Baby it’s hot outside, and that can take a toll on car batteries.

This week’s predicted 90-degree-plus temperatures can cause batteries to fail, or run low.

“Any time temperatures reach over 90 degrees for a few consecutive days, we see a noticeable increase in motorists needing assistance,” said Scott Soper, AAA Colorado’s manager of battery services. “Summer heat accelerates the rate of fluid loss and resulting oxidation of battery components, which can leave a motorist stranded without warning.”

According to the Car Care Council, the average life of a battery is 31/2 years and even shorter in warmer climates. Excessive heat and overcharging are the two main reasons for shortened battery life. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate. That's slow death for a battery.

Basic battery care can help prevent unexpected battery problems on the road.

AAA Colorado offers the following tips:

Ensure the battery cables have a clean and tight connection to battery terminals. Dirty, loose connections constrict the flow of current and are a common cause of battery troubles.

Have a qualified technician check the battery fluid level. Most batteries are maintenance-free, but battery fluid level can still run low, leading to oxidation and a dead battery.

Have the electrical charging system tested at the same time as the battery. A faulty alternator is one of the most common causes of battery failure.

A trickle charger is recommended if a car is left idle for weeks.

Most vehicles have electronic components such as security systems and clock and radio settings that drain a small amount of energy even when the car is turned off, often as much as 1 to 2 percent per day in optimal temperatures. In time, that small amount of constant drain on the battery adds up and can lead to a dead battery.