Car Won’t Start In Hot Weather? Check Your Battery

June 16, 2023

Your car not starting the morning after a snowy night with below-freezing temperatures might not be the biggest surprise, but your car not starting in hot weather may be a bit more frustrating. As we approach the warmest time of year, identifying why your car struggles to start in hot weather may help you get back on the road and enjoying the sunshine faster. Learn how the heat might affect your battery and what you can do about it.

How Can the Heat Affect Your Battery?

Just like cold weather can impact your battery's performance, so can the heat. If you've ever left a cup of water outside on a hot day, you've probably noticed how some of the water evaporated as time passed. This same concept can apply to your battery. Your car battery contains fluid that helps produce the electricity needed for it to function. When summers scorching temperatures arrive, this liquid can evaporate and weaken your battery's charge. High temperatures can also cause your battery to corrode faster, affecting its performance.

How Can You Care for Your Battery in Hot Weather?

Hot weather doesn't have to mean the end of your battery. With proper care and maintenance, you can help keep your battery in fighting shape despite high temperatures. A few ways you can care for your battery are:

• Avoid short trips: Shorter trips don't always give your battery enough time to recharge fully, which might affect its lifespan.
• Limit electronics use: Your lights and other electronics rely on the battery to work. Keep interior and exterior lights off when you aren't using your vehicle, and avoid using accessories like phone chargers when your vehicle is off.
• Keep it clean: Corrosion can have a significant impact on your battery life, so you want to regularly check for buildup and clean corrosion from your car battery.
• Regular testing: Most auto parts stores offer free battery testing. By regularly checking your battery and its charge, you can catch issues before they lead to a car that won't start.

When Is It Time for a New Battery?

The battery is one of the most common reasons a car won't start, but that doesn't always mean the battery itself needs to be replaced. Sometimes, a loose or missing battery hold down can affect the battery connection. The damaged battery connection could make starting your car difficult because the starter motor relies on electricity from the battery to get your engine going.

Outside of starting issues, problems with other electrical accessories could also indicate your car has a poor battery connection. An obvious sign to look for is dim interior and exterior lights. Also keep in mind a battery's lifespan is about three to four years. If your car's battery is around this age, take that into account while you figure out what's going on.

If you notice any signs of a bad battery or poor battery connection, or if your car has a hard time starting when warm outside, reach out to the professionals at your local INFINITI service center. They can help pinpoint the problem so you can take the appropriate next steps.

Beat the Summer Heat With INFINITI Parts & Accessories

Don't waste the sunshine with a car that won't start. Help keep your INFINITI’s engine running how it should by shopping for OEM replacement parts online and making an appointment at your nearest INFINITI service center for diagnostics and repairs.