If you’ve been feeling the heat lately, you’re not alone. Your vehicle also takes a beating during the scorching hot months, especially your battery! According to the Car Care Council, it’s summer temperatures that can spell danger for your car battery. In fact, overcharging and excessive heat are two of the main causes of short battery life.

How does heat impact your battery? Heat causes a battery’s fluid to evaporate, which damages your battery’s internal structure.

There are a few things you can do to get the most bang for your battery life. Some of these include:

Check your battery regularly. If it’s the type of battery that requires topping off, just add distilled water if necessary.

Dirt becomes a conductor, which can spell danger for your battery. Keep the top of your battery clean to ensure it stays working for as long as possible.

Consult your owner’s manual to get familiar with what type of battery you have. This will give you good insight into how to clean your battery properly.

Clean your battery connections to rid it of corrosion, paint or rust.

Be sure the battery’s plates are covered by the fluid, which will help prevent sulfation.

Heat can cause the solution inside your battery to expand and consequently overflow. Avoid overfilling your battery.

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