Fact or fiction about life of batteries in hot areas
Just curious...I was told yesterday that batteries in cars/trucks only last about 5 or 6 years in AZ heat. "Sitting in hot weather cooks them and shorten their lives". Fact or fiction?
Forum Discussion
The speed of the chemical reaction approximately doubles for each ten degrees Celsius increase. That means, sitting idle a battery in hot weather, positive plate erosion will be increased. That shortens the life and decreases capacity.
Increased temperature also lowers the gassing voltage so that electrolyte losses may be lots higher unless a temperature compensated charger is used.
Conversely at very low temperatures (say -40) an ordinary converter will not properly recharge the batteries. Of course, that means the batteries may sulfate, if they are in use. Capacity is much lower just to add to the mix.
Increased temperature also lowers the gassing voltage so that electrolyte losses may be lots higher unless a temperature compensated charger is used.
Conversely at very low temperatures (say -40) an ordinary converter will not properly recharge the batteries. Of course, that means the batteries may sulfate, if they are in use. Capacity is much lower just to add to the mix.
