Our mobile devices, whether they are phones, tablets, e-book readers, cameras or laptops, accompany us even on vacation, on trips or at any time during summer rest. If you don't want your device to run out of power at the most inopportune moment or possibly get damaged, you need to take proper care of your battery-powered mobile devices.
The optimal operating temperature of the currently most used types of batteries ranges from 15 to 20 °C. In the summer, of course, it is difficult to keep the upper limit, but in any case you should avoid exposing mobile devices to direct sunlight, for example if you leave them on a blanket on the beach or on a deckchair on the terrace. "All types of batteries and accumulators are damaged by extremely low and high temperatures. But while an undercooled battery usually only reduces its capacity, an overheated one can explode and burn the owner of the mobile device," explains Radim Tlapák from the BatteryShop.cz online store, which offers a wide range of batteries for mobile devices.
The battery temperature in a smartphone or even a tablet should definitely not exceed 60 degrees. Such extreme temperatures do not threaten outside in the sun in central European latitudes, but in a closed car the thermometer needle can attack this borderline value. The risk of the battery exploding is really high, and in addition to the phone, the owner's car can also burn down.
Do not cool the batteries
If the temperature of the mobile device or its battery increases significantly due to the ambient temperature, it is certainly not a good idea to start actively cooling it in any way. The reduction in temperature must take place gradually and in a natural way – by moving the device to the shade or to a cooler room. Many devices have a thermal fuse that automatically shuts down an overheated device and does not allow it to be turned on again until it reaches operating temperature. "Primarily, smartphone owners often forget that their device is heated not only by the surrounding temperature conditions, but also by the operation of the phone itself. High heating also occurs when charging or typically when playing games. However, in summer weather, the device does not have the possibility to cool down naturally, and in extreme cases, the battery can be destroyed," explains Radim Tlapák from the BatteryShop.cz online store.
Redeemed phone? Remove the battery immediately
In addition to high temperatures, many other pitfalls await mobile devices in the summer. These include, for example, falling into water or getting wet in a sudden summer storm. “Turn off the device that has come into contact with water immediately and remove the battery if possible. Then let the device and battery dry slowly at room temperature for at least one day. Only then reassemble the device, and if the battery did not survive the bath, replace it with a new one with the same parameters. But before that, check with the service center that your device is otherwise functional," recommends Radim Tlapák from the online store BatteryShop.cz. Above all, seawater is very aggressive and quickly causes corrosion of the electronic circuits of the device itself and its battery.
Equipment for the summer - pack a battery
As part of the preparations for the summer vacation, it is also advisable to think about the electronic devices that we will take with us. For trips to the water, it is worthwhile to get a waterproof case for your mobile phone and camera, which will also ensure the protection of delicate devices from sand, dust and, to a large extent, from impact when falling to the ground. For longer trips not only outside of civilization, it is a good idea to pack a portable battery (power bank), which will extend the operation of mobile devices, and therefore the ability to use navigation, take photos or even play music on the road. The power bank will also ensure that you do not find yourself in an emergency with a dead phone and no way to call for help.
