4 Smart Tips For Buying The Right Battery For Your Vehicle
Given the amount of attention foisted upon automotive engines and transmissions, you would think your car’s lowly battery has very little to do. Of course, every once in awhile, it sends a clear reminder of its importance – by dying. If you’re lucky, it will have simply lost its charge; a quick jump start and 20 minutes spent driving will recharge it. On the other hand, if it has expired, you’ll need to buy a replacement.
If you’re on the hunt for a new car battery, it’s important to realize that they come in different flavors. Some are larger than others. Some are older than others. And some have a bigger reserve capacity (or standing power) than others. In this article, I’ll provide four tips that will help you navigate the confusing terrain of automotive batteries.
#1 – Consider The Weather
Some batteries come with a higher cold-cranking amps (CCA) rating. This rating measures the ability of the unit to start your car in cold weather. Extremely low temperatures cause motor oil to thicken. That makes it more difficult to turn the engine. A high CCA should give you confidence that you’ll be able to start your vehicle in freezing temperatures.
#2 – Invest In Reserve Capacity
Most people mistakenly think automotive batteries generate the electricity necessary to power their vehicles. In reality, that’s the job of your alternator. If your alternator fails, your car’s main source of electricity dies. When that happens, you won’t be able to drive for long.
Your car can operate for a limited time based on the charge generated by your battery alone. But eventually, that won’t be enough. Reserve capacity is a measurement of how long it will last.
#3 – Choose A “Fresh” Unit
A lot of drivers don’t realize that car batteries can lose their charge just by sitting on store shelves. It’s important to buy as fresh a unit as possible. Fortunately, each model comes with a ship date. It may be listed numerically (e.g. 10-2010) or as a letter-number combination that represents the month-year (e.g. B-10 for February 2010). Avoid any unit that has a ship date older than six months.
#4 – Check Your Owner’s Manual
Your owner’s manual will list the group size of the battery your vehicle needs. For example, a 24/24F will normally accommodate most popular sedans, such as those made by Honda, Toyota, and Infiniti. On the other hand, a size 65 is most appropriate for large vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks. Size 75 is limited to GM vehicles (and a few Chrysler models) while a 35 is designed for Japanese makes and models.
If you’re uncertain regarding the type of car battery you should buy, ask an employee at your local auto supply shop. They’re usually well-versed in the driving conditions, types of vehicles, and other facets that play a role in choosing the right battery.
