Blog / McCarthy Honda Service

How Hot Weather Impacts Car Batteries – A Comprehensive Guide

McCarthy Honda Car Battery Image

Excessive cold is a common battery killer.

But, did you know some studies suggest car batteries are more likely to fail in the summer than in the winter? If you’ve already fallen victim to a dead car battery in the heat of summer, our service scheduler is available online to get you back on the road ASAP. With yet another hot KC summer right around the corner, it’s McCarthy Honda’s goal to debunk some myths and highlight some easy actions you can take to protect your car’s battery in hot weather.

Busting Summertime Car Battery Myths:

Myth: Cold weather is worse for car batteries than hot weather.

Truth: Hot weather is much more likely to zap your car battery of its necessary fluids. Think about how thirsty you feel after just taking your dog for a quick walk around the neighborhood in the dead heat of a KC summer. That thirst you feel is comparable to your car battery’s thirst in those hot summer months.

The evaporation of those crucial battery fluids can lessen your battery’s ability to hold a charge. Left untreated, this evaporation can lead you down the road of requiring a car battery replacement. If you’ve found yourself with a zapped car battery, order a new car battery online today.

Tips and Tricks for Battery Survival

Myth: Don’t store or charge your car battery on the ground.

Truth: Back in the day, this used to be true! Nowadays, unless your car battery is flaunting a vintage rubber casing material instead of today’s much more common plastic battery casing, this is not something you need to worry about. Score! However, if you’re driving an older vehicle and have a question about proper storage or charging practices, a member of our service team would be happy to answer your question.

Myth: You can test or charge all car batteries the same way.

Truth: Though all car batteries serve the same function, there are different maintenance protocols for drivers and auto technicians to follow to best preserve the health of the battery.

For example, jump-starting a flat battery can put additional strain on the alternator which can make it harder for the alternator to provide enough energy to keep the battery charged. However, it might be more important for a driver to have their battery jumpstarted than to immediately worry about the health of their car’s alternator. We recommend getting yourself from Point A to B however you safely can, if needed, before making a stop at your local KC auto body shop to get an opinion on your battery’s overall health.

How to know if your car battery’s dead? Test it. To reliably test your car battery’s charge at no personal charge, drop by McCarthy Honda’s Service Department for a complimentary battery test! That’s right, we offer free battery tests for drivers in need. For more info, you can contact a member of our parts department today at 913-648-5400.

Extending Car Battery Life in Summer

Myth: Less use means longer battery life.

Truth: This also used to be true back in the day. However, much like vintage sneakers, today’s car batteries can suffer more from a lack of use than from a consistent amount of use. Similarly, letting a car idle will not recharge a weak battery. In fact, it can be a reason your battery life is shortened. A better option would be to connect a maintenance charger.

Battery Fluid Loss in Hot Months

Myth: Maintenance-free car batteries will never require maintenance or tuning up of any kind.

Truth: Sadly, even maintenance-free car batteries will require occasional maintenance or tuning up. However, the amount of maintenance is microscopic when compared to normal battery wear and tear. These batteries still require an occasional corrosive fluid flush and technician once-over to ensure that the battery is properly fitted into its housing. If not getting an oil change every 6 months sounds appealing to you, check out our collection of brand-new Honda models on our lot today.

How Long Will a Car Battery Last?

Myth: Car batteries have a defined lifespan.

Truth: Car battery life expectancy can vary by up to several years depending on the region your car is being driven in.

For example, colder climates, on average, have longer life expectancy estimates when compared to warmer climates. The misunderstanding around this battery life expectation is likely due to the difficulty of turning on a car on an especially cold day. This is because a cold engine requires more energy to turn over and that cold temperatures can reduce a battery’s energy potential. Think of it like brakes: the conditions those brakes are used in impacts their overall lifespan.

When Should You Replace Your Car Battery?

