How to Buy a Car Battery

Car batteries will only be replaced once or twice during its lifetime because it gets old or worn out from exposure to heat and repeated charging. Having a dead battery can be a real problem, especially if you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere and have to wait for roadside assistance.

To get the most of the service life of your battery, you must take care of it. You also need to be attentive to its condition and age and be aware of when it's time to shop for a replacement. Here are some tips that can help you buy the best battery for your needs.

Be attentive

If you are attentive to your battery’s maintenance and aware of when you should replace your battery, you will have time to shop and choose its replacement correctly. If you are pressed for time and need to replace the battery immediately, you’ll tend to buy a car battery impulsively.

Test your batteries annually

Car batteries usually last from three to five years. Although most of the modern car batteries don’t need to be regularly maintained, it is recommended to have the battery load-tested. If you live in a warmer climate, have it load tested once it is two years old. If you live in colder weather, do the test once it hits four years. Through this test, you’ll know its ability to hold voltage, and the results will let you know if you need to start shopping for a replacement.

The car battery matches your car and driving needs

Car batteries come in a variety of sizes. When buying a replacement, be sure that you get the right size and terminal locations for your vehicle. If you are unsure what size and type you should purchase, check the owner’s manual or an in-store fit guide.

Purchase fresh battery

Even in storage, car batteries lose their strength. To make sure you get the optimum performance, only buy a battery that is less than six months old. If you can find one that’s three months old, it’s even better. Be sure to check this when purchasing one.

Don’t throw out your old battery

You don’t need to throw out your old battery. Since it contains lead and acid, it can be easily recycled. Most retailers will dispose of the old battery for you. When you purchase a new one, some stores will provide you with a refund if you return your old battery.

Check the warranty

When choosing a replacement battery, it is important to get the one with the longest free-replacement period. Just in case the battery fails, and you can prove that it’s not your fault, you can have it replaced without paying for a new one. You should note that any signs of neglect, such as low water levels and improper installation, can void the warranty. Heavy-duty use, such as high-end car audio, is also not recommended.

What Type of Battery is Right for My Car?

To help you find the right battery for your car, you must know the different battery types available in the market today. Here are some of them:

Starting, Lighting and Ignition Batteries

Most of the car batteries you’ll find in the market today are Starting, Lighting and Ignition (SLI) batteries. Apart from helping your car start, SLI batteries also provide power to the ignition, lights radio, and more. This type of battery has a shallow charge and can only deliver power in short bursts of time.

Deep Cycle Batteries

Unlike SLIs that provide short bursts of power, Deep Cycle batteries provide sustained power over a more extended period. That’s why this type of battery is ideal for small recreational vehicles, marine vehicles, and golf carts. There are several Deep Cycle batteries available, but one of the brands that stand out is Century Deep Cycle battery.

Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid Batteries

If you are looking for a low maintenance battery that doesn’t need regular addition of water to its battery cells, Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) batteries are for you. VRLA batteries don’t need to be maintained regularly that’s why they’re sealed and won’t spill when tipped over. While this looks like a better choice, this type of battery cannot be serviced and needs to be replaced when it malfunctions.

Flooded or Wet Cell Batteries

The reason what this battery is called as such is that it has liquid--lead, sulfuric acid, and water-- that creates an electrolyte in the battery. This type of battery is cheaper than the others, but it doesn’t provide the same convenience and life cycle that the expensive ones do. You may need to regularly maintain this type of battery to replace the electrolytes lost.

Absorbed Glass Mat

Compared to standard batteries, Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are designed to better stand up to repeated draining and recharging cycles. This type of battery is becoming the standard equipment for modern cars because of its features that include electronic safety and convenience features, fuel-saving stop-start systems, and power outlets for mobile electronics. These features increased the demand for this type of battery.

When it comes to purchasing a car battery, you must choose the right type and fit for your vehicle. There are several types and brands that are currently on the market now, and it can be confusing to choose which one is perfect for your needs. Keep in mind that you should always consider the compatibility of the battery to your car before buying it.

DC Power Automotive Solutions

Are you looking for a 4x4 battery? Or maybe you need a 12v battery? Whatever it is whether it’s a CCA battery, a Deep Cycle or a standard one, here at DC Power Automotive Solutions, we got you covered. Feel free to browse all our car batteries and check which one is perfect for your vehicle.