Why the engine does not start in hot weather
Problems with starting a car engine for most drivers (at least the latter think so) are primarily associated with the winter period. But, according to statistics, this is not the case.
Unfortunately, battery failure (the most common reason why a car refuses to start) is not uncommon in summer, especially in hot weather. What can cause such problems, and how can they be prevented? Let’s briefly answer this important question.
Each battery (by the way, in any device) is characterized by a certain temperature spectrum, in which it reaches optimal operating parameters.
In the case of car batteries, it is usually close to room temperature, that is, about 20 degrees Celsius.
This is the ideal value for the longest battery self-discharge time. That is a discharge that occurs naturally, without connecting consumers or a generator.
Significant deviations in both directions can accelerate the discharge process, which can be observed not only in winter but also in summer.
So, a banal increase in outside temperature to 30 degrees Celsius can double the self-discharge of a car battery. And that’s not to mention the higher numbers we’ve all experienced in the past few days.
Therefore, do not be surprised that after a long downtime, your car might not start on one of these cloudless, but almost tropical, according to the indicators on the thermometer, days.
The probability is especially high if the car has stood all this time in the open air and in direct sunlight, when the heated metal especially heats up the engine compartment, including the inside of the battery.
What can be done to reduce the chance of a car factory failure?
The negative effects of heat can be minimized by trying to park the car in the shade (under an awning, in a covered parking area, or in the shade of other objects). However, there are not enough places for all of them.
Moreover, this does not guarantee that the battery will not be discharged. This is especially true in the case of more modern vehicles with relatively high energy consumption even at the time of downtime. On-board instruments, alarms, and a backup power source for vehicle controls put a strain on the battery, which also works in difficult weather conditions.
According to the principle “prevention is better than cure”, it is worth regularly checking the condition of the battery and monitoring how the battery reacts not only to cold but also to heat.
If, after a few days of inactivity, the battery shows signs of discharge (dim lights on the tidy, the starter spins sluggishly, low voltage at the terminals, and so on), there is a risk of its failure when you least expect it.
How can I make sure the battery is good?
Check the battery voltage, which should not be less than 12.4 V with the engine off. At a lower value, it is worth considering charging the battery with a charger first, and when that does not help, just replace it.
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