What is the effect on a car battery's expected life
in Arizona's heat?
Ed's Question : "What
is the effect on a car battery's expected life in Arizona's
heat? I have heard that batteries do not last long.
Are there any other maintenance issues because of the
severe summer heat?"
The average life expectancy of a car battery in Arizona
is 22 months. Regardless of the length of the warranty
on your battery, if it has been in your car for more
than 22 months in Arizona, you are running on borrowed
time. Most car battery failures in Arizona happen without
warning. You don’t get the slow cranking, dim lights,
or other warning signs that you would have noticed
in moderate or cold weather states. The battery just
dies in most cases. The only way you can know the condition
of your car’s battery is to have it tested. If you
battery is over 22 months old, you should consider
having it tested the next time your car is in the shop
for routine maintenance. The mechanic will be able
to tell you the current condition of your battery compared
to when it was new.
As for other maintenance issues due to Arizona’s severe
summer heat, you will notice that you go through all
rubber parts more quickly here in the desert. Things
like wiper blades, motor mounts, belts, hoses, and
tires just don’t last as long in the severe heat and
the extreme dry conditions that we have. In addition
to the heat, the dust tends to take a toll on air filters
and cabin filters in Arizona as well. Both of these
filters should be replaced annually for maximum benefit.
The benefits that we humans come to Arizona to enjoy,
like warmth and sunny days, can be hard on our cars
and trucks. However, if we acknowledge this trade-off
and we are prepared to perform the added maintenance,
there shouldn’t be a problem.
