How Do High Temperatures Affect Batteries?

Have you ever wondered why your battery died during the scorching heat of summer? It’s a frustrating experience that many of us have faced, and understanding the science behind it can help you avoid such situations in the future. The building block of a battery is the plate inside, and whether it’s a negative or positive one, these plates are coated with active material and then processed through a cooking and drying procedure. When temperatures soar, especially in the engine compartment, the battery faces a barrage of challenges, including intense heat, vibration, and loss of active material. In this blog post, we’ll delve into how high temperatures affect batteries and what you can do to ensure your battery remains in top shape.

The Battery Plate and Its Vulnerability

To understand the impact of high temperatures on batteries, it’s crucial to grasp the central component: the battery plate. Whether it’s the negative or positive plate, they’re coated with an active material and undergo a series of crucial steps. After being pasted with this active material, the plates are cooked to a specific temperature, allowing the active material to bond securely. Following this, the plates are dried to remove any moisture, ensuring that the active material remains stable within the battery.

However, when temperatures in your vehicle’s engine compartment climb to extreme levels, this carefully crafted stability can be compromised. The intense heat, combined with factors like vibration, can lead to the active material starting to deteriorate and shed off the plate. This process is gradual but detrimental, as it results in a loss of the plate’s capacity to hold a charge effectively. As a consequence, your battery gradually loses its ability to perform its primary job – starting your vehicle.

The Engine Compartment: A Hotspot for Battery Troubles

One of the critical factors in battery performance during hot weather is the location of the battery itself – the engine compartment. While it’s a convenient and common place to house the battery, it’s also where temperatures can soar to well above the ambient temperature outside. The heat generated by the engine and exhaust system is trapped within this confined space, further elevating the temperature around the battery.

As temperatures rise, the chemical reactions within the battery become more active. This heightened activity accelerates the deterioration of the active material on the plates, as well as the water loss from the electrolyte. These combined effects contribute to a gradual reduction in the battery’s capacity and, ultimately, its ability to start your vehicle reliably.

Taking Precautions and Preserving Your Battery

To prevent high temperatures from prematurely aging your battery, there are several precautions you can take:

Regular Maintenance: Stay on top of routine battery maintenance, which includes checking the battery’s overall condition, electrolyte levels, and cleaning any corrosion. A well-maintained battery is better equipped to handle temperature fluctuations.

Insulation: Consider using battery insulators or heat shields to protect your battery from direct heat in the engine compartment. These can help maintain a more stable temperature around the battery.

Park in Shade: Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a shaded area to reduce the direct exposure to intense sunlight and heat.

Use a Battery Trickle Charger: If you have a vehicle that you don’t use frequently, a battery trickle charger can help maintain a proper charge level, preventing the battery from discharging and deteriorating due to high temperatures.

Battery Sales & Services

Here at Texford Battery Co, we understand the importance of a reliable battery for your vehicle, and we are here to assist you in ensuring that your power source remains in optimal condition. Our extensive range of batteries caters to various industrial, automotive, and personal needs, and our knowledgeable battery suppliers can help you identify the best power source for your specific requirements.

In our battery store, you’ll find a regular inventory of hard-to-find batteries and accessories, including foreign products. We offer comprehensive services for your industrial power supply system, ranging from oil filtration systems to charging and installations. If your institution relies on an uninterrupted power system (UPS), we offer replacements and repairs for a wide range of systems. Your power needs are in capable hands, and we are dedicated to keeping your machinery and equipment running smoothly and efficiently. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!

Categorised in: Batteries

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