An Auto Repair Shop Can Help With Vehicle Battery Issues Due To Weather

Temperature fluctuations can significantly impact a vehicle’s battery. Louisiana is known for its hot summers; however, cold weather can cause problems also. The changes in temperature can adversely affect the life and quality of a car battery. There are a few important points that everyone should remember about a car’s battery and temperature changes.

Vehicle being jump started due to a battery that failed due to excessive heat.

The Problems with Extreme Heat

Those who are familiar with the summer weather in Louisiana know that temperatures can climb over 100 degrees Fahrenheit regularly. This heat can have serious impacts on a car’s ability to run efficiently. Even though some people are surprised to hear this, given the heat that is generated by a car’s engine, heat can be a major problem.

The hot air outside can drive up the temperature underneath the hood of a car. When the temperature around the battery starts to climb, this accelerates the onset of battery failure. Even AAA states that they see an increase in service calls related to batteries during the summer.

When someone takes their battery to get it serviced, the mechanic is going to look for a few common signs of heat-related damage. These include:

  • The ability of the battery to hold a charge

  • The overall condition of the positive and negative terminals

  • The security of the battery in relation to the engine bay

  • Surface discharge due to buildup on the outside of the battery

If the battery is not secure, excessive vibrations, combined with summer heat, can lead to rapid battery failure.

It is important for everyone to make sure that their battery is inspected on a regular basis. The Louisiana summer heat can seriously impact the longevity of a battery. To prevent an expensive repair bill, routine maintenance is important.

Cold Can Adversely Affect a Car Battery

While Louisiana is known for its hot summers, there can be a few cold days during the winter. Night temperatures during the winter months can dip below freezing. These cold temperatures can spell problems for a car’s battery as well.

Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that there is a problem with their car’s battery until it doesn’t start the next morning. Even after a few jump attempts, the battery still won’t give the car life. This is a sign of cold weather damage. Batteries generate power through a chemical reaction. In cold temperatures, the speed of this chemical reaction drops. This means less power is generated. The end result is a car that won’t start.

Fortunately, there are a few tips that everyone can follow. These tips will keep a car battery running during the winter. These include:

  • Use covered parking to keep the rare ice or snow off the car

  • Turn off accessories in the car when not in use to conserve power

  • Don’t let the vehicle sit for an extended period of time

Lastly, be sure to have the battery inspected by a trained professional regularly. This will catch potential battery problems before they result in a car that won’t start.

An Auto Repair Shop Can Provide Assistance

Whenever someone has issues with a vehicle’s battery, it is important to rely on the professionals for help. An experienced auto repair shop can take a look at someone’s battery, diagnose the problem, and rectify it quickly. Trust the trained mechanics at CAMS Automotive to prevent your vehicle’s battery from causing problems.