Summer Forklift Battery Maintenance Tips | Lead-Acid vs. Lithium

Forklift Battery Maintenance Tips

As temperatures rise during the summer, forklifts face increased pressure from heat, humidity, and extended operating hours. This makes it crucial to follow effective forklift battery maintenance tips—especially if you’re using lead-acid batteries. Without proper summer care, battery failures, reduced efficiency, or even safety risks may occur.

As a manufacturer and long-term supplier of industrial battery systems, Baufar shares key summer maintenance insights, and why upgrading to lithium forklift batteries with BMS could be a smarter choice.

Forklift Battery Maintenance Tips 2


☀️ Why Summer Is High-Risk for Forklift Batteries

High ambient temperatures combined with extended forklift operation put extra stress on battery systems. For traditional lead-acid batteries, this risk is particularly significant due to:

  • Faster evaporation of battery electrolyte

  • Increased internal resistance and temperature rise

  • Greater likelihood of overheating, corrosion, or fluid imbalance

If not properly maintained, your battery may degrade faster or even fail unexpectedly.


🔋 Lead-Acid Forklift Battery: Summer Maintenance Best Practices

1. Monitor Battery Temperature After Operation


Forklifts operating continuously for over 4–6 hours can cause internal temperatures to spike. We recommend:

  • Allowing the forklift to cool down naturally for at least 45 minutes in a ventilated area before resuming work

  • Opening the battery cover during and after charging to assist natural heat dissipation

2. Refill with Distilled Water Post-Charging


Lead-acid batteries lose water rapidly in summer. Always:

  • Check fluid levels after charging

  • Refill only with distilled water to avoid contamination

  • Keep the charging area dry and well-ventilated

3. Avoid Water Exposure During Typhoons or Rain


Forklifts should not be operated outdoors during heavy rain or through standing water. If water contact occurs:

Do not restart the machine. Moisture in control systems can cause electrical damage.

4. Regular Tire Pressure Checks


High heat leads to tire pressure fluctuations. Over-inflated tires risk blowouts; under-inflated ones cause extra wear and poor control. Check pressure weekly.

5. Schedule Preventive Maintenance


Planned maintenance ensures safe operation and prevents downtime. Inspect cooling fans, terminals, wiring harnesses, and corrosion points regularly.


⚡ Lithium Forklift Battery: A Smarter Summer Alternative

Unlike lead-acid systems, BAOFA lithium forklift batteries feature:

  • Built-in BMS (Battery Management System)

  • Temperature monitoring and automatic protection

  • No need for manual water refilling

  • Faster charging and higher cycle life

The smart BMS ensures real-time thermal management, which is especially valuable during high-temperature summer operations. This means improved efficiency, reduced risk, and less downtime—especially for high-load or multi-shift environments.


✅ Conclusion: Keep Your Forklift Powered and Safe This Summer

Following the right forklift battery maintenance tips during the summer can significantly extend battery life, reduce safety risks, and increase your overall operational efficiency. Whether you’re maintaining lead-acid systems or planning an upgrade, Baufar Battery is here to support your energy needs with expert advice and proven solutions.

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