Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy a New Car Battery
Did you know that nearly 100 million new car batteries are produced each year? Most of these batteries weigh over 13 kg and contain at least half a liter of sulfuric acid solution called battery electrolyte. Your car's battery is a vital component, supplying the necessary electricity to power the headlights and other electronic equipment. However, they don’t last forever. Every 2-3 years, you might need to buy a new car battery, and it's important to know how to select a compatible one.
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about buying a car battery based on your car's make and model. Keep reading to expand your automotive knowledge.
Check Your Car's Instruction Manual
Car batteries are based on the same principles, but their sizes can differ. These components are categorized into "groups" depending on the make and model of each vehicle. For example, if you have a car equipped with the latest technologies, it might have a higher electrical demand compared to older vehicles. Therefore, make sure to check the car's instruction manual to see what type of battery you need. You can also visit a local auto shop for assistance or find information online.
Look at the Cranking Amps Value
The cranking amps (CA) refer to the starting power of your battery. This value should match your vehicle's requirements, so make sure to pick the right one. It indicates the number of amperes your battery can deliver for about 30 seconds to start your vehicle. During these 30 seconds, the battery will rotate the crankshaft while maintaining sufficient voltage to support the ignition system. Once the engine is running, it will take over the job of rotating the crankshaft and moving the wheels.
Consider the Cold Cranking Amps Value
The cold-cranking amps (CCA) value is also important and similar to the cranking amps value. Different climates can impact a battery's health in various ways. The CCA value refers to the number of amperes available at around -18 degrees Celsius. If you live in a cold climate, a high CCA value is crucial to ensure your battery can start your car on a freezing winter morning.
Check the Battery Warranty
Every car battery manufacturer offers a warranty period for their products. In most cases, car batteries come with a warranty period of at least one year. You might be pleased to know that most of today's batteries are very safe and technologically advanced. Although they might come with a one-year warranty, some can last up to five years, saving you money and time.
Opt for a Maintenance-Free Battery
In the past, you had to add distilled water to your car's battery regularly. However, today's batteries are much more advanced and maintenance-free. If you choose a new battery model, you won't need to add distilled water or perform other maintenance tasks. Most modern batteries are also sealed shut, preventing accidental openings.
Ensure Your Battery Has a Carrying Handle
A carrying handle is essential for a car battery since these devices can weigh up to 18 kg. When you need to change the battery, the handle will make it easier to lower it into its compartment near the engine. The handle should be made from metal or high-quality, durable plastic to prevent damage and injuries.
Check the Reserve Capacity
A battery's reserve capacity is also important. It refers to the amount of "juice" or electricity left in the battery if the charging system fails. This reserve electricity can also be used when your car is turned off but you leave the headlights on. Most batteries should be able to hold a charge for about 1-2 hours when the car's engine is off. Keep in mind that if this reserve capacity is depleted, you might not be able to start the vehicle. You'll eventually need a jump-start kit to power the engine, which activates the alternator to recharge the battery. As a rule of thumb, the larger the reserve capacity of your battery, the better.
Evaluate the Battery Life
Manufacturers measure battery life in the total number of cycles. A complete cycle is when a charged battery gets fully discharged. Most batteries can be charged and discharged thousands of times before you notice a significant drop in performance or the battery becomes unusable. Various car batteries come with different numbers of cycles. For example, most have about 2,000 cycles and can be used for years. More modern batteries or those with larger capacities might have 5,000 cycles.
Are You Ready to Buy a New Car Battery?
As you can see, buying a new car battery isn't difficult once you know the basics. By checking the instruction manual and/or speaking with a mechanic, you'll be able to make the right choice when it comes to buying a battery. If you want to learn more about batteries, their types, uses, and the technology behind them, check out our dedicated page on automotive batteries. You'll discover interesting information about our conventional, maintenance-free, EFB and AGM batteries.