Interstate Batteries Offers Battery Care Tips During Sizzlin' Summer Heat Wave

DALLAS, July 28, 2010; Did you know that more automobile batteries fail in July than in January? Summer heat is actually harder on a battery than winter cold. With record heat sweeping across the country, Interstate Batteries encourages motorists to protect and care for that part of the vehicle a driver depends on the most every day.

"The corrosion factor within a battery is accelerated by extreme temperatures, especially heat," said Interstate Batteries Technical Service Manager Gale Kimbrough. "Battery Temperatures under the hood of a car can reach 175 to 200 degrees in extreme heat conditions. This is why it is very important for motorists to take the necessary precautions of having their vehicle battery checked on a regular basis."

Interstate Batteries has some helpful guidelines to follow when caring for your automobile battery:

  1. When working with your battery, always wear protective eyewear, remove
     all jewelry and wear long sleeves to protect your arms from an
     explosion of battery acid.
  2. Do a visual inspection to see if the battery case is showing signs of
     extreme bulging, cracked or leaking. If it is, it's time to replace it.
  3. Clean up the connections by removing any corrosion, lead oxidation,
     paint or rust from the top of the battery with a scouring pad or brass
     brush. Be sure to brush the corrosion away from you.
  4. If your battery has removable filler caps, open the caps and check the
     water level in each cell.
  5. Make sure the plates are at least half covered. This prevents sulfation
     and reduces the possibility of an internal battery explosion.
  6. If the water level is low, add distilled water (avoid tap water) until
     the plates are covered.
  7. Avoid overfilling, especially in hot weather, because the heat can
     cause the solution inside to expand and overflow.
  8. Have your battery and electrical system professionally tested every
     three to six months and especially prior to heading out on a trip.

In just 30 seconds, Interstate All Battery Center locations can provide motorists with a free printout analysis of their vehicle battery condition.