Suppose, you’re out for a dinner and after spending a lovely evening you get back in your car and it just refuses to start. What if you have gone for a camping trip and at the time of returning home, you see the low battery warning sign flashing on your dashboard? A dead car battery can be stressful and could leave you stranded on a lonely road. It is the battery that powers the car’s engine and other electrical components. Even the top model cars can face battery issues because like other components, batteries also have a limited lifespan. If the battery is exposed to harsh driving elements or reaches the end of its life, replacing it becomes unavoidable. The car’s battery is designed to last for at least 3-5 years. However, many other factors such as the battery’s brand, driving habits, the climatic condition in which you drive, and more determine how long your battery can last.
Unless you’re a seasoned driver, you might wonder when it is time for a replacement. Your car’s owner manual can give you an idea of how long the battery can last and what type of battery works best for it. However, due to heat exposure, repeated discharging, or wear and tear, you might need to replace the battery sooner than you expected. So, if your car needs a new battery, here are some tips to help you invest in the right battery.
Battery Size
Before you start looking for a new battery, find out the right battery size for your car. Choosing the wrong size could waste your money because the battery won’t fit in your car. The group size of batteries refers to their length, width, and height. To know the right size, take out the owner’s manual or take a look at your old battery to see the group size on a label.
Reserve Capacity
This is an important factor because it determines how long the battery can run on its own power without the engine. Choosing a battery with a high Reserve Capacity can help prevent your car from going dead in situations such as leaving lights on, noncompliant engine, or alternator failure. Choose a good quality battery from a reputed brand with a high reserve capacity.
Freshness
You also need to check how fresh the battery is. Now you may wonder I am not buying bread that can expire. Not many people know that checking the year of manufacture is important when buying a battery. Your battery’s performance and how long it will last depend on its freshness. Ideally, you should never buy a battery that is more than six months old. Investing in a new car battery is highly recommended. To check freshness, check the code on the battery label in which the letter represents the manufacturing month and the number stands for the year.
Power Requirement
Other factors include power requirement and Ampere Hour. Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) means the battery’s ability to start an engine in freezing temperatures. CCA applies to cold climates while Cranking Amps refers to the energy needed for starting a car at temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Ampere Hour (Ah), on the other hand, indicates how much electricity the battery can store.
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