         
Batteries Part 1 Today's vehicles demand much more from their batteries than those of only a decade or two ago. Instead of merely powering lights, a stereo system and the starter motor, today's batteries do all of the above, plus keep electronic memories alive in the engine, transmission, anti-lock brakes, radio, power seats, heating/air conditioning, clock and trip computers. The sum of all these memories will result in a parasitic electrical draw ranging from 20 to 50 milliamperes of current. Yet, many drivers don't consider the condition of their battery until they are pleading for someone to give them a "jump" start on a frigid winter day. Weather does play an important role in determining the life of a power cell. Cold temperatures are hard on batteries because they slow down the chemical reactions that produce the current needed to crank the motor. A cold battery also takes longer to charge. On hot days, high underhood, as well as ambient, temperatures can increase water evaporation from a battery. If the water level falls to the point the tops of the cell plates are exposed, they'll dry out and ruin the battery. Source: Counterman, February 1997 
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