Proven Tips On How To Protect Your Car Battery Against The Summer Heat

Did you know that the hot weather can pose a danger to your car? Summer heat can cause significant damage to your car’s components, particularly the battery. Thankfully, there are a plethora of ways to protect your vehicle against the intense summer heat. You can park your car under a tree, in a building’s shadow, or get a sunshade or dashboard cover.

But what else can you do to ensure your car battery remains protected against the sweltering summer heat? There are nearly endless measures you can put in place during the summer to protect your car. Most car owners falsely believe that the winter season causes the most damage to car batteries! However, it is worth noting that hot summers reduce the lifespan of your battery at a faster rate than the winter season. Research shows that the intense summer heat can kill a car battery at least 33% faster than the winter cold.

We have compiled a list of a few proven tips to help you protect your car against the damaging effects of the summer heat. So, peruse the article and enhance your knowledge.

-Assess the condition of your battery: Ensure to examine your battery before you even put your car on the road! Having the battery assessed for both winter wear and tear will give you much-needed peace of mind knowing your car is free from any battery-related trouble. In this regard, you should inspect the brackets, ensuring they properly secure the battery. You should also tighten any loose wires, bearing in mind that loosely secured brackets can potentially minimize your battery’s overall lifespan. You are highly advised to replace either the trays or brackets if they become significantly corroded. In general, if your car’s battery system is more than 3 years old, you should seriously consider replacing it depending on its current condition.

-Examine the battery casing: It is highly recommended that you perform a visual inspection of the casing of your battery. If it’s either leaking fluid, protruding, or cracked, then you should replace it. If your battery is an older type and features removable filler caps, just know that the summer heat can force the battery fluid inside to evaporate relatively fast. Experts recommend replacing it before summer driving with a low-maintenance, performance-oriented flush-top battery.

-Examine both the condition and tension of the fan belt: It is worth noting that a loose fan belt can potentially impact your battery’s ability to charge. This means that should you have a cracked or frayed fan belt, have it replaced immediately.

-Routinely flush your cooling system with fresh coolant: Your cooling unit can become acidic over time. And this acidity can corrode both the seals and hoses, resulting in damage, and ultimately overheating the engine.

-Maintenance is key: You should conduct regular, timely maintenance, including carrying out battery tests, changing oils, and having complete mechanical examinations.

-Add water: Today, a significant number of batteries are sealed so you don’t have to regularly assess the water levels. But in case you have a sealed battery, add water as needed. Even with proper maintenance, a car battery will only serve you for 3-5 years. If you reside in an area that experiences extreme weather, your car’s battery will probably have a relatively short lifespan.

-Always try to keep your vehicle as cool as possible: Of course, no car battery will last forever! However, ensuring your car remains cool at all times will help extend its overall lifespan. In this regard, parking inside a garage, carport, or even a car canopy can be a fantastic way to prolong your battery’s life. You may also use window covers to prevent the heat from accumulating inside your cabin!

Time to Visit Your Fraser, MI Auto Repair Shop?

Feel free to stop in and visit Car Guys Auto Center today or give us a call at (586) 285-4444!  We would be happy to answer any auto-related questions you may have.  We are located at :

Car Guys Auto Center
32639 Groesbeck Hwy
Fraser, MI 48026