If your car is already having trouble starting, it might be a good time to head to your favorite Overland Park mechanic and swap your old battery out for a new one. Our team of service techs would be happy to provide you with the item or the information that you need to be on your way. You won’t have to worry about bloody knuckles, dropped bolts, or time sweating in the garage when the McCarthy team swaps your battery.

Expert Assistance in Kansas City is Just a Call or Click Away

At McCarthy Honda, it’s our duty to provide drivers across KC with the premier automotive service that we’re famous for. We’re dedicated to uplifting our community however we can, whenever we can. Our Honda dealership is proudly located at 7979 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS and our knowledgeable staff are available by phone Monday through Saturday 913-648-5400. Let us keep you and your car on the road for as long as possible.

Posted in:

Related Posts

2024 Honda Prologue electric SUV exterior at McCarthy Honda in Overland Park Kansas

Previewing the 2024 Honda Prologue in Overland Park

Drivers in Overland Park, Kansas City, Shawnee, Lenexa, and Leawood have something exciting on the horizon as the all electric 2024 Honda Prologue SUV prepares to arrive at McCarthy Honda in Overland Park. As Honda’s first all electric SUV, the Prologue represents a major step forward for drivers across the Kansas City metro who are ready to transition into electric mobility without sacrificing comfort, space, or performance. Conveniently located on Metcalf Avenue, McCarthy Honda is preparing to welcome this new EV into our showroom and help local shoppers explore everything it offers. The Design of the 2024 Honda Prologue EV The 2024 Honda Prologue was developed with a clean and confident design philosophy known as Neo Rugged. Its bold SUV stance and refined detailing give it a modern presence that fits perfectly on the streets of Overland Park and throughout the Kansas City area. Inside, the Prologue offers more than 136 cubic feet of passenger volume, delivering generous room for up to five passengers. Families commuting through Johnson County or heading into downtown Kansas City will appreciate the spacious layout, premium materials, and uncluttered interior styling that enhances comfort on every drive. Advanced Technology and Connectivity for Kansas City Drivers The Prologue is equipped with an 11 inch digital driver display and an 11.3 inch touchscreen infotainment system designed to keep drivers connected and informed. Features such as wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Google built in navigation make daily driving across Overland Park and Kansas City seamless. Google navigation can help locate nearby charging stations, estimate charging times, and optimize routes based on battery range. Available upgrades such as the Head Up Display provide an elevated driving experience for shoppers seeking advanced technology in an electric SUV near Kansas City. 2024 Honda Prologue Trim Levels Near Overland Park The 2024 Honda Prologue will be available in multiple trim configurations so drivers in Overland Park can select the right balance of performance and luxury. Available trims include the 2WD EX, AWD EX with dual motors producing 288 horsepower, 2WD Touring, AWD Touring, and AWD Elite which adds premium features such as larger wheels, ventilated front seats, and enhanced display technology. For Midwest weather conditions, many Kansas City area drivers may prefer the added traction offered by all wheel drive options once inventory becomes available at McCarthy Honda in Overland Park. Honda Prologue Range and Charging Capability Honda anticipates an EPA estimated combined driving range of approximately 300 miles on a full charge, making the Prologue ideal for commuting within the Kansas City metro or taking longer highway trips across Kansas and Missouri. The Prologue supports DC fast charging that can add approximately 65 miles of range in about ten minutes under proper conditions. Honda Smart Charge technology allows owners to schedule charging during the most cost effective times, and home electrification support simplifies installation of residential charging solutions for Overland Park homeowners. Expected Honda Prologue Price in Overland Park While official pricing has not yet been finalized, early projections suggest a starting MSRP in the upper forty thousand dollar range before taxes, title, and destination charges. Drivers in Kansas may qualify for federal or state EV incentives depending on eligibility. Once pricing details are confirmed, shoppers can visit our Honda Prologue research page for updated specifications and availability information specific to McCarthy Honda in Overland Park. Can I Reserve a 2024 Honda Prologue Near Kansas City As production expands, McCarthy Honda in Overland Park expects to receive early allocations of the Prologue. If you are searching for a Honda Prologue near me or an electric SUV dealership in Overland Park, our team can provide reservation updates and purchasing guidance. We proudly serve customers from Overland Park, Lenexa, Shawnee, Leawood, Kansas City and Kansas City Missouri. Your Trusted Honda EV Dealership in Overland Park At McCarthy Honda, we are committed to helping Kansas City area drivers transition confidently into electric vehicles. You can browse our New Honda inventory in Overland Park to see current arrivals, explore Used cars near Kansas City for quality pre owned options, or Schedule Honda service in Overland Park with our certified technicians. Visit us at 7979 Metcalf Avenue in Overland Park Kansas to learn more about the upcoming 2024 Honda Prologue and how it can fit your lifestyle.

