Car batteries do a lot of work behind the scenes to keep you moving. From starting the engine to running air vents and the radio, it’s a vital component.
But picking a battery can be complicated with all the different choices. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice.
Group Size
The battery size is one of the most important factors when selecting a new car battery. Using the wrong battery size can lead to poor performance and shortens the lifespan of your vehicle’s battery.
Battery group sizes are standardized by the battery council international (BCI), and they refer to the physical dimensions of a car battery in terms of length, width, and height. In addition, battery group sizes also indicate the location of the positive and negative terminals on a car battery.
The best way to determine your vehicle’s recommended battery group size is to check the owner’s manual or consult with a professional. However, online tools and automotive websites can also help you narrow down your options. Many of these tools offer a database of common battery group sizes and which vehicles they’re typically associated with.
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)
Colder climates challenge battery performance. This is why CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) ratings are used to test car batteries. The higher the CCA rating, the more powerful the battery is at low temperatures. This makes it an important criterion for those living in colder climates to consider when selecting a car battery.
A battery with a higher CCA rating has the power to deliver more starting current. This helps to overcome the resistance caused by cold temperatures and ensures that your engine starts smoothly. However, it is crucial to note that the CCA rating should not be your only consideration when selecting a car battery. You also need to consider other specs like group number, RC, and Ah. These factors combine to determine a battery’s overall specifications and suitability for your vehicle.
Reserve Capacity (RC)
Reserve capacity is a measure of how long a battery can deliver 25 amps at 80degF before its voltage drops below 10.5 volts. This is an important metric to consider when selecting a battery for vehicle or device applications.
You can test your car battery’s RC by using a multimeter to measure its resting voltage. A healthy battery has a reading between 12.2 and 12.6 volts.
While RC and CCA ratings are not the same, they do correlate with each other. Both are used to evaluate battery performance, but CCA is a short-term measurement while RC is a longer-term measurement. Lithium batteries like those found in our Battle Born lineup have much higher RC ratings than traditional lead-acid batteries. The higher RC allows for the continued operation of accessories if your alternator is faulty or out of commission.
Brand
Choosing a car battery brand is important, as it affects the performance of the battery. The best brands offer excellent durability and longevity. They also have a good warranty policy.
Optima batteries are known for their dual-purpose power and long battery life. They provide premium engine cranking power in cold weather and are budget friendly. They are also built to withstand vibrations and shocks.
Interstate Batteries are well-known and widely available, making them a great choice for budget-friendly car batteries. They have been available at Costco since the 1950s. Their batteries have a maintenance-free design and offer a significant replacement warranty. Their batteries are also built to withstand extreme weather conditions and high accessory loads. The company also offers a wide range of battery chargers.
Price
Car batteries are a vital part of any vehicle. They provide the initial burst of energy to jolt your engine into life and power the accessories and lights. However, the alternator then handles most of your engine’s electrical needs.
Batteries are expensive to manufacture because of the materials, labor, and quality control required. A battery’s lifespan and performance can be impacted by the type, temperature, climate conditions, and usage patterns.
The most common types of car batteries are lead-acid flooded batteries. These are known as SLI (Starting – Lighting – Ignition) batteries and are used in cars, trucks, utility vehicles, and go-karts. An alternative to the flooded style is the EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery). These are known for their high levels of performance and long life.