Why does heat drain car batteries?

CHICAGO (WGN) — Summer has arrived, which means road trips and weekend getaways are on the horizon, but many may be unaware that the hot summer temperatures could lead to problems with their car's battery.

Summer officially begins with the solstice Thursday, but for many across the United States, an extreme heat wave already has thermometers climbing into the triple digits.

While many associate reduced car battery life with the cold winter months, experts from AAA say heat is the No. 1 cause of battery failure and reduced life.

Why does the heat drain car batteries?

Intense heat can have a detrimental impact on a car's battery for several reasons.

According to AAA, extreme heat can impact the chemical process inside a car battery, which can make it hard for a battery to hold a charge or produce enough power.

Intense summer heat can also cause the battery fluid to evaporate more quickly. Once the fluid evaporates, the heat could degrade the battery's interior components, which could lead to corrosion.

Officials from AAA said that another battery issue could also arise during the summer months, as the combination of summer heat and the normal vibrations from driving could lead to an accelerated breakdown of the battery.

How to avoid heat-related car battery damage

While car battery failures in the summer months may not always be due to the heat, experts from AAA say there are some steps that drivers can take to avoid heat-related breakdowns.

According to AAA, drivers should check their car batteries to make sure the cable connections are clean and tight as corrosion around the terminals could compromise the electrical connections.

Drivers are also advised to ensure that the battery is mounted securely to minimize damage brought on by movement as excessive vibrations could be detrimental to a battery's life.

While car batteries are designed to last between three and five years, experts advise drivers to have a vehicle tech perform an annual test after the second year to determine the battery's remaining life and get ahead of any potential problems.