Did you know that summer heat can take a serious toll on car batteries? When it comes to batteries, people expect problems to strike during the harsh winter months. In reality, temperature extremes on both ends of the spectrum can be detrimental to car batteries.

Some of the problems hot weather can cause for car batteries include:

• Decreased battery strength
• Accelerated corrosion
• Evaporation of battery fluid

Weakened batteries can carry on for some time, as long as it is easy to start the engine and they can generate a charge. But when winter rolls around again, cold temperatures and thicker engine oil, and the compromised battery may be strained beyond its abilities. This means you could end up stranded with a dead battery.

Batteries can be protected from the summer assault with a little preventative maintenance:

• Clean battery connections with a scouring pad or brass brush to remove corrosion, lead oxidation, or rust from the top of the battery.
• Inspect the battery seasonally – warning signs include the battery case bulging, having cracks or leaking
• If your battery has removable filler caps, open them to check the water level in each cell
• Confirm that the plates inside are covered by water to prevent sulfation and reduce the chance of an internal battery explosion.
• If your find the water level is low, add distilled water, but be sure to avoid overfilling.

When working with car batteries, be sure to wear protective eyewear, remove jewelry, and wear gloves and long sleeves to protect yourself from battery acid. Also, be sure to have your battery and electrical system professionally tested every three to six months and especially before heading out on a trip.

Need batteries serviced or inspected? Contact us today!