PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA) – If you have walked outside this week, you know that summer is here in the Pittsburgh area as we continue to be in the middle of a heat wave.
AAA East Central reminds motorists that the extreme heat can kill car batteries just like the cold.
With the high temperatures over multiple days, AAA experiences increases in assisting drivers with dead car batteries.
With 47.7 million Americans prepped to travel this Independence Day weekend, preventative measures will be needed to prevent roadside breakdowns.
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“Hot sun breaks down the internal components of a battery, and a lot of people may end up stranded at the roadside this weekend,” says Vice President of automotive services AAA East Central Mike Hoshaw. “Moreover, people letting their cars sit idle during the Pandemic presents additional challenges that thousands of batteries won’t be able to withstand.”
AAA estimates they will rescue over 460,000 Americans on the road this weekend, and dead batteries top the list.
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To help prevent a hear-work battery, AAA suggests the following:
Consider having your battery and charging systems tested. Having a battery tested can expose any weaknesses that may break down under extreme circumstances. AAA offers its members on-site battery testing and, if need be, replacements.
Make sure the battery cables are clean and tight. Dirty, loose connections to battery terminals limit the flow of current and are a common cause of issues. Consider cleaning corrosion off of a battery terminal by using a small wire brush and cleaning it with a mix of one tablespoon of baking soda and a cup of water.
Make sure to drive. For vehicle owners who don’t drive often or far, a vehicle should be taken out for a long drive once every week or two. Shorter drives can drain a battery over time, given that it doesn’t have time to recharge properly.