This has been one of the hottest summers with multiple days being in the high 90's. You know what happens to your water bottle when left in the car, but do you know what the heat does to your battery?
In short, excessive heat and overcharging shortens the life of your battery. The heat causes the battery fluid to evaporate which in turn damages the internal structure of the battery. You can extend your battery's life with a few small steps.
- Make sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate. Overcharging can damage your battery just as quick as undercharging.
- If your specific battery needs to be topped off (not all do), check it regularly , especially when the weather is hot. You can add distilled water if needed.
- Always replace your battery with one that's rated at least as high as the one originally specified.
- Keep the top of your battery clean. Dirt can become a conductor which will drain your battery's power. If the corrosion accumulates, it will become an insulator which will inhibit the current flow.
If you have any concerns or questions about your battery, just call us, we're always here to help.