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.
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