The battery provides the energy for starting the engine and powers all electrical accessories. Over time, it may lose its ability to hold a charge, or it may "drain" by mistake - perhaps you forgot your radio or headlights on while the engine was off. In order to make the right purchase, you need to evaluate the dimensions, the amperage for cold ignition and the reserve capacity.
Steps
Step 1. Check the size of the battery you need
-
Check the use and maintenance manual. It usually contains all the specifications for the battery.
Buy a Car Battery Step 1Bullet1 -
Ask the clerk at an auto supply store to help you figure out the right size for your battery.
Buy a Car Battery Step 1Bullet2
Step 2. Buy the battery that matches your needs and the correct size
Evaluate your driving style and the climate of the region you live in when making your choice, and check what is written in the use and maintenance manual. Consider the external dimensions and the positioning of the wiring inside the engine compartment. If you buy one that is too small, it will not be well secured in its housing.
-
High temperatures put a strain on car batteries. The electrolyte solution evaporates more quickly.
Buy a Car Battery Step 2Bullet1 -
It is very important to buy a good battery with a very long life if you mainly drive short distances. Such use does not give the battery time to fully charge, so make a wise choice.
Buy a Car Battery Step 2Bullet2
Step 3. Look for a battery that has been on display for less than 6 months
The production code will give you this type of information. The first two characters of the code are a letter and a digit where A stands for January, B for February and so on; while the number indicates the year, so 7 indicates 2007, 9 2009 … The production code is engraved on the battery cover and you can read it from below
Step 4. Ask about "amperage for cold start" and for normal start
These values are vital, especially if you live in cold regions.
- The first value indicates the battery's ability to start the car at a temperature of -17 ° C, in addition to the amount of current it sends to the starter motor.
- The second instead indicates the amount of energy that the battery sends to the starter at a temperature of 0 ° C. This value is usually higher.
Step 5. Also inquire about the reserve capacity of the batteries they have available
This value indicates how many minutes the battery can run on its own. You need to know in case the car's alternator breaks down
Step 6. Check the difference between maintenance free (sealed) and low maintenance batteries
-
The former do not need any topping up of liquid.
Buy a Car Battery Step 6Bullet1 -
The latter are not sealed and have caps through which you can top up the distilled water. It is an important factor if you live in hot climates.
Buy a Car Battery Step 6Bullet2
Advice
- Go to a workshop and ask for the battery to be "tested" when you notice that it is losing power. This allows you to understand if it cannot hold the charge; if so, replace it. When the car struggles to start and you hear a strange noise on the starter motor, it is a sign that the battery is dying.
- Car batteries must be disposed of correctly and safely, due to their lead and acid content. Auto supply stores and workshops are equipped to take care of disposal. They may charge you a "contribution" for waste management fees, but it is often rebated if you buy a new battery.
