MOTORING NEWS - Whether out on the open road or just at home, a car battery can take a beating during the summer months.
Contrary to popular belief, skyrocketing temperatures pose a greater threat to the car battery than winter chills. Battery Centre explains why and supplied some tips.
Excessive heat can cause battery fluid to evaporate which can damage the internal battery structure. High temperatures, combined with heavy traffic on overheated tar roads, can hike up the temperature under the hood of your car and push your car battery to its limits.
Batteries are prone to faults during hot weather that worsen gradually and are often only noticed once cooler temperatures set in. It's therefore vital to maintain a vehicle battery throughout the year, but particularly during warm weather.
- Check terminal conditions under the hood regularly
- Check radiator fluid levels to avoid overheating
- Ensure battery connections are clean and tight - no dirt, engine grease or corrosion (often looks blue)
- For older batteries, refill with distilled water, if necessary
- Wherever possible, park the car in shady spots or a garage
Expert checks
Get in touch with the professionals to avoid battery failures. Battery Centre offers free battery testing – a thorough assessment of your car battery's working condition - as well as information on correct charging time, corrosion and battery replacement options.
If caught in a sticky situation with a faulty battery, avoid being stuck on the road with no idea what to do. Pull over and put the emergency triangle out as a warning for oncoming traffic. Call for roadside assistance as soon as possible.
Regular preventative maintenance can help prolong the life of your battery and give you peace of mind before every journey. Take the vehicle to the battery specialists at the nearest Battery Centre every three to six months for safe, happy travelling.
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