There’s one thing that every car hates – weather extremes.
Hot and cold weather affect different parts of cars in different ways. Batteries
don’t normally freeze, but they’ll have trouble starting in extremely cold
weather. On the other hand, they do work better in warmer climates, but it will
have a hard time recharging during extremely hot weather. Batteries work the
best when the temperature is moderate.
This article from eHow.com explains exactly how extreme
temperatures affect your car battery. Now you’ll know what to expect during
this summer’s scorchers!
Temperature Extremes
·
Batteries exposed to temperature extremes can begin to act
up in ways outside of normal operations. Most people don’t realize this when
purchasing a battery and don’t purchase the right one for their region’s
weather conditions. Batteries continually exposed to extreme temperatures on
either side of the spectrum may expand, contract, crack, bubble over or damage
the inside of your vehicle. In extreme cases, they may even explode.
Affect On Battery Chemicals
·
A battery is a device that uses chemicals to create
electricity. Batteries contain reactive plates immersed in sulfuric acid that
gather an electric charge with one side being negative and the other positive.
Battery draw causes the electrons inside a battery to flow to the positive
side, and the electrochemical reaction inside helps to replenish the
electronics. Temperature changes affect the electron’s movement inside the
battery. Warmth excites the electrons, while cold suppresses or inhibits their
actions.
Charge Release
·
The temperature also affects how the battery retains its
charge or releases it. Because the cold inhibits the flow of electrons, less
charge is released in colder temperatures, while more charge is released in
warmer temperatures. Garaging your vehicle in colder climes allows the battery
to stay warmer and start quicker.
Choose the Right Battery
·
You can find batteries rated for use in extreme
temperatures, especially cold ones where it is important that the battery
deliver the cranking amps needed to start the vehicle. Most batteries have a
“Cold Cranking Amperage” rating on the battery or CCA that indicates the
amperage the battery delivers at zero degrees Fahrenheit while cranking for 30
seconds. Choose the battery suited to your climate to ensure optimum operation
when you need it.
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