Warning: Anticipated spike in battery breakdowns after recent UK temperatures



Summer 2019 was a record-breaking season which many of us soaked up, but we are now being warned that the heat can have a big impact on automotive batteries and that they could struggle as we approach the winter. This will trigger a spike in breakdowns across the UK.

According to Clarios, the battery experts that manufacture the VARTA® car batteries, the extreme and consistent exposure to heat can have a severely detrimental effect on batteries. This damage is often overlooked until the following winter, when older batteries are unable to survive in the cold British weather.

VW Van Leasing

Modern vehicles are most likely to be affected because of the new fuel-saving measures that they have adopted. The popular start-stop technology used my nearly all manufacturers requires more power from the battery which means the problem is only going to get worse.

Results from a recent survey claim that a staggering 40% of breakdown assistance and call-outs are due to flat batteries. This winter has already caused a devastating impact on parts of the UK and we could be faced with a new challenge in the form of vehicle breakdowns up and down the country.

“Many drivers think that cold weather does damage to the battery, but it is the heat that is the start of its downfall. Heat dramatically shortens the life-span of a battery, so by the time winter comes, older batteries are close to their limit” explains Dr Christian Rosenkranz, of Clarios.

You might remember the new record high temperature recorded in July of this year at 38.7 degrees centigrade. Even though we don’t feel like we had a long and hot summer, the heat that vehicles have been subjected to will no doubt impact them during the next few months. Cars parked for long periods in the sun will potentially be worse affected.

Ford Van Leasing

Dr Rosenkranz explains that high temperatures lead to self-discharge of the battery and cause its electrochemical parts to age more quickly. The problems start to show in winter, when more energy is needed to start the engine.

“Modern cars are loaded with electronics and are therefore more dependent on a good battery than ever. They need a battery that can give its full specified performance in order to comfortably supply all the functions that demand power from it,” Dr Rosenkranz added.

We advise that you get your battery tested by a professional before winter arrives. It will be far less hassle and time-consuming to be prepared with the relevant checks than having to deal with an unexpected break-down.

Alternatively, talk to us about a new vehicle and get ready for winter. Simply visit www.premiercommercialvehicles.co.uk.

Location: Bridgend, UK

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