We’ve all had our fair share of car battery problems. Some even speak of “horror stories”, in which their batteries die on them at the very worst instances (such as driving on a highway at night). Those could’ve issues been avoided, or at least minimized, if a high-quality battery was under the hood. Being mindful of its use is of great importance as well. We’ll get to those in a more in-depth manner along with other tips in our car battery mini guide.
Car Batteries
Get an appropriate and top-grade battery as a replacement.
To be on the safe side, a lot of motorists elect to replace batteries on a yearly basis. This isn’t necessary, especially if you don’t live in areas where extreme temperatures (either too hot or too cold) are the norm. Usually, all you require is a top-grade battery (or at least one that’s sufficient for your driving needs) that’s going to serve you well for quite some time (four years is the average lifespan of a battery). Auto Batteries, A1 Battery Pro, and Optima Batteries are some of the best sources of these. How would you know if a battery is suitable for you vehicle’s needs? Take out the manual and look for the recommendations on cold-cranking amps (CCA) and reserve capacity (RV) ratings, which should be your basis regarding a battery’s power. Higher ratings are better, of course. The CCA is particularly important for those who drive in cold climates. Otherwise, it doesn’t hold as much weight.
Also, always go for the newest one as much as possible when looking for a car battery replacement. Much like food, you won’t want one that’s been sitting on the shelf for quite some time because it may have lost some of its charge. While this won’t be an issue with regard to long-term use since you can recharge the battery anyway, you may find its performance to be subpar during its initial use.
Have your car battery tested from time to time.
Have your battery tested on occasion to ensure that it’s operating at an adequate level. A battery test is especially recommended when you’re planning to go on a long trip. You won’t want to take the risk and end up losing more money in the process should you encounter battery problems during your journey.
Put effort into its maintenance.
For best results, put effort in the maintenance of your car battery. This includes the regular cleaning of the battery container and terminal, keeping an eye out for rusting within the area (if there is, apply baking soda and rinse it with water), adding distilled water when the electrolyte level is low, and charging the battery properly (always use the correct amp rate and never overcharge; refer to the manual for more specific instructions).
Dispose of an old battery the right way.
Recycling is the right—and eco-friendly—way to dispose of an old car battery. This will ensure that any harmful chemicals from the battery will be handled with care. Some retailers will even offer to pay for your old one, so it’s a win-win situation for you.
