How to choose the right car battery

Most brand-name batteries are made by three major companies:

Johnson Controls manufactures Sears DieHard, AutoZone DuraLast, Interstate, Ford Motorcroft, and more.

Delphi produces AC Delco and most of WalMart and Sam's Club's Everstart batteries.

Exide batteries are sold with Exide, Napa, and Champion brand names.

Automotive batteries are sold directly to consumers for do-it-yourself installation, as well as through automotive service centers and repair shops. Prices vary dramatically, so a little research can save the consumer a considerable amount of cash.

Do-it-yourselfers can reduce their costs, but they will have to find a suitable service for disposing of their old batteries legally and responsibly. Many automotive supply stores actually pay cash or provide discounts for customers who turn in old batteries.

Vehicle warranties may cover the cost of battery replacement for a predetermined time period. Checking the owner's manual can pay off.

GROUP SIZE:

Group size refers to the overall volume of the battery, as well as the location of its positive and negative terminals. Owner's manuals usually indicate the group size required by automobile models. Automotive dealers, service centers, and supply retailers generally offer reference guides, which will also list which group sizes correspond to each automobile make and model. Some batteries will be labels with combination numbers, making them suitable for a variety of automobiles.

COLD-CRANKING AMPS:

Cold-Cranking Amps (CA) refers to a battery's ability to operate in cold weather. In such conditions, automotive engine oil tends to be thicker, which makes ignition more difficult. A battery's CCA rating indicates how much electrical power it can provide to a car's starter motor at zero degrees (F).
It's all about power.

The automotive battery provides essential power for starting the car. In addition, the battery provides power for door locks, lights, music, and other accessories. Without a working battery, a car is dead.

FINDING A NEW BATTERY:

Automotive batteries range greatly in quality and capacity. Cheap batteries may prove to be no bargain at all, as they may not last long. Installation and re-installation costs may quickly cancel out any initial savings. A customer might expect to pay anything from $50 to $200 in the US for a new automotive battery.

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