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Jul 28, 2008 6:37 pm US/Central
Protecting Car Batteries From Texas Heat
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
The intense North Texas heat can take a toll on car batteries -- leaving motorists high and dry.
According to the folks who make Interstate Batteries, batteries in some ways are like humans and function better at about 80-degrees.
Think about your car battery, in an enclosed engine compartment, on a day with 100+ degree weather – the temperature for the battery is approaching 150-degrees or more.
Mechanic Rod Homire says a combination of things has him replacing about 10 batteries a week. "Pull a lot of amperage out of the battery and then continually draining and recharging of the battery is what takes a lot out of 'em," he says.
The manufacturer of Interstate Batteries says local battery sales for July are up 15-percent over June. AAA reports record calls for roadside battery service this year: with 1753 in the month of June and more than 2000 estimated so far in July.
Experts say good batteries can last five years or more but they have to be properly maintained.
Homire says many things can be done by the average driver. "Keep the top of the battery clean because the dirt and grime will cause amperage and stuff to draw across the battery and will also drain a battery down," he explained.
Even a so-called "maintenance free" battery may need water in its cells. To do that Homire says a screwdriver can be used to pop the top of the battery off. Then owners should check inside to make sure the water level is above the plates.
Cleaning the battery cables and posts is important, though a little trickier. It requires a wrench to loosen a bolt and a wire brush. Experts say if the cables are especially dirty you may need to use spray on acid cleaner to help.
Batteries can expel hydrogen gas and a spark can set it off. To guard against this, you should always take off the negative or black wire, first. And for safety's sake, wear goggles and gloves when performing all maintenance.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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