{"id":111859,"date":"2016-01-24T07:05:00","date_gmt":"2016-01-24T05:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/111859\/look-after-your-battery-especially-in-warm-weather\/"},"modified":"2016-01-22T14:55:19","modified_gmt":"2016-01-22T12:55:19","slug":"look-after-your-battery-especially-in-warm-weather","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2016\/01\/24\/look-after-your-battery-especially-in-warm-weather\/","title":{"rendered":"Look after your battery \u2014 especially in warm weather"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you\u2019re out on the open road or just at home, your car battery can take a beating during the summer months.<\/p>\n

Contrary to popular belief, sky-rocketing temperatures pose a greater threat to theyour car battery than winter chills.<\/p>

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Here\u2019s why:<\/p>\n

Heating up:<\/strong><\/p>

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Excessive heat can cause battery fluid to evaporate, which can damage the internal battery structure.<\/p>\n

High temperatures, combined with heavy traffic on overheated tar roads, can hike up the temperature under the hood of your car and push your car battery to its limits.<\/p>\n

Batteries are prone to faults that worsen gradually during hot weather and are often noticed only once cooler temperatures set in.<\/p>\n

It is, therefore, vital to maintain your vehicle battery throughout the year, but particularly during warm weather.<\/p>\n

Basic maintenance tips:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  • Check terminal conditions under the bonnet regularly.<\/li>\n
  • Check radiator fluid levels to avoid overheating.<\/li>\n
  • Ensure battery connections are clean and tight \u2013 no dirt, engine grease or corrosion (often looks blue).<\/li>\n
  • For older batteries, refill with distilled water, if necessary.<\/li>\n
  • Wherever possible, park your car in shady spots or a garage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Expert checks:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    • Get in touch with the professionals to avoid battery failure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Caught off guard:<\/strong><\/p>\n

      If you\u2019re caught in a sticky situation with a faulty battery, avoid being stuck on the road with no idea of what to do.<\/p>\n

      Pull over and put out your emergency triangle as a warning to oncoming traffic and call for roadside assistance as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

      Regular preventative maintenance can help prolong the life of your battery and give you peace of mind before every journey.<\/p>\n

      Take your vehicle to battery specialists every three to six months for safe, happy travelling.<\/p>\n

      (Information courtesy of Batter Centre — www.batterycentre.co.za)<\/p>\n

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