It’s April, which means it is National Car Care Month and the seasonal heat wave is approaching quickly. One might think that winter does a lot of damage to a car’s battery, but the summer’s heat is tougher on your battery than the winter’s cold. It is during the warmer months when your car battery works its hardest to keep you moving.
Check the condition of your car battery regularly. Under the hood is one of the harshest environments that your battery must endure. Just as you would check fluid levels in your car, you should also check the battery’s condition of health. Some important maintenance tips to keep in mind include keeping the battery clean; inspecting the case, terminals, cables and clamps; and checking the battery’s State of Charge (SOC). Following these steps will help ensure your battery’s readiness for the best performance throughout the upcoming season. As always, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for care and direct any questions to your battery professional.
What happens to a car battery when it gets too hot? As lead acid batteries absorb extreme heat, chemical activity in the battery accelerates. This reduces service life at a rate of 50 percent for every 18°F (10°C) increase from 77°F (25°C). If a battery has a design life of six years at 77°F (25°C), and the battery spent its life at 95°F (35°C), then its delivered service life would be three years. During the summer, the exterior temperature of a car, including under the hood, can reach up to 200°F when left in the sun for long periods. Dramatic reductions in service life can cause alternative battery models to unexpectedly stop working and leave you stranded this summer.
Don’t forget to check for corrosion. A battery may have terminal corrosion that can lead to a reduction in the battery’s service life. It would appear as a buildup of flaky material around the battery terminal that is usually a green or white color. The color may vary, depending on the type of battery but if spotted, it should be removed for optimal performance.
If you’re searching for a dependable power solution, virtually maintenance-free ODYSSEY® batteries are manufactured with proprietary Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology, which allows the pure lead plates to be made thinner so more fit inside the battery case to provide more surface area. The result is more power in the comparable group size with ample cranking, even at low Depth of Discharge (DOD). ODYSSEY® batteries tolerate extreme temperatures with an operating range from -40°F (-40°C) to 140°F (60°C). They offer greater cycle life for frequent deep discharges that can occur when powering on-board accessories.
To follow the latest ODYSSEY® battery news, visit our website at www.odysseybattery.com or connect with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook by using the hashtag #MYODYSSEY.
ABOUT ENERSYS®
EnerSys, the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, manufactures and distributes energy systems solutions and motive power batteries, specialty batteries, battery chargers, power equipment, battery accessories and outdoor equipment enclosure solutions to customers worldwide. Energy Systems, which combine enclosures, power conversion, power distribution and energy storage, are used in the telecommunication, broadband and utility industries, uninterruptible power supplies and numerous applications. Motive power batteries and chargers are utilized in electric forklift trucks and other industrial electric powered vehicles requiring stored energy solutions. Specialty batteries are used in aerospace and defense applications, large over-the-road trucks, premium automotive, medical and security systems applications. EnerSys also provides aftermarket and customer support services to its customers in over 100 countries through its sales and manufacturing locations around the world. With the NorthStar acquisition, EnerSys has solidified its position as the market leader for premium Thin Plate Pure Lead batteries, which are sold across all three lines of business. More information regarding EnerSys can be found at www.enersys.com.
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Sustainability at EnerSys is about more than just the benefits and impacts of our products. Our commitment to sustainability encompasses many important environmental, social and governance issues. Sustainability is a fundamental part of how we manage our own operations. Minimizing our environmental footprint is a priority. Sustainability is our commitment to our employees, our customers and the communities we serve. Our products facilitate positive environmental, social and economic impacts around the world. To learn more visit: https://www.enersys.com/en/about-us/sustainability/.