When summer temperatures climb, most of us think about staying cool and drinking more water. But there’s another thing that could use a little extra attention this time of year: your electric forklift battery.
Hot weather can be tough on lead-acid batteries. Higher temperatures cause water to evaporate more quickly, and if batteries aren’t maintained properly, performance can suffer. In some cases, neglecting routine maintenance can even shorten the battery’s lifespan.
The good news? A few simple habits can help keep your forklifts powered and productive all summer long.
- Heat and Batteries Don’t Always Mix
Lead-acid batteries naturally generate heat while charging and operating. Add a stretch of hot summer days, and that heat can build up even faster.
Over time, excessive heat may lead to:
- Faster water loss
- Reduced battery capacity
- Increased internal corrosion
- Shorter overall battery life
That’s why summer is a great reminder to give your batteries a little extra attention.
2. Check Water Levels More Often
One of the easiest – and most important – maintenance tasks is checking battery water levels.
Because water evaporates faster in warm weather, batteries may need to be inspected more frequently than they would during cooler months.
A few best practices include:
- Use only distilled water.
- Follow the battery manufacturer’s watering recommendations.
- In most cases, water batteries after they’ve finished charging.
- Avoid overfilling the cells.
A few minutes spent checking water levels can help prevent much bigger problems down the road. For more information regarding lead-acid battery maintenance and proper battery watering, check out our blog article, “Deionized Water: The Perfect “Solution” for Maintaining Your Lead-Acid Batteries“.
3. Smart Charging Makes a Difference
How you charge your batteries matters just as much as how you maintain them.
Whenever possible, allow batteries to complete a full charging cycle rather than unplugging them early. Keep charging areas clean and well ventilated, and periodically inspect charging cables and connectors for wear or damage.
Consistent charging practices help batteries perform better and last longer.
4. Know When Something Isn’t Right
Batteries usually give you warning signs before they fail completely.
If you notice shorter run times, batteries running hotter than usual, excessive corrosion around the terminals, or a battery that seems to need water more often than normal, it may be time for a professional inspection.
Addressing small issues early can often prevent unexpected downtime later.
Keep Your Fleet Running Strong
Your forklift battery is one of the hardest-working components on your equipment, and a little planned maintenance goes a long way – especially during the summer months.
At Motive Power Systems, a Thompson & Johnson Equipment Company, we help businesses get the most out of their industrial batteries with expert sales, service, repairs, chargers, and planned maintenance. As an Authorized Hawker® PowerSource Dealer, our team has the experience to help keep your operation running efficiently, no matter how high the temperatures climb.
If you have questions about your forklift batteries or would like to schedule service, we’re here to help. To learn more about different forklift battery types and their pros and cons, check out our informative, must-read blog, “Forklift Batteries: Choosing the Right Power for Maximum Uptime“.
Looking for More Ways to Maximize Battery Performance?
Whether you’re trying to extend battery life, reduce maintenance costs, or explore newer battery technologies, having the right battery solution can make a significant difference in your operation.
We’ve put together a Battery Solutions Flyer that highlights the battery types we offer, our repair and maintenance capabilities, charging solutions, and the expert services available through Motive Power Systems.
👉 Download our Battery Solutions Flyer to learn more about how we can help keep your fleet powered and productive.
Final Thought
Summer heat is hard on people – but it can be just as demanding on your forklift batteries. A little extra attention to watering, charging, and routine inspections during the hottest months can help prevent unexpected downtime, extend battery life, and keep your operation moving.
At Motive Power Systems, we help businesses get the most from their industrial batteries. From planned maintenance and battery repairs to replacement batteries, chargers, watering systems, and charging solutions, our team is here to help you maximize performance and minimize costly interruptions. We also service all major industrial battery brands, whether you purchased them from us or not.
If you’re noticing reduced battery run times, charging issues, or simply want the confidence that your fleet is ready for the rest of the summer, we’d love to help. And if you’d like to learn more about the battery products and services we offer, be sure to download our Battery Solutions Flyer for a quick overview of how Motive Power Systems can keep your operation powered year-round.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
At Thompson & Johnson, we’re your full-service material handling partner. Whether you’re looking to buy or lease forklifts or other equipment, purchase industrial batteries and chargers, find parts for all makes and models, enroll in a planned maintenance program, rent from our wide selection of material handling equipment, or provide comprehensive forklift training for your operators, and dock & door solutions – we’ve got you covered. Contact us today at (800) 589-5558 or via our Contact Us Form to get expert guidance tailored to your operation.
Forklift Parts & Service – including tire replacement and maintenance
New & Used Forklifts – choose the right equipment for your operation
Forklift Rentals – flexible options when you need equipment fast
Industrial Batteries & Chargers – for planned maintenance, battery repairs, replacement batteries, chargers, and watering systems
Operator Training Programs – Train-the-Trainer, Technical Training, Forklift Operator Training
Dock & Door Solutions – for dock doors & levelers, vehicle restraints, pads & shelters, and accessories
