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Prepare for an Uninterrupted Adventure

Whether it’s concerts, beach outings, vacations, or cross-country road trips, your summer is packed with exciting plans, and your car is the key to making them happen. The last thing you want is a dead car battery ruining your road trip.

Ensure that nothing stands in the way of your adventures. By taking care of your car’s battery, you can count on it to be fully charged every time you turn the key. Discover how you can keep your battery in optimal condition throughout the summer.

Facing the Heat

When it comes to battery issues, we often associate them with a dead car battery on a cold winter morning. However, the scorching heat of summer can be even more detrimental to your car’s battery compared to the snow and cold of winter. The blazing temperatures of summer can drain your battery’s starting power and reduce its lifespan.

Taking Action

Don’t wait for the summer heat to take a toll on your car’s battery. There are several proactive steps you can take to keep your battery in optimal condition.

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Keep it clean

Prevent dirt and debris from accumulating on the top of your battery. Buildup of grease and dirt can drain its power. Regularly inspect the battery and promptly clean any dirt or grime.

Watch for corrosion

The high temperatures of summer can lead to increased heat in your car’s engine, which can cause corrosion inside the battery, hindering current flow. Regularly check for signs of corrosion and clean it using a copper brush or scouring pad.

Check the water level

In a lead-acid battery, summer heat can cause water to evaporate from the electrolyte. Check the water level in each cell and refill with distilled water if it is low.

Look for damage

Inspect the battery for leaks, cracks, or bulges. If any of these issues are present, it’s time to replace your battery to avoid being stranded.

Take it to a professional

Before the summer heat intensifies, have your mechanic examine the battery and electrical system. They can identify and address potential problems before they escalate.

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Be proactive

Consider replacing your battery if it is more than four years old. As batteries age, the risk of failure increases. To determine the age of your battery, check for a four- or five-digit code. The letter indicates the month (A for January, B for February, and so on), while the number represents the year (e.g., 9 for 2009, 1 for 2011).

Charge it up

If your vehicle will be unused for two weeks or longer, consider removing the battery and connecting it to a trickle charger. This will ensure that your battery remains charged and ready to go.

Secure it

Ensure that the battery is securely mounted and the cables are tightly connected. Improper installation can result in diminished performance.

Check the ratings

When replacing your battery, make sure to choose one with a rating equal to or higher than the battery originally installed in your vehicle.