The extreme temperatures we experience in summer can completely destroy your vehicle’s battery. It is important to regularly have your car batteries tested and replaced, if necessary, to avoid being stranded on the side of the road with a vehicle that won’t run.
Extreme heat and overcharging will shorten the lifespan of a battery. This happens because heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the entire internal structure of the battery. When the voltage regulator malfunctions in the charging system, it starts to allow too high of a charging rate which eventually will destroy the battery.
By following these simple and important steps you can help prevent battery issues before they happen:
- Make sure to check your car’s electrical system. Hot summer heat is already hard enough on your battery without it getting any help from a malfunctioning electrical system. Overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging.
- Change your vehicle’s coolant. This is recommended to be done on a yearly basis, but the best time to take care of a problem is before it’s needed, not after.
- Always replace your battery with one that is rated equal to or higher than the one originally specified.
- Keep the top of your battery clean. Dirt will become a conductor which will drain your battery power. Also, if you do not keep the area clean, corrosion will accumulate on the battery terminal and become an insulator, which inhibits current flow
Now that we are experiencing warmer temperatures, now is the perfect time to bring your vehicle in for a battery test to see if it needs replacing. Save yourself the hassle of waiting until your car breaks down and be preventative about it. Our Quick Lane takes customers on a first come first serve basis, or if you need to book an appointment with our Service department you can do so by giving us a call at 780-826-3278 or visiting us online at www.ducharmemotors.com.