How to Care for Your Battery in Extreme Ohio Temperatures
Ohio’s unpredictable weather is one of our favorite topics as locals, not to mention rich fodder for dozens of Ohio-based memes.
But with average annual swings of 50 degrees or more, these drastic changes aren’t just conversation starters — they can have a significant impact on your vehicle’s performance, especially your car battery.
In this post, we’ll explore how your car battery is affected by hot and cold temperatures and how you can adapt your vehicle maintenance routine to ensure you get the most life out of your car’s battery.
How Car Batteries Work
First, a quick look under the hood. Most gas-powered cars come off the line with a conventional lead-acid battery installed. Each battery is made up of positive and negative lead plates submerged in a solution of sulfuric acid and water, known as the electrolyte.
When you turn the ignition key, it triggers a chemical reaction inside the battery, generating electrons and producing electrical energy that flows through the terminals. This powers the starter motor and begins the combustion process. Once you’re driving, the battery takes a back seat and the alternator recharges the battery as you drive.
Extreme temperatures can slow or disrupt this process, leading to a battery that is less efficient.
Batteries and Heat
Even if the weather outside is a comfortable 80 degrees, the interior of your car can hit triple digits within minutes of sitting in the sun. Consistent exposure to high heat under the hood can be harmful to your battery.
According to AAA, “Extreme heat can hinder the chemical processes inside car batteries, making it hard for them to hold a charge and produce enough power.”
Effects of extreme heat on lead-acid batteries:
- Evaporation. As the temperature rises, the liquid electrolyte inside your battery can evaporate at a higher rate than normal. Without enough electrolyte, the internal structure of your battery may start to deteriorate.
- Corrosion. Extreme heat can also lead to corrosion buildup on the battery’s terminals and connection points, which impedes the flow of electricity.
- Sulfation. As a battery recharges, trace amounts of lead sulfate remain on the plates inside the battery. High heat can accelerate the sulfation process and lead to battery failure.
- Overcharging. Extreme heat can interfere with your vehicle’s charging system and lead to battery overcharging.
Any of these heat-related issues can take a toll on your battery. With these stresses, the battery becomes more susceptible to unexpected failure, potentially leaving you stranded.
Batteries and Cold Weather
While heat is harder overall on a battery than cold, consistent freezing temperatures can take a toll on your car’s power source. Cold weather causes your car’s engine oil to thicken and slows the chemical reaction that takes place inside the battery when you start your car.
Your battery is more sluggish in freezing temperatures and is forced to put out more power to jumpstart the engine. If your battery is older or already at reduced capacity when you try to start it up in cold weather, it may not turn over at all.
The amount of technology you have in your car can take a big toll on the battery’s ability to do its job. Seat warmers, headlights, radios and electronic device chargers all demand power from the battery to start. This can be overwhelming and cause the battery to fail, especially if it’s older and already struggling to hold a charge.
How to Protect Your Battery from Extreme Temperatures
Ohio weather has a mind of its own, so being prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws our way is important.
Hot Weather Battery Tips
Keep it clean. Checking your battery for corrosion and loose connections should be standard on your year-round maintenance list. This is especially important in summer when high temperatures can accelerate corrosion. Regularly inspect the terminals for rust and the cables for cracking or breaking, and take your car to a trusted repair shop if you’re concerned about any issues.
Stay out of the sun. If possible, park in shaded areas or away from direct sunlight during the hottest part of each day. Direct sun can increase the temperature under the hood significantly.
Check your fluids. Extreme heat can cause battery acid to evaporate more quickly. Make sure you’re checking your battery’s electrolyte levels and topping off as needed.
Cold Weather Battery Tips
Mind the draw. Today’s cars expect more from batteries than ever. Things like seat warmers, onboard infotainment systems and parking assist, to name a few, all demand power from the battery to start. This may not be an issue in temperate weather, but when your battery is already working hard to start the engine, the extra draw can take a toll.
Up your chances of waking up to a car that starts by making sure the headlights and cabin lights are off and the doors are completely closed when you park for the night. Before starting your car, turn off accessories like the radio and seat warmers.
Limit short trips. Short drives won’t charge your battery fully. If you don’t get out much in the winter, consider connecting your battery to a charger to ensure it’s ready to go the next time you are.
Protect your battery. If possible, park in a covered garage or sheltered area. At the very least, attempt to angle your car downwind so the battery isn’t exposed directly to the elements. A battery blanket is affordable and can keep your battery warm throughout the night, so it’s ready to go in the morning.
Practice Preventive Maintenance
Add “test battery” to your spring and fall car care checklists to make sure you go into each extreme weather season with a healthy power source. Replace the battery if it’s old or not holding a charge. It’s also helpful to have your car’s oil changed.
And, if you find yourself in the midst of high or low-temperature seasons and find your battery is not performing as it should, schedule an appointment at your nearest Boyce Auto. We’re happy to take a look and get you back on the road fully charged and ready to face whatever Ohio weather has to offer.
