June Service Facts & Tips – Batteries

You may think your battery is in good shape just because your car is starting on first try. However, that may not be the case. The real test comes with the rising summer temperatures . The heat attacks the battery’s starting power, meaning someone’s going to have to call for a jump-start and /or replace the battery completely. Here are some tips and facts to help make sure you have a strong, working battery during the scorching summer temperatures:

• Hot weather is actually harsher on your battery than the cold.
• Summer heat kills batteries 33% faster than winter temperatures.
• More batteries fail in July than in January.
• Once the outside temperatures reach 90° F, the temperature under the hood of your car can reach up to 140° F.

• Preventive maintenance goes a long way toward prolonging the life of your battery – Take a few minutes to read about your battery in your car’s manual and become familiar with what kind of battery it is, where it’s located, how to safely clean it, and what the indicator lights inside your car might be trying to tell you.

• Always wear protective eye-wear when inspecting a battery – Remove all jewelry and wear long sleeves to protect your arms from any potential explosion of battery acid.
• Perform a visual inspection – Check to see if the battery case is bulging, has any cracks or leaks, or has corrosion build up. If any of these are spotted, it’s time for a replacement.