AAA provides tips to protect your car battery from heat

Summer heat takes toll on car batteries

By AAA of Western and Central New York

It’s easy to forget about your car battery when your vehicle is running smoothly. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But even if your battery seems to be working just fine, that doesn’t mean you should neglect it. During the summer months when temperatures spike, your battery is more susceptible to failure.

Why? The heat.

High temperatures can cause internal battery damage, resulting in decreased performance. Heat can also accelerate the battery’s aging process and reduce overall lifespan.

What can you do to protect your battery on scorching summer days? Here are six fixes AAA recommends:

√ Avoid exposing your vehicle to extreme temperatures

√ Park in the shade or in a cool, dry garage

√ Perform regular maintenance

√ Check electrolyte level

√ Clean battery terminals

√ Use quality battery maintenance charger, if you don’t drive your car often

The key is to be proactive and take care of your battery before something goes wrong. But if you do have a problem, AAA is here to help! We offer our mobile battery service that will come to you wherever you are to test your battery and install a new one on the spot! Are you a DIY-er? Then head over to your local NAPA auto parts store (or order online!) where AAA batteries are stocked and discounted for AAA members.

As upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 862,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.