How to Buy a Car Battery

Selecting a Battery

Buy the right battery for your car. Different cars require different amounts of power and differently sized batteries. Check your vehicle’s maintenance guide for information regarding what sort of batter your vehicle requires. If you no longer have the maintenance guide, take your car to a mechanic for assistance in identifying the type of battery your vehicle needs. Additionally, buy a battery appropriate for your local climate. Hot-weather batteries are often labeled “S” or “South.” Cold-weather batteries might be labeled “N” or “North.” If you drive off-road, you might want to invest in an battery that is better able to endure constant vibrations.

Buy a maintenance-free battery. Maintenance-free batteries are sealed and require no special attention. Most car batteries are maintenance-free, but some require periodic filling with water. Whenever possible, save yourself future hassle by purchasing a maintenance-free battery.

Buy a battery that has good reviews. Car batteries are tested by consumer organizations and auto enthusiasts. Check a consumer reporting site or auto blog based in your nation for information about the types of car batteries sold there. Batteries should be rated based on their longevity and power.

Don’t purchase old batteries. Even when stored, batteries can lose strength. Always buy a new battery that was produced within the last six months. Some car batteries have dates labeled on them in an easy-to-understand way. Others, however, will have a date in a kind of code, in which A stands for January, B stands for February, and so on. (The letter “I” is excluded in such a system.)

Making a Purchase

Decide how to buy. You could buy online, or you could shop at a physical auto parts store. Since shipping a battery can be prohibitively expensive, your best bet is to buy a battery at a physical store. Doing so will also make it easier to make a return, if necessary. Plus, buying a battery at an store often includes free installation.

Shop around. Compare the price of car batteries sold at different shops. If possible, browse prices online or call the shop to find out how much they charge for the type of batteries you need. Doing so will save you time and effort.

Confirm you’ve got the right part. Before leaving the auto store, be sure that the battery you’ve purchased is the right one for your car. Auto shop employees should be able to look up the make and model of your car to determine if you’re buying the right battery.

Maintaining Battery Health

Buy a car battery proactively. Don’t wait until your car battery is dead and needs to be replaced to buy a new one. Consult your automobile’s maintenance guide or check online to find out how often you should replace your battery. Adhere to the maintenance guide’s recommendations and change your battery as needed.

Test your battery annually. At least once each year, visit your local mechanic. Have them check the battery to ensure it is still operating properly. If it is not, replace it with a new battery. These annual visits should begin after your vehicle is two years old if you live in a warm climate, or after your vehicle is four years old if you live in a colder climate.

Recycle your old battery. After buying a new car battery, you’ll need to discard your old one. Don’t just throw it in the bin, though. Contact your local auto garage and find out if they accept old batteries. If they don’t ask, for information regarding how to dispose of your battery responsibly.