Dead car batteries are commonplace in harsh summers, especially in the UAE. Many motorists disregard the importance of safety measures while operating a vehicle during the warmer months. After all, many people believe that the colder months are to blame for the most of the damage that we see to our cars during the year; namely, the deterioration and eventual demise of our car batteries. While winter weather is often blamed, some may wonder whether hot weather can really cause a vehicle battery to die. Yes. The battery fluid evaporates when temperatures are very high, which may cause internal damage to the battery and shorten its lifespan. Battery life may be significantly reduced in extreme temperatures.
What Causes Battery Drainage in Summer?
The liquid with in car batteries is an acid-and-water solution. It creates heat and, along with the released gas, slowly evaporates the liquid. When the fluid level of a battery drops too low, the interior plates are no longer protected.
When a battery’s cells are damaged, its voltage drops. Damaged cells may be repaired with an equalizing charge, which provides an additional boost without killing the healthy cells in the process. The lifespan of conventional acid car batteries may be prolonged by adding more liquid.
Signs Your Car Needs Battery Replacement
Luckily, there are certain warning signs that might indicate your car batteries needs to be replaced. While some of these symptoms may be immediately apparent, others may need a visual battery examination or test.
- When you start your car, the engine is cranking more slowly than usual.
- There’s a dashboard warning light on, either for the engine or the battery.
- You can tell the fluid level in your battery is low by looking at it.
- The battery compartment seems huge, or oddly-shaped.
- The battery terminals (where the wires attach) have developed corrosion.
- Your lights, whether external or internal, are inadequate.
- Your battery is older than three years.
Changing the car batteries is just one part of summer car care and maintenance. Check out the rest of our summer auto maintenance tips and tricks to keep you and your car safe from the sun.
- Make sure your battery is in good working order by having it checked by a specialist this summer.
- Make sure your tire pressure is correct. Underinflated tires are dangerous in any weather, but they’re especially dangerous in the summer. Also, check the tread depth to make sure it’s enough.
- Check the levels of all fluids, including the engine oil and the brake fluid, in your car.
- Try to maintain the car at a cool temperature inside. If you want to keep your car cool while it’s parked, don’t park in the shadow or use a parasol. Leather seats may be protected from the sun by covering them with a blanket or towel.
Consider Fluid Top-Ups
The technology behind car batteries has come a long way in the last several decades. Therefore, the battery/vehicle type determines how often you should check electrolyte levels and fill it up.These days, most cars use sealed, zero-maintenance batteries that never need to be refilled with distilled water.
Some people still use the older kind of car battery with screw caps, which requires periodic inspection and recharging.
Car Maintenance in Summer
It’s not just the car battery that requires significant care and attention in the hot weather. There are other components that lend an essential helping hand in keeping your car functional. In addition to investing in battery replacement, it recommended to get your radiator, brake pads, alternator, spark plugs, etc, inspected and replaced from time to time. As much as battery repair, oil change, and tire replacement are important for a well-maintained car, electrical and mechanical repairs must be neglected or delayed just as much.
