There is a misconception that winter is more harmful to car, truck and SUV batteries than summer. It’s not true. Summer in McHenry is harder on automotive batteries than winter.

The reason for the misconception is simple. Winter thickens engine oil. This makes it far more difficult to crank an engine over and start your car, truck or SUV. The starter motor has to work harder to turn the crankshaft of the engine. That means that it is drawing more amps from the battery. If the battery isn’t up to the extra demand, the battery can let you down. And who wants their battery to let them down in the middle of a bitter-cold winter night?

In the summer, the heat is a battery killer. Think about it; some people store their AA and AAA batteries in the freezer at home. Doing so slows the self-discharge of the battery. The same principle applies outdoors with your car, truck or SUV battery. If it’s frigid cold outside, the battery is simply able to hold its charge longer.

Heat, on the other hand, shortens the life of a battery. It increases the chemical reaction that creates corrosion. The battery fluid can also evaporate faster. That fluid is essential to the health of a car, truck or SUV battery. Without it, the battery is damaged and its life is cut short.

In the heat, the battery works harder to produce the amperage needed to start the car. The additional strain in the winter is external. This means that your battery may have trouble keeping up next winter because of the strain the heat put on the battery this summer.

In any case, it’s a good idea to have your battery checked. Batteries do fail in the summer and yours could fail this summer if the heat has its way with your battery. Winter tests the strength of a battery. Summer attacks the strength of your battery.