malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, which will eventually destroy a battery.
Most motorists have an inherent conviction that dead batteries normally occur in severe winter weather, however summer heat is actually the real culprit.
Many battery problems start long before the temperatures drop. Following a few simple steps now can help you avoid the cost and inconvenience of a breakdown later.
To get the most out of a battery, we suggest the following:
l Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging.
l If your battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly, especially in hot weather. Add distilled water when necessary and not tap water.
l Always replace a battery with one that is rated at least as high as the one originally specified.
l Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt becomes a conductor, which drains battery power. Further, as corrosion accumulates on battery terminals it becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow.
l Wear protective eyewear, remove all jewelry and wear long sleeves to protect the skin from an explosion of battery acid.
Inspect the battery case for signs of extreme bulging, cracking or leaking. If so, it’s time to replace it.
Clean up the connections by removing any corrosion, lead oxidation, paint or rust from the top of the battery with a scouring pad or brass brush. Be sure to brush the corrosion away from the body.
If the battery has removable filler caps, open the caps and check the water level in each cell.
Make sure the plates are at least half covered. This prevents sulfation and reduces the possibility of an internal battery explosion.
Avoid overfilling of the battery with battery water, especially in hot weather, because the heat can cause the solution inside to expand and overflow.
Have the battery and electrical system professionally at our branches tested every three to six months and especially prior to heading out on a festive season trip.
l Our car battery is the biggest victim of summer extreme heat. Many believe it is the extreme cold that plots your car battery’s early demise but it is instead the extreme heat.
Here are some of the question and answers for you in summer with regards to your                        battery.
Is your battery more than two years old?
Yes? Then get it tested before it fails on you. At Battery Express we offer to test your battery for free and make sure a certified-trained technician does it.
Is the battery securely installed?
If the battery vibrates too much, the battery can be damaged which can cause complete battery failure or a hazardous condition under your hood.
Make sure you have the proper size battery for your vehicle and that it is properly installed in accordance with your manufacturer’s recommendations so that it is not able to move freely its more safer to have a battery clamp on your battery
Does your battery look dirty?
The battery should look clean and have no build up at all on the terminals or clamps.
If you do see any weird looking substance or anything similar to that crusty grossness you may see on an old household battery, it could be corrosive material and should be cleaned properly.
If you are unsure as to how to properly clean your battery, you may visit any Battery Express branch nationwide.
Where do you dispose your old car battery?
You need to know that it is illegal to discard your old car battery with your normal trash or at your local landfill because car batteries contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment and oddly enough many of the parts of the battery can be recycled.
Chloride and Battery Express will take it off your hands and dispose of it for you. Consult us if you are unsure of how to properly dispose of your old car battery and remember we actually buy the old batteries.

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