Did You Know?
Enduring Extreme Weather
Contrary to what most people think, high heat is more brutal on a car battery than extreme cold. That said, extreme weather conditions of any kind are bad for your battery. Your best defense against harsh weather is making sure your battery stays fully charged. Follow these preventive tips:
- Start by having a load check on the battery - a test easily performed by most service centers. If the power is marginal, be on the safe side and get a new battery.
- Power is one area of concern; another is a battery's resistance to the corrosive effects of heat.
- Make certain you drive the car long enough to recharge the battery. To efficiently recharge a battery while driving, minimize electrical loads, such as windshield and rear window defrosters, extra lights, air conditioners, power windows, and stereo systems.
- Keep the car engine in good condition. Tune up and change the oil regularly. In warmer or hot climates, higher viscosity oil may be required — consult your owner's manual for specific recommendations.
- Watch for terminal corrosion on the battery and make sure the battery cables are tight.
- Ideally, park your car in a garage at night. This will protect the battery from damaging heat in hot weather and provide some insulation against low temperatures, ice, and snow in cold weather.
- In hot weather, periodically check the radiator fluids to keep the engine from overheating.
