How to Know Which Battery is Best for You

A car battery isn’t one-size-fits-all like standard batteries. It’s important to choose the auto battery that fits your vehicle and your needs. You’ll probably need to replace your car battery every four to five years, but it depends on the manufacturer and how you take care of your car. The more times your battery drains and needs a charge over its lifetime, the shorter the lifespan of the battery. Here is some information on car batteries to help you select the best battery for you.

Different Types of Automotive Batteries.

The standard battery for most cars is a “starting, lighting, and ignition” battery, AKA SLI. This type of battery does exactly what you’d think. It starts the car, powers the lights and other electronics and recharges itself to do it again and again. Most of these batteries are about 12.6 volts. This type of battery has the lowest cost and most people are familiar with them.

The Lithium-ion Battery, or Li-ion, is a little more expensive than an SLI, but these batteries last 5 to 10 years. Hybrid cars and electric vehicles typically use a Li-ion battery, which are also lighter than the SLIs. This battery stores more charges than an SLI.

Another type of battery is the Absorbent Glass Mat battery. AGM technology supports the higher electrical demands of the newer vehicles. Powersports batteries are usually AGM technology for their superior life performance, resistance to vibrations and cycling performance. The lifespan is eight to ten years, but you’ll also pay more initially for the battery.

How to Choose the Proper Car Battery For Your Vehicle.

Choosing the car battery for your car means that you’ll want to check the manufacturer’s battery specifications for your vehicle first. Always buy a new battery from a reputable car store. If you don’t buy a brand-name battery, do some research on the quality of the aftermarket manufacturer before purchase. Very low-priced batteries may not last the distance. Check the warranty on the battery. You should get one with at least five years. Think about how long you plan on keeping your vehicle before investing in the newest technology. If you aren’t keeping your car for more than five years, you may not want to get an Li-ion or AGM battery.

Get the right power. Battery power is measured in reserve capacity or RC and cold cranking amps, CCA. The RC rating is the number of minutes of reserve power that the battery has. Go with the battery specs for your car. The CCA rating is the measure of your car battery’s starting power. Again, you’ll want to look at the battery specs for your vehicle. However, if you live in a colder climate, you may want to get a battery with a higher CCA to handle the really cold mornings.

If you need help installing a top post car battery or finding the right battery for your vehicle and needs, talk to the AutoZone team. With free battery testing and charging on-site at the store, you can get the information you need to make the right purchase.

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