Choosing the Right Battery For My Car
Choosing the right battery for your car can be a bit tricky. You need to consider the battery group size (usually located on the owner’s manual or a fit guide in your local auto parts store), terminal locations and cold cranking amps.
There are a few different 12-volt battery technologies to choose from, including traditional wet cell lead acid batteries and newer gel, absorbed glass mat and lithium ion batteries.
How to identify your battery
Over time, car batteries lose their ability to hold an electrical charge. When this happens, there are a few easy ways to identify that it’s time for a new one:
One obvious sign is the battery light turning on. If you’ve noticed this, it means the cells inside the battery are swollen and at risk of rupturing, which is a serious safety hazard.
Another way to tell is by checking the battery voltage. This can be done using a multimeter or by hooking up a wire to the positive and negative terminals on the battery. If the voltage is lower than 12.6 volts, it’s likely time for a replacement.
If you’re buying a new battery, first look at the manufacturer specs in your owner’s manual to find the recommended group size. If you don’t have an owner’s manual, you can also look for a sticker on the battery itself with the group size written in a recognizable convention.
When identifying your battery, make sure the engine is turned off and any electronic accessories are unplugged. Next, disconnect the negative cable by loosening the nut or using a battery terminal puller tool — available inexpensively at most Advance Auto Parts stores. Remember to wear gloves and eye protection when handling a battery as it may contain harmful acid.
What type of battery you need
There are a few main types of car batteries. The most common battery is the traditional flooded lead-acid type. Also known as a wet cell, this battery for my car type of battery has a system of plates and electrodes that are submerged in a liquid electrolyte solution. Another popular battery is the absorbed glass mat (AGM) type. This type of battery is a little more expensive but is more resistant to temperature extremes, making it more reliable in different driving conditions.
A third type of battery is the performance battery. These are usually designed to have more power capacity than standard car batteries and are often found in high-performance vehicles. Performance batteries can be a good choice for some drivers, especially if they regularly drive long distances or have a lot of electronic accessories that require a lot of power to operate.
When choosing a battery, it is important to get the right size. Getting the wrong size can damage the battery or cause it to run out of power more quickly. Checking the owner’s manual or an in-store fit guide can help ensure that you are buying a battery that will work with your vehicle. Additionally, it is a good idea to purchase a new battery that has been recently manufactured. Older batteries may have lost some of their charge and might not perform as well.
Where to find your battery
The battery in your car is essential for enabling electrons to travel from the positive and negative terminals and power your vehicle. It is also responsible for keeping your electrical system charged, even when the engine is not running. Whether you’re in need of a replacement battery, or just want to learn more about your current one, there are a few things you should know.
First, you’ll need to determine the type of battery currently installed in your vehicle. This will typically be indicated by a label on the battery itself, or on its terminals. It should state whether your battery is a lead-acid, Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM), Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB), Gel, or lithium-ion.
You’ll also need to know what battery size your vehicle requires. Car batteries are standardized with a group size number, often two digits followed by a letter such as 24F. Check the battery’s label, or consult your owner’s manual to find out what your car’s recommended battery size is.
Once you have this information, finding the battery shouldn’t be a automotive battery problem. It is usually located under the hood in one of the front corners, although modern vehicles with tightened space concerns might locate it elsewhere to balance weight distribution. In some cases you may need to remove a fender panel or front bumper to access the battery.
How to replace your battery
If your battery is getting old, it’s time to replace it. Before you start working, shut off your car and take off any metal jewelry like watches or rings (this helps prevent electrical shock). Also, wear gloves and eye protection to protect yourself from battery acid.
Once the engine is off, locate your battery, which can sometimes be a bit tricky. Most vehicles have them under the hood, but it’s always best to check your owner’s manual for a specific location. If you can’t find it there, look in the trunk. Car batteries can weigh up to 60 pounds, so it’s important to get help lifting it.
First, disconnect the negative cable, which is usually black and may have a minus sign (-) near it. This will keep you from accidentally making an electrical short circuit while you’re changing the battery.
Next, loosen the positive cable terminal clamp with a wrench or socket. Once you have the negative terminal disconnected, you can begin to lift your old battery.
Once you’ve removed your old battery, inspect the terminal connectors for corrosion. If you see any, clean them with a brush and a solution of water or baking soda. Also, be sure to wash your battery tray to prevent corrosion as well. Once you’ve cleaned all the connections, you can install your new battery and reconnect everything.
