Why Car Batteries Don't Last Long in South Louisiana
People usually blame cold weather when a battery dies. Around here the real damage is done by the heat all summer long. The cold morning just finishes it off. Here's why, and what to watch for.
By the Allen's Automotive Service team in Metairie ·
Heat does the damage, cold shows it
A car battery makes power through a chemical reaction. Heat speeds up that reaction, and it also speeds up the wear inside the battery: the plates break down faster and the liquid inside evaporates. Under the hood of a car parked on a Metairie parking lot in August, it gets very hot.
All that heat weakens the battery over the summer, but a weak battery can still start a warm engine. Then the first cool morning comes along. Cold oil is thicker, the engine is harder to turn, and the battery has less to give. That's when you hear the slow crank, or just a click.
How long should a battery last here?
It depends on the battery, the car and how you drive. But because heat is the main thing that wears batteries out, they often don't last as long down here as people expect. It's not unusual for one to be done in about three years. Most batteries have a date code sticker on top, so you can see how old yours is.
Signs your battery is getting weak
- The engine cranks slower than it used to, especially first thing in the morning
- Headlights or dash lights dim at idle and brighten when you rev it
- The battery light or a "charging system" message on the dash
- The battery case looks swollen or bulging (heat does that)
- White or blue-green crust on the terminals
- You've needed a jump start more than once
Things that help it last
- Park in the shade or a garage when you can. Less heat under the hood means less wear.
- Watch the short trips. Starting the car uses a lot of power, and a 5-minute drive to the store and back doesn't give the alternator time to put it back. If most of your driving is short hops, a longer drive now and then helps.
- Keep the terminals clean and tight. Corrosion and loose clamps keep the battery from charging and starting the car properly.
- Get it tested before it leaves you stuck. A battery test takes a few minutes and tells you how much life is left. It's a good idea before a road trip. See our pre-trip car check.
New battery, still dying?
If a new battery keeps going dead, the battery may not be the problem. A bad alternator won't charge it, and something staying on after you shut the car off (a stuck relay, a glove box light, an aftermarket accessory) can drain it overnight. That's when we test the whole charging and starting system. See electrical repair: batteries, alternators & starters.
Get it tested in Metairie
Swing by 4725 Utica St, off Clearview Pkwy, or call (504) 780-9804. More on our car battery testing and replacement page.
Questions we get
Why did my battery die on the first cold morning?
Usually the battery was already weakened by summer heat. Cold makes the engine harder to start and the battery less able to deliver power, so a weak battery fails then.
Can a jump start fix a weak battery?
A jump gets you going, but it doesn't fix a battery that's worn out. Get it tested so you know whether it needs replacing or whether something else is draining it.
How do I know if it's the battery or the alternator?
If the car starts with a jump and then dies again while driving, or the battery light is on while driving, the alternator is a suspect. We test both.
Related
This is general information, not a diagnosis of your car. Every car is different, so call us with your year, make and model, or bring it by.
Ready to get it looked at?
Call (504) 780-9804 or book online.