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how do i choose a car battery

by Alexzander Kerluke II Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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To choose the best battery for your car, you’ll need to consider:

  • Battery specifications: Every car has specific battery requirements. Consult your car manual or seek help from a professional to make sure you’re purchasing the right one.
  • Battery quality: The more expensive the battery is, the longer it will probably last. ...
  • Dealer reputation: Purchase the battery from a reputable retailer to ensure it’s legit (plus it’ll probably come with a warranty). ...

Full Answer

What to consider when choosing a car battery?

Choosing a poorer performing battery may result in a premature battery lifespan, which can incur more cost. Car batteries with Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) technology is the preferred solution for start-stop vehicles*. You need to consider the cycling performance and vibration resistance when purchasing your AGM battery.

Why to choose the best car battery for your vehicle?

  • Utilizes the AGM design
  • Able to replace your car’s standard battery
  • Able to fit in most factory set positions
  • Entirely leak-proof
  • Highly resistant to extreme temperatures and vibrations

What is the best brand of car battery?

Top 3 car battery brands according to mechanics

  1. Century Yuasa Century batteries took out the top spot in our survey as the most preferred battery brand for auto service providers. ...
  2. ACDelco ACDelco has been named as the second most preferred battery supplier by mechanics on AutoGuru. ...
  3. Bosch

How to choose the correct car battery?

Pick the Right Battery – The Process

  • Determine proper group size for your car.
  • Determine CCA needs.
  • Decide on a price range.
  • Pick the battery.

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How do I know what battery to buy for my car?

The battery case will usually have the battery's name and manufacturing number. If you search the sides of your battery, you'll likely find the battery type. The battery label will say which type of battery it is. Since labels are often more about branding than informing, you may not find the battery type on the label.

How do I know what size battery to buy?

In order to calculate the size of the battery you need, you will have to to calculate the expected consumption in a day and divide this sum (in watts per day) by the direct current voltage (in volts). It is not recommended to let some batteries, especially lead-acid batteries, discharge to less than 50%.

Is a higher CCA battery better?

In general, for both CCA and RC, the higher the number the better. However, if you live in a cold climate, the CCA rating should be an important consideration in choosing a battery.

What brand of battery lasts the longest?

1. Energizer Ultimate Lithium: The longest-lasting AA battery. If you're looking for a battery that can go the distance no matter the drain, look no further than the Energizer Ultimate Lithium.

What type of car battery lasts the longest?

lithium ion batteriesLithium-Based Long Lasting Car Batteries Newer types of lithium metal and lithium ion batteries are known to last more than 5-6 years depending on the design and the type of car you're using it for.

Can a battery be too strong for a car?

The battery capacity won't impact it at all except taking longer to charge. The vast majority of the alternators output is directed to running the vehicle and any accessories. The charge rate on any battery is well below what the battery is rated for.

How many CCA do I need for my car?

The standard recommendation is that a vehicle battery should possess at least one CCA for every cubic inch of engine displacement (two CCAs in the case of diesel engines).

Can you have too many CCA on a battery?

In general, one can always exceed the CCA spec. You probably do it on a warm day, with a charged battery. Having more potential current available will not hurt the car's electrical system.

What are the 3 types of batteries?

There are three primary battery types available for consumer use. They are alkaline, nickel metal hydride (NIMH), and lithium ion. Each type has its pros and cons. Each one also has a distinctive place in technology history.

Does battery group size really matter?

Car Battery Sizes Do Matter When it comes to car batteries, size matters. The size of your car battery will make a huge difference in the functionality of your car. A small two-door car is much different from a large work truck, and each vehicle requires a different level of power to turn the engine.

Can I use a different size battery in my car?

Just as with any part or accessory, using the wrong size battery can lead to a host of problems. While it isn't always necessary to use the OEM brand, you should always replace your battery with the size and output that the manufacturer recommends.

What's the difference in battery sizes?

Different Battery Sizes Generally, the larger the battery is, the more capacity it has for energy storage. So even though a big and small battery are both rated at 1.5V, the big battery stores more energy and provides a longer battery life.

How long do car batteries last?

Also, check to see what technology the battery uses. AGM, dry cell and lithium-ion batteries typically feature better performance than a classic, wet cell lead-acid battery. Finally, it's good practice to look for low-maintenance or maintenance-free car batteries that are rated to last at least five years.

How to know what size car battery to replace?

When replacing your car battery for the first time, you need to know the size, measurements and terminal position of your battery. Your owner's manual should provide you with all these details. Alternatively, you can remove the old battery, measure its length, width and height and check to see where the positive and negative terminals are located and what style they are. Based on this information, you can easily check an online size chart to find the designation for the type of battery you need. Once you have it, it's simply a matter of looking for the best offers available at online providers or your local Advance Auto Parts.

How much does a car battery cost?

A standard lead-acid car battery is not going to be more than $100 to $200, with some at an even lower price point. However, if you want performance, a lightweight, resilient construction and a good warranty period, then a $100 car battery simply won't cut it.

What do Advance Auto Parts do?

