuneups. They’ve been in business for over 40 years, and all of their technicians have been ASE-certified, meaning their team uses the best possible techniques and skills. Call (440) 245-0076 or visit their website to view more about their auto repair shop and their location.