The 2024 Honda Prologue: Now Available in Kansas City

It’s already been talked to death that Honda has been a little behind the curve when it comes to getting an electric vehicle to market. They experimented a bit with the Fit EV and Clarity Electric, but we’ve yet to get an honest-to-goodness dedicated electric nameplate. Until now, that is. The 2024 Prologue EV has just begun to arrive at our lot in Overland Park, and now that we’ve gotten some time with it, we can confidently say that it was well worth the wait. Here’s the scoop on the best new electric SUV. 2024 Honda Prologue Pricing and Trims Instead of overwhelming buyers with a truckload of different trim levels and package options, Honda decided to keep things streamlined for the Prologue’s inaugural year. Currently, there are 3 trims available here they are, along with their current starting MSRP: Prologue EX: Starting at $47,400 Prologue Touring: Starting at $51,700 Prologue Elite: Starting at $57,900 Those prices may seem a bit intimidating to some, but don’t forget, many electric vehicles are eligible for some hefty tax credits. So, does the Honda Prologue qualify for the full federal tax credit? According to the U.S. Department of Energy website, Prologue shoppers may indeed enjoy the full $7,500 credit under current regulations, effectively making it among the most affordable EVs when all is said and done. If you’re in the Kansas City area, contact McCarthy Honda to learn more about how the EV tax credit works. 2024 Honda Prologue Range and Charging If we’ve learned anything about EVs thus far, it’s this: an electric vehicle lives and dies on its battery potential and charging speed. Luckily for Honda fans, the Prologue comes with some seriously impressive specs in both regards. The front-wheel drive Prologue has the longest range of all, coming in at an estimated 296 miles. Meanwhile, the AWD version has a range of 281 miles for EX and Touring trims, while the Elite has 273 miles of range. Mileage stats like that were hard to come by even a few years ago, so no matter which one appeals to you, you can rest assured you’ll get where you’re going with plenty of watts to spare. Charging speeds for the Prologue are solid as well. Using a DC fast charger, it can regain between 62 and 65 miles of juice in just 10 minutes, and this allows it to go from 10% to 80% charged in about half an hour. 2024 Honda Prologue Interior The Prologue is designed with stylish simplicity in mind, and it invokes a futuristic vibe while still being immediately recognizable as a Honda. The overall cabin design feels a bit like a cross between the CR-V and the Passport. Here are the full interior dimensions of the Honda Prologue: Head room (front/rear) 39.6 in./38.1 in. Shoulder room (front/rear) 59.4 in./57.6 in. Hip room (front/rear) 57.6 in./54.4 in. Leg room (front/rear) 41.4 in./39.4 in. Total passenger volume 111.7 cu. ft. Cargo volume (behind 2 nd row) 25.2 cu. ft. Cargo volume (behind 1 st row) 57.7 cu. ft. The Prologue also boasts come excellent comfort features, including standard remote start, standard universal remote garage door system, standard dual climate control, and standard heated front seats. 2024 Honda Prologue Tech Regardless of the trim, all Prologue models come equipped with an 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch color touch screen display, which features Google built-in with an intuitive voice command interface. Bluetooth, Sirius XM, HD Radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot, and HondaLink through OnStar are all standard issue as well. The Prologue also comes with standard wireless phone charging, plus 4 USB ports (two in front, two in the rear). Using Google built-in and other connected services, EV route planning is as easy as saying, “Hey Google…” and you’ll be instantly routed to the nearest charging station with the cheapest rates. You can also use it for general navigation and audio streaming, all hands-free. 2024 Honda Prologue Safety Official safety scores from the NHTSA have yet to be released, but if Honda’s track record is anything to go by, we’re guessing the Prologue will turn out to be one of the safest electric vehicles yet. All models come standard with the full complement of Honda Sensing driver assistance features. The list includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Change Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, and Reverse Automatic Braking. Additional available features include Traffic Sign Recognition, Rear Pedestrian Alert, and Surround Vision System. Lease the 2024 Honda Prologue Near Lenexa, KS The wait for the first ever electric Honda SUV is officially over you can find the 2024 Prologue on our Kansas City car lot today. We have tons of special offers on new vehicles to ensure you get the best price on a new Honda. Call McCarthy Honda at 913-648-5400 or contact us online to schedule a test drive. We guarantee you’ll fall in love.

