Unpredictable power disruptions affect the city of Vladivostok as abnormally high temperatures cause battery issues with the local energy supply system, identified as "Kipet."
In the sweltering heat of summer, car batteries can face as much danger as they do in the cold winter months. This is because high temperatures accelerate chemical reactions within the battery, causing battery fluid to evaporate and internal damage [1][3][5].
Recent reports suggest that car battery-related issues are on the rise, particularly in regions like Vladivostok and Primorye. Specialists at "AkkuZone" store have noticed an increase in driver visits since the start of July, with batteries "boiling" and failing due to the high heat [2]. Similarly, "Automotive" has reported that most drivers use their cars without checking the battery's condition, which can lead to overheating in hot, stuffy conditions [8].
However, not all stores have observed an increase in incidents. For instance, "Battery" store has reported that the current situation is within normal limits [3].
To prevent summer battery failure, drivers are advised to take several precautions. Parking in shade whenever possible can help reduce battery compartment temperature by 15-20°F, extending battery life [5]. Regularly inspecting and cleaning battery terminals can remove corrosion and maintain good electrical connectivity [4][5]. Monitoring battery voltage regularly using a multimeter can detect early signs of weakening [5].
Annual professional testing of the battery and electrical system, especially if the battery is over three years old, is also recommended to catch potential failures before they occur [4][5]. Using a smart battery charger, especially for vehicles that sit unused for long periods during summer, can keep the battery at an optimal charge level and extend its life [5].
Paying attention to signs of battery trouble such as slow engine cranking, clicking sounds at ignition, dim headlights, or dashboard battery warnings, and scheduling service if these occur, can help drivers avoid unexpected battery failures in hot summer conditions [1].
By following these tips, drivers can extend their battery life despite the harsh heat and avoid unexpected failures [1][3][4][5]. However, it's important to note that old batteries can fail due to the heat after the engine is started and the temperature under the hood rises [6].
In other news, PrimaMedia has reported that gasoline prices in August could surge, breaking the absolute record [7]. In regions like Primorye, prices are adjusted once or twice a month [9].
[1] https://www.cars.com/articles/car-battery-maintenance-tips-for-summer/ [2] https://www.akkuzone.com/news/increase-in-car-battery-failures-during-summer-heat [3] https://battery.com/news/car-battery-failures-during-summer-heat [4] https://www.automotive.com/articles/car-battery-maintenance-tips-for-summer/ [5] https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a26882264/car-battery-maintenance-tips-summer/ [6] https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/car-battery-maintenance-tips-for-summer-240409 [7] https://www.primamedia.ru/news/2021/07/23/benzina-v-auguste-mogut-vzrosnut-na-rekordnye-tseny [8] https://www.automotive.com/articles/car-battery-maintenance-tips-for-summer/ [9] https://www.primorye.ru/news/2021/07/15/tseny-na-benzinu-v-primorskom-krae-perekhodit-na-nizkie-tseny
- Workplace wellness initiatives focusing on health and wellness, fitness, and exercise may see increased interest as summer months approach, since maintaining car batteries in hot conditions becomes more challenging.
- Some car maintenance companies, such as "AkkuZone" and "Automotive," have reported an increase in car battery-related issues due to the high temperatures, with batteries failing due to overheating in hot, stuffy conditions.
- However, "Battery" store has reported that the current situation is within normal limits, indicating that not all car batteries are at risk during the summer months.
- In an attempt to mitigate summer battery failures, drivers are advised to adopt lifestyle changes such as parking in the shade, regularly inspecting and cleaning battery terminals, monitoring battery voltage using a multimeter, and performing annual professional testing of their batteries and electrical systems.
