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Factors to Consider Before Buying a Car Battery

Your car is going to last for years but many parts eventually need replacement during your car’s lifetime. Tires, brake pads, headlights, wipers, windshields, and batteries need replacement when these components get damaged or worn out. Regular car maintenance is crucial to stay safe on the road. If any critical auto part goes bad, it could lead to potentially life-threatening situations. When it comes to ensuring the optimal performance of your vehicle, battery health is of utmost importance. Battery not only powers the engine but also other electrical components like lights and air conditioners. Batteries are designed to last at least 3-5 years but some vehicles need replacement sooner due to the driver’s poor driving habits or weather conditions.

The battery is the powerhouse that starts your car and enables other functions. It’s quite common for a battery to die due to regular wear and tear, heat exposure, or repeated discharging. However, waiting to get a new battery until your engine fails to start isn’t the best choice. As a smart driver, you should keep an eye on common signs that indicate it’s time for battery shopping. These signs include:

  • Slow or Difficult Start
  • Corrosion Buildup
  • Foul Smell
  • Cracked Battery Case
  • Loose Battery Terminals
  • Missing Battery Filler Caps

 

So, if you’ve noticed any such warning signs lately, it’s time to start looking for a new battery. However, it’s important to choose the right product to ensure hiccup-free driving. Many factors are involved in the car battery buying process. To help you avoid wasting money on the wrong product, here are some tips to buy a new car battery.

  1. Battery Size

Not all cars are the same means that all batteries are also not the same. Sedans, SUVs, and hatchbacks- all have different sizes, meaning their battery size also differs. Car batteries are categorized into group sizes in terms of length, width, and height. The best way to find your car’s battery size is by checking the owner’s manual. You can also take a look at the existing battery to find the size. Getting the right size battery ensures that the new battery perfectly fits the tray, preventing damage arising from vibrations. Wrong size battery that doesn’t fit properly can damage the tray due to vibrations or fluid spillage.

  1. Battery Freshness

Battery freshness refers to the date of manufacture of the battery that determines its freshness. It means the older the battery gets, the less output and power backup it has as compared to a new one. The best car battery has a long shelf life and continues to operate without being recharged for at least six months from the date of manufacture. It means that you should purchase a battery that is more than six months old. To check battery freshness, look at the code printed on the battery. The code consists of a letter and number such as B/4 where B stands for the month of February and the number refers to 2014.

  1. Reserve Capacity

Reserve Capacity means the amount of time the battery can run on its own without the engine before being discharged. You need to invest in a battery with a high Reserve Capacity that can keep your vehicle functional in difficult situations such as a non-compliant engine, alternator failure, and accidentally leaving lights on. It’s not uncommon for car owners to forget to turn off their vehicle’s headlights at night. This is the most common cause of battery discharge. For such situations, the car battery’s reserve capacity plays a vital role. Batteries with high reserve capacity have a longer lifespan.

  1. Power Requirement

Next, you need to check other factors such as warranty and CCA or Cold Cranking Amps rating. This refers to a battery’s ability to start an engine in freezing temperatures.

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