What's the Right Car Battery for My Vehicle?
Are you still experiencing a slow start or constantly needing to jumpstart your car engine?
Have you experienced dim lighting, a clicking sound when turning the key, or even backfiring? If so, these are all indicators that your car battery is failing. There's no need to fret! Every car battery is designed to kick the bucket eventually—no matter how much battery care you perform. Fortunately, the squad over at Girlington Garage can help. We will ask you the right questions to help guide you to the best solution for your unique budget and vehicle. Let's take a closer look at some of the main points you should consider when choosing a new car battery.
Understanding the Lead-Acid Car Battery vs. Absorbed Glass Mat Car Battery
Most batteries available on the market are either lead acid or absorbed glass mat (AGM).Lead-acid batteries are the less expensive option but will not hold a charge for as long. On the other hand, AGM batteries cost a bit more but are uniquely designed to withstand rigorous recharging cycles and repeated draining. At the same time, the AGM car battery requires significantly less car battery care than lead-acid batteries.The AGM car battery has primarily become the standard battery in modern vehicles with more innovative equipment, such as:
Power outlets for mobile electronics
Start/Stop Systems
Different types of fuel-saving systems
Electronic safety systems
How to Get the Right Fit Car Battery?
When choosing the right car battery, there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. The car battery you select will significantly depend on your vehicle—and budget—among other things.Standard battery group sizes include:
Size 75 (side terminal): most General Motors vehicles
Group size 34/ 78 (dual terminal): some General Motors and Chrysler vehicles
Group size 65 (top terminal): Lincoln, Mercury, large cars
Group size 35 (top terminal): most Honda, Nissan, Toyota, and Subaru
Group size: 24/24F (top terminal): several Infiniti, Lexus, Toyota, and Nissan vehicles
You can quickly find out your battery group size by checking your car's manual.
The Car Battery Cold Cracking Amps (CCA)
This is different from cranking amps (CA). A car battery's CCA represents the number of amps a 12-volt battery can produce at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for thirty seconds. This shows the ability of the battery to ignite the engine in freezing temperatures.While this may not be as much of a factor to residents of Florida, residents of South Burlington, VT residents should pay close attention to a car battery's CCA. Opting for a higher battery rating is a good choice.
Choose a Reputable Car Battery Brand
You know the saying, “You get what you pay for.” Well, it's true here as well.This doesn't mean you have to go for the most expensive car battery. But selecting a battery based on the amount of battery care and life expectancy is a good place to start.The life expectancy of a car battery can be anywhere from three to five years. A reputable manufacturer will offer an extended warranty because they have confidence in the product. As you can imagine, the price, longevity of the car battery, and warranty are all directly related.
Essential Car Battery Care Tips
Once you select the best car battery, there are several simple battery care tips you can use to extend its life and make sure you get the most bang for your buck.Here are a few of our top car battery care tips we offer our customers in South Burlington, VT:
Develop an annual inspection and maintenance schedule.
Clean the battery surfaces regularly.
Limit usage of accessories (such as headlights and car radios while the engine is off).
Have your car battery's voltage inspected periodically.
Ensure your vehicle is active. Do not let your vehicle stay dormant for long periods.
Contact Girlington Garage for Car Battery Sales & Service
When it comes to your car battery and battery care, you've got friends at Girlington Garage.
As the best auto repair facility in the South Burlington, VT area, we offer a full range of maintenance and repair solutions for virtually all makes and models of vehicles.Whether you need a new battery, brake repair, suspension repair, or anything else, Girlington Garage will show you the world-class experience you deserve.