2025 Honda Prologue Updates and Specs

We’re officially about a year into the Honda Prologue’s lifecycle, and so far, it’s held its own as one of the best electric SUVs for families. Although the reviews have been excellent, Honda didn’t get where it is today by getting lazy when it comes to innovation. For 2025, the Prologue has gotten some exciting improvements since its inaugural season. Here’s a quick look at how the Prologue is continuing to refine and improve for shoppers in Kansas City. What’s New in the 2025 Honda Prologue? An EV is only as good as its electric motor and battery architecture. These components are crucial to the Prologue’s range, charging, and performance, and for the 2025 model, it’s received a significant boost to the front power unit to provide better efficiency and power. 2WD Prologue models now have a top-level range of up to 308 miles on a single charge. That’s 12 miles more than last year’s Prologue, which may not seem particularly significant, but it’s an excellent improvement when you consider the fact that it’s only the model’s second year in production. Range has increased across the board for AWD Prologue models too the EX and Touring trims now have a range of up to 294 miles, and the top-level Elite trim now has a range of up to 283 miles. In other words, they’ve increased by 13 and 10 miles, respectively. As Honda EV battery tech continues to get better and better, we expect to see further increases in the very near future. The more robust front power unit also gives the Prologue more power to play with. 2WD Prologue models rise to 220 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD Prologue now has 300 horsepower and 355 pound-feet of torque. That’s an increase of 25 pound-feet for the all-wheel drive version, which is guaranteed to translate to a noticeable increase in acceleration. One thing that hasn’t changed? Its MSRP. The 2025 Prologue’s sticker price remains unchanged from the 2024 model year. Other Honda Prologue Features and Specs Apart from the new powertrain developments, the 2025 Prologue remains largely unchanged from the previous year, and it retains its extensive list of comfort, tech, and safety features. Key standard features include: Honda Sensing® Technologies with Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and more 11.3-inch color touch screen display Google built-in Wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ Bluetooth® SiriusXM® 2 front USB audio/charging ports 2 rear USB-C charging ports Wireless phone charging 11-inch digital instrument cluster Dual zone climate control Heated front seats HondaLink® Wi-Fi hotspot capability Universal remote system Other available features include a Bose® 12-speaker premium audio system, head up display, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, panoramic moonroof, and illuminated door panels and beverage holders. Lease a 2025 Honda Prologue in Overland Park, KS One of the best electric SUVs just got better, and you can find it right now at McCarthy Honda. Browse our Honda Prologue inventory online to see what we have in stock, then get ahold of us to schedule a test drive and see for yourself what makes this EV so special. Call our sales team during regular business hours at (913) 396-9616, or contact us online anytime.