Why Hot Summers Could Ruin Your Winter Road Trips

This winter holiday season, your car battery may be at risk because of record summer heat. Here's why.

Why Hot Summers Could Ruin Your Winter Road Trips

In 2022, the United States experienced its third hottest summer on record according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Enduring heat is a sign of the times as climate changes. Yes, heat in the summer is naturally-expected, but there is clear evidence that human activity is amplifying it. However, you may not realize how extreme summer temperatures affect your road trip to the In-laws or Grandparents’ house this holiday season. Here’s an explanation.

According to a Batteries Plus press release, extreme summer heat is a recipe for car batteries to fail quicker in the wintertime. Derek Detenber is the Chief Marketing and Merchandising Officer for Batteries Plus. He said, “Drivers are always surprised to learn that the real killer of car batteries is the summer’s heat and not the winter’s cold.” If you are like many readers, you may be wondering why that happens. Detenber went on to note, “In most cases, extreme heat all but kills the battery and then the added stress of the freezing temperatures finishes it off.”