What absolutely can not be done with the battery in the summer, so that it does not "die" in the winter

Many motorists face battery-related problems during the winter. As soon as the thermometer drops below -20, the battery is discharged, and it is not always possible to bring it to life. However, few people know that operating errors in the summer season lead to such problems. The AutoVzglyad portal will tell you what not to do with the battery in the heat.

Modern cars are very energy intensive. The abundance of systems, various assistants, all kinds of electric drives put a serious strain on the battery. And if there is some kind of malfunction in the power system, or the driver incorrectly operates and maintains the battery of his car, then it will stop showing signs of life pretty soon. And it will happen at the most inopportune moment. Moreover, summer for car batteries is a much tougher test than a frosty winter. And improper operation of the battery in the heat can become a serious foundation for further problems, and premature failure.

In summer, especially in extreme heat, under the hood of a car, the temperature can exceed the temperature of the thermometer by more than two times. And this is a big test for many systems, in particular, for the battery. The thing is that with heat, the chemical reactions inside the battery proceed faster, which leads to its faster discharge. In addition, the water in the electrolyte begins to evaporate, and its level drops. And this, in turn, causes irreversible processes of sulfation of electrodes and battery plates, which reduces their electrical conductivity. Because of this, the battery life is imperceptibly reduced for the motorist. Moreover, simply adding electrolyte does not always help (batteries are also not serviced). But what needs to be done so as not to ruin the battery ahead of time?

First of all, it is worth choosing batteries from well-known companies. Yes, you pay a little more for the brand. But you need to remember that, like everywhere else, the segment has its own leaders. And it is they who move the industry forward by developing and implementing the latest technologies in their products, for example, such as: low self-discharge, increased capacity and increased cold start current of the engine.

Checking the voltage, charge level and starting power of the battery should be included in the list of mandatory periodic work. The operating voltage varies from 13,8 to 14,5 V. And a fully charged and serviceable battery without load should produce 12,6-12,7 V.

As Bosch specialists told the AvtoVzglyad portal, it is recommended to conduct a visual inspection of the battery at least twice a year. Microcracks, body damage are not acceptable, and lead to electrolyte leakage. It is also necessary to monitor the cleanliness of the battery and the reliability of its fastening in the battery compartment. If oxides have formed on the terminals, then they need to be cleaned. Loosened mount - tighten.

Before leaving the car in the parking lot, you should make sure that its lights and interior lighting are turned off. Otherwise, the battery may be completely discharged. And this must be avoided. If the car has stood in the parking lot for a long time, then it is better to remove the battery and charge it. In this case, it is necessary to carry out all control measurements for the health of the battery. Before starting the engine, turn off the radio, heaters, air conditioning and headlights. This will significantly reduce the load on the drive.

If the car is rarely used or travel distances are short, it is recommended to recharge its battery once a month. On small runs, the battery does not have time to charge from the car's alternator. But with a high mileage, it will be better not to recharge the battery. However, the correct operation of such car systems as radio, navigation, climate control and lighting equipment will not allow this to be done.

Battery health is just as important to a car as the health of other systems. If you want to save money, it is better to spend money on a good expensive battery, monitor it and maintain it. Then it will have to be changed every 5-7 years. Otherwise, there is a risk of running into low-quality products. And if you add heat, cold and improper operation to this, then you will have to go for a new battery almost every couple of years.