Summer heat cook your battery?

Just recently, I noticed the starter on my car cranking a little slower than normal.  I thought maybe it was just the colder weather, but I took it by a battery shop and had it checked anyway.  Sure enough, it was dead. 

After chatting with the technician who was checking out the battery for me, I learned something I would like to share with all of you.  See, I had purchased this Interstate battery with a 7 year warranty only 3 years ago.  (It pays to keep receipts!)  This past summer’s extreme heat has cooked a lot of batteries, but I had compounded the problem by purchasing the higher cranking output battery made for my car.  I did what a lot of people do.  I heard higher cranking amps and thought, “Oh yeah, that’s the one I want.”  Little did I know that those batteries are made for colder climates and do not tolerate the heat well.  Something about more metal plates with less space between them not allowing the battery to cool sufficiently.  So, after 3 months of 100 degree temps, its goose was cooked.  Literally.  Ah, great news.  I did this to myself.  Crap.

Though it speaks highly of my car to be able to start with very few cranking amps, I did not make the same mistake this time.  Even better, Interstate honored their warranty and I was required to pay only half the regular price  for a brand new battery, complete with another 7 year warranty.  And they changed it out for me!

So, a word to the wise.  If you notice your car starting slower than normal, go get it checked before you get stranded.  Most automotive shops have the equipment to do that for you.  Interstate batteries might be a little more expensive, but they’re worth it, and the guys over at the store on NW 36^th just south of Robinson are super cool!

Happy trails!