Can Batteries Be Left in a Car During High Temperatures?
3 Answers
Batteries should not be left inside a car during high temperatures, as the interior temperature can reach 50-70°C in summer, which may lead to safety hazards. Below is relevant information about car batteries: 1. Introduction: The battery is an essential part of a vehicle and can be categorized into traditional lead-acid batteries and maintenance-free batteries. Since maintenance-free batteries use lead-calcium alloy grids, they produce less water decomposition during charging and have lower water evaporation. Additionally, their sealed structure minimizes the release of sulfuric acid gas, offering advantages such as no need for liquid refills, stable terminal connections, and longer charge retention compared to traditional batteries. 2. Structure: A car lead-acid battery mainly consists of positive (negative) plates, separators, electrolyte, casing, connectors, and terminals.
As a seasoned long-distance driver, I pay special attention to such issues. Leaving batteries in a car under high temperatures is indeed unsafe, primarily because excessive heat can damage the battery structure, causing the internal electrolyte to boil, expand, or even explode. Last month, I saw a news report about a car owner who left a spare power bank under the windshield, exposed to direct sunlight. The intense heat caused the battery to expand and rupture, nearly catching fire. Different batteries pose varying risks—for example, car batteries may also over-discharge in high temperatures, shortening their lifespan. So now, I’ve developed a habit of never leaving any batteries in a sun-exposed car for long periods. When parking, I either find a shaded spot or bring small batteries indoors. Regularly checking the condition of the vehicle’s battery is also crucial to avoid malfunctions that could lead to safety hazards. Paying attention to these details in daily life can make driving much more reassuring.
I personally experienced a similar situation during my summer trip this year. On that self-driving tour, I piled up a bunch of spare batteries near the dashboard, thinking it would be fine. Unexpectedly, the temperature inside the car soared to over 50 degrees Celsius in the afternoon. The batteries became too hot to touch, and one power bank's casing even softened. I was so alarmed that I immediately removed them to cool down. Leaving batteries in a hot car for extended periods can lead to premature aging or leakage, which pollutes the air inside the vehicle. For regular users like us who frequently use electronic devices, it's essential to develop good habits: always check for battery-containing items before leaving the car, such as phones, chargers, or items in the car toolkit. I now store them in a shaded corner of the trunk or in a dedicated insulated bag to minimize risks. This experience taught me the importance of prevention.
