Keeping batteries in the car - temperature considerations?

[michelkenny]

Hi everyone,

I'm planning on keeping a Surefire 6P with some CR123A primaries in a Surefire SC1 spares carrier in my car 24/7 for emergencies. In winter the temperature is usually around -30C (-22F), but can go as low as -40C (-40F). In summer it is usually +25C to +30C (+68F to +86F) but sometimes can go up to +40C (+104F); in the car it would get a lot warmer.

Would these temperatures be dangerous for the batteries? I'm not too concerned if the lifespan is reduced, I just don't want them blowing up in my car when it gets really hot in summer.

 

[abvidledUK]

Keep them in a small cool bag, with it's insulation should help reduce temperature swing ?

Or even expanded polystyrene container.

In pipe insulation ?




Wrapped in cloth.

Block of foam, freeze, then drill out for batteries.

Or even those internal foam protected boxes used to transport HDD's for PCs.






Be nice to see some figures on just how much these temps are contained.

 

[LEDninja]

I read a recommendation to keep flashlights and batteries in a box under the front PASSENGER seat where it is the coolest in summer. Do NOT put in the drivers side as the box might slide forward and jam the pedals.

 

[Jedi Knife]

I've kept a SF KL4 in my glovebox for over a year now with the same set of CR123s in it- I was just marveling the other day about how well the batteries have held up. I check them quite often for leaks and such- they seem to still be going strong. I have not checked them with a battery tester, but the light is still quite bright. I think that CR123 cells are perhaps the best choice for storing (and subsequent use) under extreme conditions.

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Michelkenny,

The storage and operating temperatures for CR123 cells is -40 - 140 F. It looks like you are within those limits.

Tom

 

[gchand]

Over the past couple of years I've run some temperature tests in my 1995 Toyota
Camry, using a recording thermocouple thermometer. My Camry is beige outside,
with a brown interior, so heats up under sun loading more so than a white outside
colored vehicle, but less so than a black colored vehicle.

Under conditions of bright sunlight, I have found that the passenger floor area typically
runs a maximum of about 10 degrees F above ambient, the center console about
35 degrees, and the glove compartment about 45 degrees.

I keep my P3D in the center console for quick access, and a Mag-74 on the floor in a
Tupperware pasta container lined with foam.

The suggestion to use the floor area under the passenger seat for safety reasons is
a good one, but the catalytic converter is often located under that area, adding an
additional source of heat. In my Camry, there are brackets that keep items under
either the driver's or passenger's seats from sliding forward, so I keep my Mag-74
under my driver's seat.


George

 

[2manybikes]

Hi everyone,

I'm planning on keeping a Surefire 6P with some CR123A primaries in a Surefire SC1 spares carrier in my car 24/7 for emergencies. In winter the temperature is usually around -30C (-22F), but can go as low as -40C (-40F). In summer it is usually +25C to +30C (+68F to +86F) but sometimes can go up to +40C (+104F); in the car it would get a lot warmer.

Would these temperatures be dangerous for the batteries? I'm not too concerned if the lifespan is reduced, I just don't want them blowing up in my car when it gets really hot in summer.

In mid 90 degree F weather my car reaches 170f + easily. My friend has had his truck interior at 188f on the same days. It's too hot in the summer in the sun. In the 80 f temps my car gets to 160f often. Many others have reported 160f inside a car in the summer. It's never been 104 f ambient here that I remember. Don't do it.

 

[JamisonM]

What about keeping your lights and batteries in a small cooler? It seems like the temperatures inside wouldn't vary as much during the year.

 

[Buck91]

I've had a G2 (SF inside) with 10 batterystation USA made batts in the center console of my firebird all summer so far. Also we've had mostly cool weather, there have been a number o 80-90F days... My car hasn't burned down.

Maybe I'll remove the BS spares, though...

 

[Juggernaut]

Were do you live that the temp during the year can be as drastic as -40F to 104F? in Ma. We get about 15F to 98F and we have a crazy climate that's a 83 degree variation compared to your 144 degree variation!

 

[Black Rose]

Were do you live that the temp during the year can be as drastic as -40F to 104F?

He lives in Canada. I don't know for sure, but based on the temps he noted, I'd guess he may be in Alberta.

 

[michelkenny]

Were do you live that the temp during the year can be as drastic as -40F to 104F? in Ma. We get about 15F to 98F and we have a crazy climate that's a 83 degree variation compared to your 144 degree variation!

Winnipeg, Manitoba (Winterpeg?)