Battery. How to prevent self-discharge?
Summer heat can be harmful to car batteries. They begin to stand out on their own when the temperature rises.
It is widely believed that winter is the most difficult time of the year for car batteries, since sub-zero temperatures are a common cause of their failure. But the reality is that batteries have a worse enemy - the summer heat.
See also: LPG engines. What to search
Extreme heat is extremely harmful to all batteries. An increase in temperature speeds up the electrochemical reaction in the battery while enhancing the natural phenomenon of self-discharge. Therefore, when exposed to high temperatures, car batteries need to be charged more frequently to maintain optimum performance (especially during storage or when the vehicle is parked for a long time and exposed to the sun).
– Leaving the vehicle in the sun creates unfavorable conditions for the battery. In hot weather, when the air temperature often exceeds 30°C, the temperature under the hot hood of the car is even higher, explains Guido Scanagatta, product marketing manager for Exide Technologies.
The effect of high temperatures on batteries is so great that manufacturers generally recommend recharging them after exposure to the sun at 20°C. Moreover, every 10°C above this limit doubles the self-discharge phenomenon.
“On particularly hot days (30°C and above), the battery drains much faster than in other conditions,” explains the Exide expert.
– When the car is in motion every day, the discharge is usually compensated by recharging the battery while driving. However, when the car is used less often (on holidays, on public transport), the battery charge level systematically decreases, he adds.
In addition, corrosion of the grids poses a danger to the battery, which consequently reduces the conductive material, while increasing the value of internal resistance. Thus, the starting capacity of the battery is gradually reduced.
– These problems apply in particular to batteries that are constantly exposed to high temperatures. Unfortunately, the damage caused by exposure to high temperatures is irreversible and, in the end, the only solution is replacement, warns Guido Scanagatta.
Progressive self-discharge and grid corrosion caused by hot weather can only show up much later, for example only on cooler autumn days or in winter when more power is needed to start the engine. Therefore, it is worth regularly checking the condition and charge of the battery.
How to prevent battery self-discharge? - tips for drivers
- Take care of proper fluid levels
Change and top up oil regularly to prevent overheating of the engine. Check the fluid level in the cooling system regularly. If you have a service lead-acid battery, check the electrolyte level and top up with distilled water (in the case of a battery with cell access).
- Park in the shade
Try parking your car in a shady area or in a garage. This will prevent the temperature under the hood from rising, which is harmful to the battery.
- Keep your battery clean
If heat has corroded the battery terminals, clean off the rust to maintain an optimal level of electrical charge flow. Make sure the clamp connections are also clean and not loose.
- Use the so-called conservative charging
Economical charging during the summer months can help minimize the effects of self-discharge caused by overheating, especially if you leave your vehicle for several days.
- Check the battery
Have a mechanic check the battery regularly to check the charge level. If you are having difficulty starting your vehicle, also check the general condition of the electrical system. If any part of the test meets or exceeds the recommended minimum, or if the battery is physically damaged, it probably needs to be replaced.
See also: Porsche Macan in our test
