According to the Car Care Council, and contrary to what many drivers think, it is hot temperatures, not cold, that shortens the life of your car battery. Warm weather can create major problems. Unfortunately, the average life of a car battery is only about three to five years. But there are two main reasons--excessive heat and overcharging—that will lead to a premature car battery replacement.
With excessive heat, the fluid in a car battery will evaporate, and not corrected, will cause damage to the internal structure. Or, if one of the components in the charging system is malfunctioning, usually the voltage regulator, the charging rate will be too high. This means a slow death for your battery, resulting in a car battery replacement sooner rather than later.
Consider these simple tips to extend the life of your car battery and keep you on track for the last of your summer fun.
- Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a car battery as quickly as undercharging.
- If your car battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly, especially in hot weather. Add distilled water when necessary.
- At some point in time, a car battery replacement is inevitable. Always replace it with one that's rated at least as high as the original.
- Keep the top clean. Dirt becomes a conductor, which drains the power. Further, corrosion accumulating on the terminals becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow.
Remember: Proper care and maintenance of a car battery helps to lengthen its lifespan.
Need a quality car battery replacement? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at our Elk River auto center by calling (763) 441-2889 for more information. Our auto shop in Elk River MN, also proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, MN, and Otsego, Minnesota.
According to the Car Care Council, and contrary to what many drivers think, it is hot temperatures, not cold, that shortens the life of your car battery. Warm weather can create major problems. Unfortunately, the average life of a car battery is only about three to five years. But there are two main reasons--excessive heat and overcharging—that will lead to a premature car battery replacement.
With excessive heat, the fluid in a car battery will evaporate, and not corrected, will cause damage to the internal structure. Or, if one of the components in the charging system is malfunctioning, usually the voltage regulator, the charging rate will be too high. This means a slow death for your battery, resulting in a car battery replacement sooner rather than later.
Consider these simple tips to extend the life of your car battery and keep you on track for the last of your summer fun.
- Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a car battery as quickly as undercharging.
- If your car battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly, especially in hot weather. Add distilled water when necessary.
- At some point in time, a car battery replacement is inevitable. Always replace it with one that's rated at least as high as the original.
- Keep the top clean. Dirt becomes a conductor, which drains the power. Further, corrosion accumulating on the terminals becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow.
Remember: Proper care and maintenance of a car battery helps to lengthen its lifespan.
Need a quality car battery replacement? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at our Elk River auto center by calling (763) 441-2889 for more information. Our auto shop in Elk River MN, also proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, MN, and Otsego, Minnesota.
