NRMA tips to ensure your car's battery charges through the hot weather

With one in three calls for NRMA Road Service relating to battery failure, NRMA Motoring & Services Vehicle Policy Adviser, Jack Haley said car owners were more likely to have a flat battery during extreme heat or cold mornings than at any other time.
 
Modern vehicles have much less space under the bonnet and less air circulation than 20 years ago. On a hot day, under bonnet temperatures can increase up to 20 degrees above normal temperatures, Mr Haley said.

NRMA Batteries helped many of the 450,000 calls attended last year and will come and install the new battery and remove the old for recycling. Delivery and installation is free to members 24 hours per day, 365 days a year, Mr Haley said.

All batteries will wear out over years of use but motorists can get longer life from their battery by following some simple tips:

• Examine the battery connections and wiring for any build-up of dirt, grease or grey/green corrosive deposits. The outside of the battery should be clean so wash away any deposits with warm water and wipe dry
• Remember battery acid is highly corrosive; do not allow any fluid near your hands, paintwork or engine
  components
• Once the battery connections are clean, check that they are tight and there are no broken or disconnected wires
• Check that the clamp securing the battery is not loose. Many modern cars have computerised systems which depend on a
  continuous battery voltage
• Do not disconnect the terminals unless necessary, as clocks, radios and some computer memories may need to be reset. The cars operating manual will explain any precautions needed
• If your battery has removable caps on the top, you need to check the fluid level in the battery cells. The liquid should just
  cover the plates inside the battery by around 5mm. Top up any low levels with distilled water. In many cases this will be sufficient to restore the batterys capability for cold starts
• Remember that the battery gives off explosive gasses. Do not go near the battery whilst smoking or with any naked flame.