The folks at Advance Auto Parts live and breathe cars, trucks, motorcycles, and anything else with wheels and an engine. When they're not writing about vehicles, they're hanging with their families, road tripping down the coast, or chucking bean bags in games of in-office corn hole.

Do trucks need a bigger battery?

Also, batteries are not universal — a truck with a big V8 or diesel is obviously going to need a bigger battery than a 4-cylinder subcompact. Read on to figure out what you need to look for in your next car battery. Learn which battery is right for your vehicle.

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What is a CCA battery?

CCA is a rating used in the battery industry to define a battery's ability to start an engine in cold temperatures. The rating refers to the number of amps a 12-volt battery can deliver at 0°F for 30 seconds while maintaining a voltage of at least 7.2 volts. Learn more about Cold Cranking Amps (CCA).

What is reserve capacity?

Reserve Capacity is a general indicator of how long a new, fully charged battery can continue to operate essential accessories if the vehicle’s alternator fails. Amp hour and C20 capacity are indicators of how much energy is stored in a battery. Learn more about Battery Reserve Capacity (RC) Amp Hour and C20.

What is battery group size?

Battery Group Size. This refers to the battery size that will best fit the physical dimensions, terminal locations and type required for your vehicle. Group size is typically based on your vehicle’s make, model and engine type. Learn more about Battery Group Sizes.

1. Know Your Alphabet

Do you know what CCAs are? The acronym stands for cold cranking amps, which represent the speed at which the battery can put out power in cold temperatures. That matters because engines are harder to start in the cold. It takes more work for the starter to get the engine cranking and the thicker, cold oil to flow through.

2. Connections Count

Making sure your vehicle’s battery cables have a tight, clean connection with the battery’s terminals is extremely important. Loose cable connections will not conduct maximum power and cause problems over time.

How to tell if SLI battery is dying?

You can start to notice with the power is dying on an SLI battery based on the features of the car. If the lights are dim or the engine is whirring for a bit before the car starts, take it to a shop to get replaced right away.

What are the benefits of lithium ion batteries?

The main benefits of lithium-ion batteries are that they can be recharged rather quickly and come in a lightweight size, making them ideal for the aesthetic of most hybrid cars.

What is an SLI battery?

Most cars come standard with an SLI (starting, lighting, and ignition) battery. As the name would suggest, it’s used primarily to kickstart your car, pulse power to the ignition switch, and give lighting energy to things like your headlights, radio, and other features in the car.

What kind of batteries are used in hybrid cars?

First up, you have lithium-ion car batteries, which are mainly used for hybrid vehicles (most notably, the Toyota Prius.

What is a wet cell battery?

As the name might suggest, wet cell batteries hold a liquid combination inside of them that generates power and energy for your car. This might be any mixture of water, sulfuric acid, lead, or all three combined.

How many volts should a marine battery be?

First, you have to pay attention to the voltage on the marine battery. If it’s 12-volts or more, then it will have sufficient power to be used in your car.

Can a SLI battery start a car?

These batteries are great for starting the car, but they aren’t built to provide power for very long. They only provide power for the process of starting your car. As soon as the SLI battery gets the engine going, your car’s alternator is tasked with supplying the power.

Are You Looking To Sell Your Car With The Bad Car Battery?

Are you sick of your car that always seems to need a battery? Does the car also have a host of other issues? Sell that problematic car to Cash Cars Buyer! You can receive a FREE online offer 24 hours a day, seven days a week! We also offer:

How many CCA does a 12V battery have?

You will know this battery with his signature yellow top. This battery is a top contender for SafeRoad.org because this 12V “powerhouse” battery offers 620 CCA (Cold Cranking Amps). There’s also an SAE post that delivers reliability. Click here to learn more from the Optima website!

What is the second battery?

The second battery with high ratings, according to SafeRoad.org is the XS Power High Output D6500. According to SafeRoad.org, this battery is a true 12V “powerhouse” battery that is equipped with 3900 amperages. The battery also has a M6 terminal bolt and is a leader in vehicle safety. The battery is also resistant to spills and is sealed very tightly. Click here to learn more!

How to choose a car battery?

When it comes to choosing your car battery by the brand, you want a car battery brand that is outlined and recommended by your car make and model. Check your owner’s manual or consult with your local mechanic for the ideal brand for your car. If your recommended battery brand is too costly and you cannot afford it, there are certainly some less expensive car battery alternatives. You may also be in the market for a cheapest battery. But hold up there. Just because something is cheap, does not mean you will be saving money. You may find that the battery is not a quality battery. And you may also find that you have to replace the battery quite often. So, you’ll have to ask yourself, did you really save money in the long run?

What does CA mean in battery?

CA stands for cranking amps. This is another and different measurement to calculate the electric current in the battery, at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, a battery's CA rating can be much higher than the battery’s CCA rating.

Why does my car not start when it's cold?

The CCAs or the Cold-cranking amps are what calculate your battery's ability to start your vehicle, during exceptionally cold weather. When temperatures dip below freezing, many cars will just not start or take a considerable time to start. The difficulty in starting the car may be due to thick engine oil.

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