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
NinerBikes wrote:ktmrfs wrote:
The sedan I replaced the battery after something like 13 years, not because it was giving trouble, but because DW was driving to work long distance every day and decided with winter coming didn't want her to have a battery go bad. And in the winter we do lots of stop and go and use the "rest" function to keep the heat in the car when shopping. runs an electric water pump and fan to circulate the coolant through the heater core to keep the car at a set temp for up to 1/2 hour. Still the batteries last a long time, same treatment with the roadster.
What model vehicle runs the battery down for a 1/2 hour that you own? Seems silly, the moment you open the door in cold weather, all the warm air leaks out almost instantly. Add a little breeze or wind and it's no different than if you left the door open to the barn.
Much more efficient to heat the ambient air directly around your body, and layer /bundle up, correct?
well, all I can say is that in temps well below OF, I can come out after parked for 1/2 hour to about 45 minutes and the car is still a nice cozy 70F inside with the heater cycling on and off as needed to keep the temp at what the climate control is set to. It doesn't come on automatically, you need to select the "REST" Function after turning off the ignition.
It shuts down after about 1/2 hour since by that time the water in the engine block has cooled down enough to not give any more heat to the car. Draws about 3-5Amps while it is running. There is lots of waste heat in the engine block when you shut it down, even in the aluminum block/head in the cars I have. All that is needed is a small electric pump to cycle the water through the heater core with the engine shut off and have the climate control fan on. The way it is set up, it does not circulate ANY water through the radiator, just through the engine block and back to the heater core.
With a 145AH battery, doesn't really add a significant draw the the battery.
And it is a nice feature on two of my cars. Not a new feature, been around since the late 80's at least.
Wish my Silverado or Sierra would have this function.
