Check your battery before Labor Day Travels

August 31, 2011 12:00 AM

Check your battery before Labor Day travels Labor Day weekend is fast approaching and it is often regarded as one of the busiest times in terms of travel all year. While many motorists will be hitting the road, it is important to perform some basic maintenance before hitting the road so they don't end up stranded.

According to Florida Today, one of the most common problems that drivers can face during Labor Day weekend is a dead battery. The American Automobile Association (AAA) says that last year it helped around 7,800 motorists with dead batteries during the weekend, and recently offered some tips on how to avoid falling victim to such a problem.

The battery is especially vulnerable during hot weather, experts say, and although Labor Day is typically thought of as the unofficial end of summer, temperatures can still get pretty high.

"It's a busy holiday for motorists and extremely hot. The heat alone can have a negative impact on battery life," Jay Bolster, the senior manager of AAA Battery Service Operations, told the news source.

To make sure that your car's battery is able to handle the heat, you may want to check its power. A fully charged battery should be about 12.85 volts when idle, but if it reads under 12 then it is getting tired.