May 12, 2009 15:19 ET
Time to Prepare Vehicles for Summer Heat
Interstate Batteries offers tips to protect car batteries from high
temperatures
DALLAS --(Business Wire)-- May 12, 2009
Summer is driving season for family vacations and road trips, but high
temperatures can put the brakes on the fun without proper vehicle
maintenance. America’s number one automotive replacement battery
company, Interstate
Batteries, offers preventive maintenance tips to families to help
prepare their automobiles for worry-free summer travels.
"Most people focus on vehicle maintenance and repairs during the winter
because they believe their cars are at a higher risk for damage," said
Gale Kimbrough, Technical Services Manager with Interstate Batteries.
"In reality, once temperatures reach 90 F (32 C) or higher, the
underhood battery can be 140 F (60C). These temperatures can cause
problems, especially for car batteries, which withstand extreme heat
under the hood."
Interstate Batteries recommends that individuals follow these simple
maintenance tips:
-
Perform a visual inspection – Examine the battery for dirt or
debris, which often accumulates during the winter. Clean all surfaces
to ensure an unsoiled connection between posts and cables. Wipe off
terminals.
-
Confirm fluid levels – If your battery has removable vent caps,
remove them and check the water level in each cell. Make sure the
water level is above the plate level. If necessary, add distilled
water to the cells. You will not be able to confirm any water levels
if the battery is not accessible or if it doesn’t have removable
filler caps.
-
Don't overcharge – Overcharging can damage a battery as quickly
as undercharging. To make sure the electrical system is charging
correctly, have the battery and electrical charging system
professionally tested every three to six months and especially prior
to a vacation.
-
Check indicator lights – Be familiar with your car battery's
indicator lights, which are designed to alert you when the battery
needs attention. If the Battery or Charging System lights illuminate,
have your vehicle’s battery and charging system tested by a qualified
technician.
The 57-year-old, proven Interstate Batteries brand promises outrageous
dependability and ensures summer fun for the whole family. The company
advises drivers to perform these tasks a month prior to road trips to
eliminate any problems.
For more information about Interstate Batteries, please visit www.interstatebatteries.com.
For Interstate Batteries
Rebecca Bowers or Lauren Jones-McClain,
214-379–7000
Rebecca@spmcommunications.com
Lauren@spmcommunications.com