It’s probably time for buying a new car battery if the one you have keeps dying. In fact, if you have jumpstarted your vehicle a couple of times before, this could be a sign that it’s time for buying a new car battery.
Though there are a number of reasons why a car battery dies. After going through some of these reasons and you find out that your battery keeps dying because it’s old, then it’s time to get a new one.
A good battery can last you a couple of years. In fact, some go up to 6 years. But to determine the battery’s life is just one step towards ensuring that it serves you as it should. That depends on how you store the car when you’re not using it. Further, it depends on climate conditions that the battery encounters.
Battery Warranty.
The battery warranty will usually cover the free replacement period for your car battery. Further it covers the prorated period which includes a partial refund of the battery’s purchase price.
Consider batteries that have a long period of free replacement. This will cover you incase something wrong happens that may not be reversible unless you buy another one.
Maintenance requirements.
Some batteries need regular maintenance while others require very little maintenance. The ones that require constant maintenance will need it every 6 months. The maintenance requires a top-up of the electrolyte fluid that runs inside the battery. You can simply use distilled water in these regular maintenance batteries.
The other batteries that don’t require regular maintenance have a seal that encloses the electrolyte fluid within them. This electrolyte functions through out the battery’s life. If the electrolyte levels drop, the maintenance free battery can only be replaced. The electrolyte isn’t supposed to be replaced.
Battery Capacity.
Every car requires different power levels in order to start-up as well as for powering the interior car accessories.
For this reason, you require to assess the battery’s storage marked as Ampere-hour (ah). High ah means that the battery has a capability of supporting large power demands.
Because the battery is charged by the engine, there are instances where the engine won’t be required. Or it won’t be on, for example when you park and you’re listening to the stereo. During such instances, the battery’s charge is being used.
In such instances the battery’s charge is in use. How fast it runs out depends on its capacity. Alternatively, when the engine isn’t compliant the battery steps in for sustaining the car’s operations.
Battery dimensions.
Engines are made differently with varying capacities to hold components. Car batteries have different measures in terms of length and width.
If you don’t know the new battery’s size, you can check the one you’re currently using. Otherwise there is the option of consulting your user manual as well as your mechanic.
A good battery size should perfectly fit in the battery tray. This prevents the battery from sustaining damage that may arise from sudden movements.
Reserve capacity.
The reserve capacity of the battery is it’s capability to operate without the engine’s charging intercession. It’s important to recognize this when buying a battery for instances when the car’s alternator brakes down or it has a non compliant engine.
Power requirements.
Power requirements refers to the capability of the battery to be powerful enough to start the engine. Further, this depends on the Engine’s temperature during the starting. There are two power requirements for the car’s battery, that is CCA and CA.
CA (Cranking Amps) is power required to start the car at temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) is the battery power requirements to start the car at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Battery production date.
This is determined by the day that the battery was made. All batteries have a manufacturing date marked on them. This will give you the month and year of manufacture. It’s highly recommend to go for a battery that hasn’t been on the shelves for more than 6 months.
Type and position of terminals.
The positive terminal of the battery is very crucial. It determines the car’s polarity. Further, the position of the positive terminal determines if there is the possibility of the terminal coming in contact with the car’s metal. For this reason, you need to check the side of the terminal in comparison to the car’s shell.
Battery life.
The battery life is something you can inquire about from a professional. Especially the one who is selling the battery to you. It determines how long that battery will last without going through a downtime.