Fact or fiction about life of batteries in hot areas

I have lived in the Phoenix area for 26 years and I can tell you that batteries last about 3 years in our vehicles. I know of no one who gets 5, let alone 6 on theirs.
RichH

aguablanco wrote:
I have lived in the Phoenix area for 26 years and I can tell you that batteries last about 3 years in our vehicles. I know of no one who gets 5, let alone 6 on theirs.
RichH

that's about right.

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.

Jeep battery in Tucson is past 7 years and still reads 12.8 volts.

I suspect temps do have something to do with it. Since moving to Oregon, batteries lasted longer than in montana.

So, on my 2004 Silverado factory batteries 10 years, 125K miles
97 Mercedes E420 factory battery 12 years, 100K miles
97 mercedes SL500 factory battery 13 years 80K mile

All things equal I think batteries will last longer in a colder climate. The problem is things are not equal. Most on here are posting how long their car batteries last. My Walmart Max starting batteries for my cars last about 3-4 years in CT, but I don't maintain them like my MH batteries. I just drive and park them. My MH I recharge my 2 Sams Club 6v CG batteries when they self discharge to 95% SOC and charge the Walmart Max starting battery at the same time. I also equalize maybe 2 or 3 a year. These batteries are over 9 years old and still going strong. The colder the temps the slower the self discharge is, but I think maintenance plays a much bigger role in longevity.

As always, these type discussions always seem to assume liquid (wet) acid batteries. AGM (dry) batteries are a whole different animal.

This past summer I replaced two AGM RV batteries that were about 8 years old that still seemed to have plenty of life left in them ... they were kept on a maintenance charger 24/7 when not in use.

I have a larger (Group 31, 95 amp hour) yellow top Optima AGM battery that is at least 15 years old and it will still start our car ... I top up it's charge only a couple of times a year.

Finally .... after owning our 4X4 PU for 18 years .... this past summer I put an AGM starting battery in it because I got tired of replacing liquid acid batteries that continued to let me down after being in the truck only a few years.

You can replace a bunch of liquid acid batteries or replace only a very few AGM batteries.

I do not know of a battery under the hood of a motor vehicle that is not mistreated. Try as they might, charging system controls can and do not apply proper correct voltage for minus temperatures, short trips, lights, heater, you name it. To verify this yourself look at a corrected temperature chart, then imagine a slow-engine-speed with the alternator output barely able to maintain amperage then the voltage is in the fourteens. For -20F temps? Gimme a break. Going home and connecting the car to a battery maintainer that supports CORRECT float voltages would enhance battery lifespan multi-fold. You WILL notice that cars and trucks in frigid area that are started then ALWAYS driven long distances will have much longer battery life in frigid climes.

Hot, low and high Ph agents are infinitely more reactive than cold media. This is normal and expected behavior in chemistry. Chill battery acid in a freezer to 0F, drop a spoonfull of raw hamburger in it wait 2 hours and examine. Heat the same acid to 200F in a PYREX vessel and do the same with the hamburger. Oooooo! Now imagine the hamburger as being your eyeball.

Batteries in elevated temperature climes do not operate at ambient temperatures. I have seen 190F underhood (battery lead) temperature in summer desert areas. What "charging" voltage is correct for a flooded lead acid battery at 190F.? This temp is so severe it cannot be touched with a finger without screaming OUCH!

Battery OEM scream 120F is the absolute maximum temperature limit for even the most infinitesimal of charging. With the battery in the trunk or inside a hatch at 120F how much charging "should" it see? How about if it's discharged and needs to be charged?

These are quandaries that have no practical answer. To put it bluntly, the battery takes it in the shorts. Surplus acid batteries like golf car and industrial tolerate elevated temperatures better because they have thicker plates to absorb ablation, and more surface area on their case to dissipate heat.

Go ahead. Access those temperature charts. Compare the date versus what your charging system insists on doing...

Then wince...

Battery manufacturers will make any excuse they can to shift blame for a mediocre to shoddy product. Too hot. Too cold. Too wet. Too dry. Too much use. Too little use. In the end you always end up paying for the new battery.

pnichols wrote:
As always, these type discussions always seem to assume liquid (wet) acid batteries. AGM (dry) batteries are a whole different animal.

And as always, some seem intent on ignoring the simple original question and running off on a tangent.

High temperatures adversely affect ALL batteries, some to a different degree. AGMs last longer in almost all circumstances but it has little or nothing to do with resistance to temperature extremes.

So, the original question was: Will batteries fail sooner if exposed to high temperatures? And the answer is a resounding YES.

The only exception might be a "dry charged" one that has not yet been activated by adding electrolyte. But then it is not a real battery......yet.