Think of the battery as the heart of your vehicle. You need a battery you can depend on to get your motor running and keep it pumping all day long.
The car battery is an important element of the intricate network that makes your car start and keeps the engine functioning. The battery powers most of the car’s accessory structures and electrical components such as the headlights, fan, turn signals, etc. While the alternator supplies most of the electrical needs of the entire car system, the battery can keep them going in the event of an alternator malfunctions.
There are many batteries available at automotive supply stores, and it’s important to know precisely which model is the right choice for your car. The wrong battery won’t work in your vehicle, and it may even cause damage to the car. Knowing which battery is right for your particular vehicle is extremely important, and it can also help to know about the various battery manufacturers and automotive supply companies. You should only have to purchase a battery every few years, so make sure you’re buying the right one.
* Size Matters: Buying a battery for your vehicle is like choosing a pair of shoes for you. One size does not suit all. The size of the battery itself is vital, as it needs to fit snugly into the space allotted under the engine’s hood. If the battery is too small, there is the risk of it becoming dismantled and causing damage or vibrations. Further, the battery will either be a top post or side post model, which will determine how it operates and fits.
* Power Up: You need to know your car’s specific power requirements before buying a car battery. Some vehicles need an 8-volt battery, while others require a 12-volt. There are a number of points to take into account, such as the size of the car and the number of accessories that must be powered. For example, a huge sound system can easily suck the life out of an average car battery. A 12-volt battery should be able to sustain at least 7.2 volts when the vehicle is starting and while it is operational.
* Chill Out: If you live in a cold-climate area, it’s important to check the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) before you purchase. CCA is a measurement used to determine a battery’s capacity to start an engine at 0° Fahrenheit, within a 30 second period. A higher CCA rating means the battery will start your car faster and more effectively in icy weather.
* Get it in Writing: No matter how popular the manufacturer is, you need to get a written manufacturers warranty with your battery. Ensure that the battery is in original condition, and is not a recharged brand. The dependability and quality of the battery you choose should be indicative of the warranty you’re offered. Make sure that battery is guaranteed for the extent of the battery’s life (ie: if you intend on using the battery for five years, look for a five-year warranty).
* Keep it Fresh: Whether you’re buying batteries or bananas, you need to make sure they’re fresh and damage-free. Simply because it’s a piece of car equipment, it’s not OK for your battery to waste away on a stockroom shelf. Make sure that the battery you buy is produced by a respected and known manufacturer, and that it’s fully charged and ready to start your vehicle. If you’re not careful, you can run the risk of purchasing a recharged or fake battery. Check on the side of a battery casing for a special decal or label. You’ll find the month and year that the battery was transported from the manufacturer’s plant. The letters ‘A’ through ‘M’ mean months of the year. For instance, ‘A’ is January and ‘M’ is December. The letter ‘I’ is not used. The numbers 1 through 9 denotes the year of production. If the sticker on your battery reads L4, therefore, you know that it was manufactured in November 2004.
A car battery provides starting power to your vehicle, so make sure it’s reliable. Understand your car’s requirements and know how to validate the quality of the battery before you make the final purchase.
Tagged with: car battery • car maintenance
Filed under: Car Maintenance