How Do I Protect My Fleet Vehicles from the Heat?

For Professionals - by Bryan Veldboom - updated on 8/31/2023

With much of the country experiencing record-high heat, now is a good time to think about the batteries in your vehicle fleet. High temperatures can have an enormous impact on a vehicle battery. In fact, an auto battery is more likely to die in the summer than it is in the winter. If you're struggling to keep your fleet vehicles in the field, Batteries Plus can help. We have a history of solving fleet-related issues on a large scale. Here is a brief look at what we can do for your business.

Is Heat Bad for Car Batteries?

Heat attacks a lead acid battery in two ways:

Sulfation - When temperatures get too high, they cause the water in the battery's electrolyte fluid to evaporate. This can cause the battery plates to begin sulfating, which will lower the battery's capacity, eventually killing it completely.

Corrosion - Flooded lead acid batteries occasionally vent sulfuric acid vapor and hydrogen gas. When these gasses react with the heat under your hood and the metal on your battery's terminals it can cause them to corrode. Corrosion impedes the flow of power in a battery and can cause it to deteriorate prematurely.

How Much Does Fleet Downtime Cost?

The costs associated with a stalled vehicle can add up very quickly. For starters, there is the loss of income associated with the vehicle itself. Then, factor in any towing or service costs, which typically run a minimum of $100 per hour. If you need to rent an additional vehicle, or support additional vehicles in your fleet to account for downtime, that's even more lost revenue.

Batteries Plus Can Help You Upgrade Your Fleet Batteries

If your vehicles are struggling to perform in the heat, Batteries Plus can provide you with a better battery. Our selection of X2Power AGM batteries are specially engineered to perform better in extreme temperatures, from -40° all the way up to 149°F. Here are a few of their advantages:

• Completely Sealed - Its sealed design prevents water from evaporating, protecting your battery from sulfation.
• Valve Regulated - A one-way pressure relief valve prevents gas from escaping, making the battery less likely to corrode.
• Higher Voltage Output - AGM batteries provide more energy than flooded batteries for more reliable vehicle starting.
• Longer Lifespan - According to the Battery Council International (BCI), the average fleet battery lasts about 24 months. X2Power auto batteries are engineered to last up to 3X longer.
• High Vibration Resistance - An important benefit especially in heavy-duty trucks.
• Faster Charging - Battery recharges 5X faster than a flooded battery.
• Lower Self-Discharge Rate - Battery holds its charge for much longer in storage.
• Brass battery terminals - Terminals made of brass offer superior conductivity, corrosion resistance and durability.
• Warranty - 4-year limited replacement warranty
• Made in the U.S.A.

Batteries Plus Carries Replacement Batteries for All Types of Vehicle Fleets

Batteries Plus offers a selection of replacement batteries for an enormous range of vehicles, including:

• Cars & trucks
• Buses
• Construction equipment & other heavy duty vehicles
• Lawn tractors
• RVs & campers
• Boats & personal watercraft
• Golf carts
• ATVs & UTVs

Batteries Plus Offers Automotive Services

Batteries Plus also provides a number of convenient automotive services, including:

• Free Battery Testing - Got a battery that's not performing properly? Bring it to us and we'll test it free of charge.
• Key Cutting & Key Fob Replacement - We make it easy to replace your aging fobs, cut spare keys or provide you with new auto remotes (available at participating locations only).

Save with a Batteries Plus Business Account

When you partner with Batteries Plus, you'll be eligible for a number of valuable perks, including volume discount pricing, fast, local delivery and access to a dedicated personal account representative. Sign up for a free business account   today.

If your business has a national presence, our National Accounts team   can provide you with solutions across your entire enterprise.