Batteries are one of the most important parts of your car, but they’re also something you can’t see, which means they can easily go unnoticed until they fail completely and leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery and no jumper cables to help you get going again. Here are seven important car battery buying tips to keep your battery running at optimal capacity for years to come.
Consider All Factors When Replacing Your Car Battery
A dead car battery can leave you stranded. It’s frustrating, inconvenient and time-consuming to address a car battery issue. There are all sorts of different variables that come into play when your car doesn’t start, whether it’s due to a dead battery or something else entirely. Think about all of these variables when you decide whether or not you need a new car battery—and keep in mind that many batteries last four years or more, so it may be fine just waiting for yours to recharge naturally. When in doubt, call a mechanic who can assess your situation and tell you what options are available for getting back on track!
How Long Should You Wait Between Driving and Charging?
Charging your battery immediately after driving wastes a ton of energy. The length of time you need to wait between driving and charging depends on how often you drive, where you live and where you store your car. Regardless, it’s not something that should be rushed. If possible, always leave your vehicle parked for at least 12 hours between drives—especially in areas with hot summers or cold winters, as these extreme temperatures can affect your battery’s ability to recharge. Even when summer is over, don’t forget that humidity affects how well a car battery holds its charge and causes corrosion inside—so make sure you bring it into a warm garage during winter months. Your best bet? Bring your car into an AAMCO near me for expert advice.
Should I Drive Around With My Lights On?
It’s always a good idea to keep your lights turned off while you are driving and when you are parked. However, if you find yourself without power and want to drive around, then it is advisable that you put your headlights on low beam as opposed to driving with them on high beam. This way, you will use less battery power. Also remember that if your car does not have automatic lights then it would be better not to leave them turned on for too long as they can drain the battery quite quickly.
Don’t Let Your Vehicle Stay Dead For Too Long!
There are three types of car batteries. Two are considered maintenance-free (platinum and lithium), but they will still go dead if left unused for too long. The last is a conventional lead-acid battery, which should be tested every month and replaced every four years. If you need a new battery, here are some tips that can help you get a good deal.
What are Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)?
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) is a battery rating that represents how much current your battery can produce at 32 degrees Fahrenheit while maintaining voltage above 7.2 volts. In other words, CCA measures how well your car battery performs in extremely cold weather. If you live in an area where it gets very cold in winter and/or you drive a vehicle without heater plugs, then you’ll want a higher CCA rating for your next car battery. To find out more about why high CCA batteries are better, check out our post: Understanding Cold Cranking Amps (CCA).
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for a Free Test – Car Battery Buying Tips
Most auto parts stores will allow you to bring in your old battery and test it for free, so ask! If you’re worried about whether or not your battery is too far gone, be honest about your concerns when asking for a test. Explain that you’re thinking of replacing it soon but just want to know if there are any last-ditch opportunities for repair—or if it really is time to say goodbye. They might be able to bring back your dead battery!
Remember This Tip If You Are In a Rush
It can be tempting to buy a battery without checking if it’s compatible with your car, but make sure you do just that. Take a look at your car manual or ask a mechanic for advice before you purchase. The last thing you want is for your new battery not to fit and have to go through all of that trouble again. Also, when purchasing a new battery, make sure it has power and acid in it. If you don’t check when buying one from a store, there could be issues later that would mean having to replace parts or even cars altogether!