— For our sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, as part of a paid radio sponsorship on WIZS.
Did you know that extreme heat can do a number on your car’s battery just like extreme cold can?
Being exposed to continuous heat – like the recent stretch of 90+ degree days – can drain your car’s battery, and that’s not good. In fact, extreme heat or extreme cold can increase your vehicle battery’s rate of discharge.
Turns out, a life of a battery in the North is between four and five years, but it’s only between two and three years for batteries in the South.
It’s a good idea to inspect your vehicle’s battery a couple of times a year to spot any unwelcome signs that you’re about to have a problem.
Drive in to an Advance Auto Parts to have a member of their team check your battery and charging system.
Without getting into the science behind how a battery actually works, let’s just say that the battery stores energy that is called on to start the engine when you turn the key – or push the button, in newer models.
When the cells inside the battery are fully charged, everything’s goo. But when they don’t all function, the battery isn’t going to produce enough volts to crank the engine. A process called sulfation reduces the battery’s ability to hold a full charge, which can lead to problems starting the engine.
Signs of a failing battery include:
- engine cranks more slowly
- white or blue corrosion at battery terminals
- age of the battery
- dim headlights with a yellow color instead of bright white
- dim domelight or other interior dashboard lights
- weak horn sound
- swollen or cracked battery casing
A weakened battery doesn’t have to work as hard to turn over the engine when it’s warm outside, so drivers may not detect a problem until much later, when the outside temps drop. The battery has to work harder during colder seasons to crank the engine, so that could be why winter gets blamed for killing batteries. Let the professional staff at Advance Auto Parts help you select a battery that is right for your vehicle needs.
The information contained in this post is not advice from Advance Auto Parts or WIZS. Safety First! Always seek proper help. This is presented for its informational value only and is part of a paid advertising sponsorship.
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