At Lexus of Valencia, we know southern California weather is only getting hotter. During hot weather, protect your Lexus hybrid batteries by following these steps, or you may return to find a dead battery—or, even worse, fundamental issues with your hybrid power system.
What Does Heat Do to My Battery?
Hybrids use two different batteries, and summer heat takes a toll on both. The nickel metal hydride battery in the engine suffers corrosion, evaporative wear, and self-discharge in the heat, so it requires maintenance.
Hybrids and EVs also use a lithium-ion battery pack that suffers from high heat. With prolonged exposure, they may not hold a charge for as long, and their overall service life also takes a significant hit.
How Can I Keep My Car Safe?
To protect both batteries, you should keep them below 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Although hybrid batteries have built-in hardware and power management software that manage temperature, there are things you can do as a driver to keep safe.
Hybrid batteries are often placed under the backseat, so keeping the internal cabin temperature low is essential. When possible, park in the shade and don’t roll your windows completely up to help improve airflow and cool off the cabin. Park in a garage when possible, or at least in the shade. If you can’t do that, invest in a sun shade from our Lexus parts department; reducing the amount of sunlight that makes it through your windows protects both batteries and keeps you cooler, too.
Get Essential Hybrid Maintenance at Lexus of Valencia
If the heat has damaged your hybrid battery, or if there are any other issues, make an appointment with our Lexus service experts at Lexus of Valencia. While you’re here, learn more about the advanced new hybrid technology powering the latest Lexus hybrids and take one for a test drive!
