How to Prevent Your Car Battery from Dying in the Summer Heat

When we think about the dangers of car battery failure, most of us picture frigid winter mornings and ice-covered windshields. But here’s a surprise: summer heat is actually one of the leading causes of battery breakdown.

Yes, the blazing sun can do more than just make your steering wheel too hot to touch—it can wreak havoc under the hood. At Kunes Auto Group, we want to help you stay ahead of the heat and avoid those frustrating, unexpected battery failures.

Let’s break down exactly why heat is harmful to your battery, and most importantly, what you can do to protect it this summer.

High temperatures can cause the liquid electrolyte inside your car’s battery to evaporate, leading to reduced battery capacity and internal corrosion. Even though batteries like warm weather better than extreme cold, prolonged exposure to excessive heat accelerates wear and shortens lifespan.
When your battery is damaged by heat, you may notice:

• The engine takes longer to crank
• Headlights dimming when the car is idling
• Electronic accessories acting up
• A warning light on your dashboard
• Or, worst of all, a car that won’t start at all

These problems are more than an inconvenience—they can leave you stranded during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year

Here are our top expert tips to help you prevent a dead battery when the mercury rises:

Sun exposure can quickly raise your vehicle’s internal temperature, especially under the hood. Parking in a garage or shaded area keeps your entire vehicle cooler and reduces battery strain. If shade isn’t available, consider using a sunshade or windshield reflector to help lower the cabin temperature.

Over time, dirt, grease, and corrosion can build up around the battery terminals, interfering with the electrical connection. This can cause your battery to work harder than it should.
 We recommend:

• Checking your battery for white, ashy buildup on the terminals
• Cleaning the area with a battery brush or having one of our certified techs handle it during your next service visit
• Applying a corrosion prevention spray for long-term protection

Many modern car batteries are maintenance-free, but if you have one where you can see the electrolyte level, make sure it’s not running low. If it is, it may indicate evaporation or a leak caused by overheating.

Never try to open or top off a sealed battery—if you’re unsure, just bring it into Kunes and we’ll take care of the inspection for you.

A battery can start to fail without any obvious signs—until it’s too late. That’s why regular battery testing is so important, especially before long road trips or during seasonal changes.

At Kunes Auto Group, we offer battery diagnostics that check voltage, cold cranking amps, and overall battery health. We’ll give you a clear picture of how much life your battery has left—and help you decide if a replacement is needed.

Did you know your battery gets recharged while you drive? Taking frequent short trips (especially under 15 minutes) doesn’t allow enough time for the alternator to replenish the battery’s charge. Over time, this can weaken your battery—even if you’re driving daily.

Try to combine errands or plan occasional longer drives to keep your battery fully charged and healthy.

Using accessories like the radio, phone chargers, or air conditioning while the engine is off can drain your battery fast. Make it a habit to turn everything off before shutting down your engine, and avoid using them while parked with the engine off.

On average, a car battery lasts about 3 to 5 years—but in hot climates or during long, intense summers, that number can drop significantly. If your battery is more than 3 years old, it’s a good idea to have it tested before the hottest months arrive.

A little preventive care goes a long way when it comes to your car’s battery. By following these simple tips—and trusting your vehicle to the team at Kunes—you can drive with confidence no matter how high the temperature climbs.