Before you run out and buy a new car battery, there are a few things you need to know. First, you need to be able to recognize the signs that indicate that you might need a new car battery. You also need to know what type of battery to buy, as all car batteries are definitely not created equal. If you don't want to end up paying too much, you should also consider other factors such as the type of climate in which you live and how long you plan on owning your car.
Do I Need a New Car Battery?
Since you know better than to wait until it's too late to get a new battery, how do you know if you need a new car battery or when to buy one? Most car batteries will have a sticker on them that documents when the battery was made and how long it can be expected to last. Pop open the hood and take a look, but use that information as just a guideline. Regardless of when you bought the battery or how long it is supposed to last, there are other indications that your battery may need to be replaced that you should not ignore.
Having a difficult time starting your car is one common indication that you may need a new battery. If it often takes more than one attempt to get your car started, it may be time to replace the battery. It is not possible to predict when your battery will die based on this sign, so you need to take notice if it happens more than once. You can take your car in for service and have a technician run a load test to see how well your battery is holding a charge. A battery charger may temporarily resolve this issue, but it is not a permanent fix.
There is also a battery warning light on your dashboard. If the warning light is lit up, it could mean that the battery does not have enough cold cranking amps to turn over the engine or it can mean that there is a problem with your alternator. The battery warning light is usually not the first sign that your battery needs replacing, but it might well be the last so make sure you don't just ignore it.
How to Choose a Car Battery
Buying a New Car Battery is Easy - Learn How to Buy a Car Battery
Whether you are going to change the car battery yourself or you are going to have the battery installed for you, you have to buy the right one. That means you have to know what type of battery your car needs. You can find the specifications in your owner's manual as well as on the sticker affixed to the driver's side doorjamb.
The two things you want to pay close attention to when it comes to battery specs are the cold cranking amps and the group size. When buying a car battery, you also want to check the date code on any battery you are thinking about purchasing as you don't want one that has been sitting around too long. Other considerations include the battery's reserve capacity and the warranty.
Cold Cranking Amps - In colder temperatures, engine oil thickens, gasoline is harder to burn, and your engine has to work harder to start up. Cold cranking amps (CCA) are a measurement of the amps needed to turn over the engine at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in an area where winters are harsh, you will want to buy a car battery with a higher CCA number. The CA (cranking amps) number will also be listed on the battery. This number reflects the number of amps required to turn over the engine at 32 degrees Fahrenheit and will be much higher. Do not confuse the two. So why not buy the battery with the highest CCA number you can find? That may sound like a good idea, but buying more battery than you need is really a waste of money.
Group Size - The group size reflects the overall size of the battery as well as the type and placement of the terminals. Choose the group size recommended by your car manufacturer in your owner's manual. Most battery retailers will have a reference guide available or will be able to lookup the group size for your make and model if necessary.
Age - Car batteries have a date code either stamped right on the case or on an attached tag which indicates when the battery was made. The code will usually be made up of a letter representing the month and a number to indicate the year of manufacture. The letter A indicates January, B is for February, C means March, and so on. The number in the code is the last digit of the year. So the date code H1 would mean the battery was manufactured in August of 2011. Do not buy a battery that is more than six months old. Batteries that sit unused for long periods of time begin to corrode.
Reserve Capacity - The RC indicates the length of time in minutes the battery can sustain your car's electrical needs on its own if your alternator were to fail. RC is an indication of quality, but it's not always disclosed on the sticker so you might have to ask or check the product website or literature yourself. If your alternator stops working, a battery with a high reserve capacity might get you to a service station rather than being stuck on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck.
Warranties - The typical car battery warranty has two components to it. There is usually both a total warranty period and a free replacement period. If your battery dies during the free replacement period, you can get a new one at no cost. If your battery dies after the free replacement period but before the total warranty coverage has elapsed, you get a prorated credit toward the purchase of a new battery. Car battery warranties vary widely and can range from 90 days to 36 months. Unless you plan on getting rid of your vehicle relatively soon, if your buying decision comes down to two batteries with similar stats, you might want to go with the battery with the warranty that offers the longer replacement period.
New Car Battery Cost
So how much does a new car battery cost? The cost of a new car battery usually depends on their life expectancy. You might opt for a cheap car battery, one that does not have one of the longer life expectancies or a long free replacement period, if you know you don't plan to own your vehicle much longer. You can also expect to pay more for a battery with a higher CCA number. Your final cost also depends on whether you intend to install the battery yourself or if installation and disposal of your current battery are included in the price. Where you buy the battery makes a difference as well.
If you are willing to shop around, you may be able to find a cheap car battery in the $65 to $75 range, but you can reasonably expect to pay over $100. There are a number of car batteries offering solid reliability in the $100 to $150 price range. If you are willing to pay top dollar for maximum performance, high end car batteries with long replacement periods and high CCA ratings costing $200 - $300 are also available.
Where to Buy a Car Battery
If your vehicle is still under warranty and your warranty covers the battery, take your car to the dealership. Service centers like NTB, Sears and Firestone usually include installation, have decent prices, and keep a good amount of stock on hand. You might be able to find lower prices at large discount retailers like Wal-Mart or Target, but you are probably looking at having to install the new battery and dispose of your old battery yourself. You could also buy a car battery online. Advance Auto Parts lets you find and choose a battery on their website then pick it up in store if you live near one of their locations.
How to Buy a Car Battery
Buying a car battery is straightforward once you know what you are looking for. You can find the information you need including group size and recommended CCA rating in your owner's manual. Don't buy a battery with a lower CCA number than your car maker recommends. Buying a car battery with a CCA rating 200 amps or more higher than the recommendation is a waste of your money. Never buy a car battery that is more than 6 months old. Consider the reserve capacity and make sure you understand the terms of the warranty. Buy a name brand battery from a reputable dealership, service center, auto parts store, or other retailer.
