Battery maintenance: 6 tips for summer

The summer heat is tough on your car battery. Car batteries contain water, and extreme heat causes this water to evaporate, accelerating corrosion and damage. In fact, if you live in a hot climate, your battery’s lifespan can be as much as 25 per cent shorter than in milder regions. Here are six tips for maintaining your vehicle’s battery during the summer.

1. Escape the heat

Keep your car parked in the shade whenever possible. Use your garage instead of parking in the driveway. Moreover, use underground or covered parkades when you’re out.

2. Avoid short drives

Short drives can reduce the lifespan of your battery. Starting your car drains the battery significantly, and your car’s alternator needs time to charge it back up. Aim to drive for at least 20 to 30 minutes, or about 10 kilometres, to ensure your battery is fully charged.

3. Examine the charge indicator

Most batteries have a charge indicator on the top of the battery. If you look through the small window and see a green light, the battery is good to go. If it’s black, your battery requires charging.

4. Check for corrosion

Before you drive, pop the hood and visually check the battery. Remove any corrosive materials around the battery nodes that could impact its ability to send power to the starter. Use a small wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and warm water to remove corrosion. Also, if the battery is bulging or cracked, it’s time to get it replaced.

5.Drive often

Avoid letting your car sit for long periods. Batteries naturally discharge slowly when left idle. Additionally, most vehicles draw power for certain electronics, even when turned off. If you don’t plan on using your vehicle for a while, attach a trickle charger to your battery to ensure it’s fully charged when you need it again.

6. Get your battery checked

If your car battery is more than five years old, it’s a good idea to get it checked by a professional automotive technician. They’ll determine how much life your battery has left and whether it’s time to replace it.

Battery maintenance services in British Columbia and Alberta

At Minit-Tune Brake & Auto Centres, we’ll ensure your battery is ready for the road this summer with a battery and charging system check. Our technicians have the diagnostic tools to determine if your battery needs charging or replacing. We also have a wide variety of new batteries available for purchase that we can install on the spot. Contact us today at one of our 15 convenient locations across BC and Calgary.