Living in an area where the seasons change, you probably know firsthand how a very cold day can affect your car’s ability to start. Extreme cold isn’t the only culprit that has an adverse effect on the life of the battery. High heat causes irreparable damage as well.
In very cold temperatures, your car takes longer to turn over and warm up because the engine oil has thickened due to the cold. That means that the battery has to work harder to start. Additionally, the electrical system is in use for longer periods than in warmer weather. That includes headlights, heat, and wipers. Conversely, in extreme heat conditions, the electrolytes can evaporate and cause the battery to overheat. Once overheating has occurred, there’s no going back.
One thing you can do in the winter is keep it charged. In the summer, make sure that the fluid is full. It’s recommended to include your battery as part of routine maintenance in the autumn and spring. If you have questions, stop in to McCafferty Kia of Langhorne and speak with one of our technicians.
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