Battery Basics: Enduring extreme summer weather

Contrary to what most people think, high heat is more brutal on a car battery than extreme cold. That said, with summer fast approaching your battery's best defense against hot temps is making sure it stays fully charged.

Follow these preventive maintenance tips to keep your battery charged through the warm months ahead:

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• Estimate the age of your battery. If it's more than four years old, replace it.

• Ask your mechanic to perform a "load test" on your battery. If the power is marginal, be on the safe side and get a new battery.

• Watch for terminal corrosion on the battery and make sure battery cables are tight.

• Clean the battery terminals if they're encrusted with deposits. Use a wire brush dipped in baking soda and water to clean them of corrosion.

• Check the tightness of the battery cable ends. If you can move the battery cable ends that are attached to the battery terminals at all, they are too loose.

• Check that the battery is securely fastened in the battery tray. A loose battery that is allowed to shift around can cause damage.

For more information on battery maintenance, visit the battery experts at www.exide.com.