As temps creep toward triple digits, is your vehicle ready for the Southern Utah heat?

ST. GEORGE — While winter is a time many people associate with the gradual death of their car’s battery, it turns out summertime is harder on those batteries and kills them off quicker, according to AAA.

Stock image | St. George News

Calls to AAA for roadside assistance jump by up to 25% during the summer months as the heat wreaks havoc on battery life, fluid levels, tires and other vehicle parts.

“The summer heat takes a toll on vehicles, and it is easy to overlook the impact it can have,” John Walter, who serves as AAA Utah’s chief auto repair officer, said in a press release. “As summer approaches, don’t let the heat catch you off guard. Every driver should ask themselves, ‘Is my car ready for summer?'”

Car batteries are generally estimated to have a lifespan of three to five years, yet up to 24 months of that can be reduced in the hot and humid parts of the country, according to AAA. It is recommended that car batteries be regularly checked for corrosion and that any loose or damaged parts be replaced.

Jiffy Lube offers further detail on what the heat does to a car battery:

As the temperature rises (and eventually hits triple digits in Southwest Utah), it causes the fluid within batteries to evaporate. This can negatively impact a battery’s ability to hold a charge and therefore keep a car from starting.

Fluid evaporation also can cause physical damage to the battery and result in battery acid leaks. These leaks can corrode the battery and also eat away at other parts of a car’s engine, which can result in pricey repair bills.

Just how can you tell when your battery may need to be changed? Jiffy Lube lists the following symptoms to watch out for:

  • The battery light is illuminated on the dashboard.
  • There is a grinding, clicking or buzzing sound when you turn the ignition.
  • Headlights dim when you are idling but brighten when you rev the engine.
  • Slow cranking when the engine starts.

The heat also can affect electric vehicle batteries by impacting battery life and the overall range an electric vehicle may be able to travel. However, performance and impacts can vary as these vehicles are built with battery-related heating and cooling systems, according to the EV Solutions blog.

AAA also recommends leveling off your vehicle’s fluids as those will also drop with evaporation.

A man put motor oil in his vehicle as a part of vehicle maintenance, stock photo | St. George News

“To keep your engine running smoothly, keep your fluids topped off, including motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and especially coolant,” AAA states.

AAA adds that checking your tires also is advised as higher temperatures can cause air to expand, leading to overinflated tires that can bulge, while underinflated tires may create excessive friction on hot roads, increasing the risk of a blowout.

Check your tire pressure regularly to ensure it’s within the manufacturer’s recommended range.

“By taking the time to check your vehicle before hitting the road, you can catch any potential issues early and save yourself from costly repairs down the line,” Walter said. “Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that you and your passengers are traveling in a safe and reliable vehicle.”

A way to diminish potential heat damage to your vehicle is to keep it stored in a covered garage or shaded area.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

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