Tips to Choose a Car Battery – A Buyer’s Guide

If there is one car component that is paramount to your vehicle’s existence, it is the battery, which forms an integral part of the complex electrical system necessary to run the car in a hassle-free manner. Without a battery, your car won’t be able to generate power to even start the motor and eventually, the engine itself. Moreover, the car battery also allows you to play music, run safety accessories, and charge your phone - even when the car engine is turned off. Batteries are not meant to last forever and need replacement several times throughout the life of your vehicle. The battery gradually loses power over time, depending on the driving conditions and weather and needs replacement. It is imperative that you choose the right battery for your car for a reliable and long-lasting ride. But how to choose the right fit for your car? This article will give you useful tips to help you make an informed choice.

Battery Size

The first step in choosing the battery for your car is to look for the correct size. Car batteries come in various dimensions in terms of width, height, and length. You should be aware of the battery size that fits perfectly under your car’s hood. The battery variants also differ in terms of the terminals’ placement and type. You need to look for a battery that matches the electrical system in your car. Refer to your car’s manual to know about the size and placement. You can also compare the specifications of your old car battery to find the right fit for your car.

Battery Power Needs

The battery that comes pre-installed in your car is chosen in accordance with the power needs of your car. Smalls cars require a low-powered battery whereas heavy cars such as SUVs and luxury cars require a high-powered car battery. Choosing a battery that creates a power deficiency will make you replace the battery sooner than normal. If you choose a battery with too much capacity, you will end up spending unnecessary money. You should look for the battery’s Cold Cranking Amps (CCAs) rating, which are the amps required to start your vehicle in cold temperatures. The Reserve Capacity (RC) of the battery should also be considered while purchasing. The RC of a car battery tells you for how long the battery can power the electrical system of the car before fully discharging.

Dealership

Once you are aware of the specifications of the battery that your car needs, the next step involves looking for a trustworthy and reliable dealership. A reliable dealership will ensure that you get the best-quality products. Stores with a low variance of models available should be avoided since you will then run out of options and will have to settle for what’s available.

The Freshness of the Product

Batteries are nothing but carriers of charge. A car battery that has been sitting on the shelf for an extended period of time might lose some charge and may not provide the performance promised by the product. It is advised that you ask your dealer for a battery from the newest addition to the stock. Newly manufactured batteries offer high performance and longer life as compared to batteries manufactured a long time ago.

Battery Maintenance and Life Expectancy

There are two types of batteries available in the market – maintenance-required and maintenance-free. It is better if you opt for a maintenance-free car battery as these batteries have the advantage of worry-free operation even though the cost is higher. Maintenance-required batteries are cheaper but require periodic monitoring of the electrolyte level, failing which can lead to a dead battery. Topping up may be required as well. The life expectancy of the battery depends on the type of battery and usage. Maintenance-free batteries have a better life expectancy since you don’t have to worry about the electrolyte levels, lowering of which can damage the battery. The life expectancy of a maintenance-required car battery can be extended with good care.

Warranty

Warranty strengthens the trust between the manufacturer and the user. Warranty is evidence of the quality of the product. A car battery with a longer warranty shows that the quality is better since the manufacturer has confidence in the product. The warranty for the battery comes with a free replacement period and a pro-rated period, helping you to get the battery of your car replaced without any payment. Look for a long warranty period and make sure that it is hassle-free. This will help you keep your peace of mind in the longer run.

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