Are batteries lasting longer when they're located outside the engine bay away from the heat?
Back seat battery
- Thread starter Duffyjr
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Well, I am going to say, NO! When they're in the engine compartment, they are right in the way of cooling air coming into the engine bay. As were the batteries that are located in the trunk or backseat area, or even the wheel well of the car(Chrysler), don't seem to show any benefits for longevity. I think the battery placement is for weight balance.
Batteries that are in vehicles living in the HEAT BELT suffer from more earlier failures regardless of their location in the vehicle. Batteries not maintained also fail early regardless of the location in the vehicle.
This is just my opinion.
CB
Batteries that are in vehicles living in the HEAT BELT suffer from more earlier failures regardless of their location in the vehicle. Batteries not maintained also fail early regardless of the location in the vehicle.
This is just my opinion.
CB
I’d say the battery being out of the engine bay would be better for it, but I’m sure the engineers don’t care about the longevity of your battery. They are probably doing it because of less room under the hood.
Originally Posted By: Char Baby
Batteries not maintained also fail early regardless of the location in the vehicle.
This is just my opinion.
CB
I thought batteries in today's cars were maintenance free? If not, I better start doing some maintaining, after I figure out what needs to be done.
Batteries not maintained also fail early regardless of the location in the vehicle.
This is just my opinion.
CB
I thought batteries in today's cars were maintenance free? If not, I better start doing some maintaining, after I figure out what needs to be done.
Kestas
Staff member
I agree with Ryan, heat is not the primary reason the battery is moved from the engine bay. Wherever the battery sits, corrosive vapors is a concern. Plus, the longer cables will reduce the power available for starting, unless the cables are thicker.
Depends on the location. In Canada it might help stabilize the temp for cold starts if the battery is located inside, and less exposure of connections to a corrosive atmosphere. The resistance from the wiring might negate these advantages.
Have you ever seen industrial vehicles where the battery is just hanging off the side of the frame? I do not think it matters one way or the other.
Have you ever seen industrial vehicles where the battery is just hanging off the side of the frame? I do not think it matters one way or the other.
A battery mat to absorb shock, keeping the case clean, the water level proper if it has caps, and of course the terminals clean and corrosion free (and a light film of oil or grease if that's your thing) is all I think is needed in a regular car. Of course regular charging if it is rarely driven or a detached negative cable are good.
A Cobalt I had placed the battery in the spare tire tub/well low in the trunk. It has a vent hose for (hydrogen?) fumes- but dont AGMs solve that issue? I think that is a perfect location for a sporty car for the weight issues. Also, the battery is out of the way for more room in the engine bay and also, smokers and those careless can be safer not having it under the hood when doing work to the car.
As for do they last longer....I would guess they would with all things being equal. But if you treat your underhood battery like royalty then they would probably last equal in time. Its just with the battery inside it probably require alot less attention and that is good for the masses......like sealed non-greasable steering and suspension components.
A Cobalt I had placed the battery in the spare tire tub/well low in the trunk. It has a vent hose for (hydrogen?) fumes- but dont AGMs solve that issue? I think that is a perfect location for a sporty car for the weight issues. Also, the battery is out of the way for more room in the engine bay and also, smokers and those careless can be safer not having it under the hood when doing work to the car.
As for do they last longer....I would guess they would with all things being equal. But if you treat your underhood battery like royalty then they would probably last equal in time. Its just with the battery inside it probably require alot less attention and that is good for the masses......like sealed non-greasable steering and suspension components.
YES they are.
Chevy cobalts can easily go 8 years or more on a battery because it is mounted in the trunk out of the temp extremes, vibration, and eposure to liquids dirt, and corrosives.
Chevy cobalts can easily go 8 years or more on a battery because it is mounted in the trunk out of the temp extremes, vibration, and eposure to liquids dirt, and corrosives.
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Originally Posted By: Duffyjr
Are batteries lasting longer when they're located outside the engine bay away from the heat?
If having 3 batteries (includes the original) in 18 years for my 2000 E320 Mercedes is any indication...the answer is yes...having a battery away from outside elements helps longevity.
Are batteries lasting longer when they're located outside the engine bay away from the heat?
If having 3 batteries (includes the original) in 18 years for my 2000 E320 Mercedes is any indication...the answer is yes...having a battery away from outside elements helps longevity.
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