![]() Check your owner’s manual or an in-store fit guide before shopping. Make sure you get the right size and terminal locations (or type) for your vehicle. It also means you shouldn’t assume that buying the same battery model you are replacing will get you the same results. This makes it impossible to make simple recommendations by brand or model. Among those that we have tested, there’s significant variation in which is the top performer from year to year, and from size to size. "A" is for January, "B" is for February, and so on (the letter "I" is skipped).Ī Battery Should Fit Your Car and Driving NeedsĬar batteries come in many sizes. A battery made in October 2022 will have a numeric code of 10/22 or an alphanumeric code of K-1. The date can be found on a sticker affixed to the top or side of the battery. The battery’s age is also a strong indicator that it’s time to consider a replacement. In addition, check the terminals to ensure the connectors are tight and free from corrosion.Ĭar batteries typically last from three to five years, according to AAA, spanning from 58 months or more in the farthest northern regions of the U.S., down to less than 41 months in the most southern regions. Doing so tests its ability to hold voltage while being used, and the results will let you know when it’s time to start shopping. Almost all of today’s car batteries are "maintenance-free." However, we recommend having your battery load-tested by a mechanic annually once it is 2 years old if you live in a warmer climate or 4 years old if you live in a colder climate. True maintenance is largely a thing of the past. Inspections should be part of an owner’s routine maintenance, but it is especially important to check before taking a long road trip. ![]() If you are about to leave your car standing for a long period of time it might be advisable to disconnect the power from the car by disconnecting the positive lead or using a Battery Brain, this will stop any drain on the car battery from the immobiliser light etc discharging the car battery and causing suphation (white powdery substance forming on plates) but be aware that when power is disconnected so too will the vehicles security devices unless a backup is installed.Being attentive to your battery’s maintenance and mindful when the time for replacement is approaching will ensure that you can choose a replacement on your own terms, including properly researching and conveniently scheduling. In addition, each terminal should be given a coating of grease to keep them in good condition. It is always advisable to attach the positive wire before connecting the negative, in case you touch the vehicle with the spanner: sparks will fly in this case if the negative terminal is already in place. The positive terminal will be marked with a (+) and this is where the red wire should be attached. The negative terminal will be marked with a (-) and the black wire should be connected here. The battery will then either have colour markers, making matching the wires to the correct terminal a simple task, or negative/positive signs. The negative terminal will generally have a black wire while the positive will have a red one. The most important thing to remember is to ensure you get the terminals the right way round.īasically there are two terminals, one negative and the other positive. While you may want to get a professional to do the job for you - batteries can be heavy and fitting them incorrectly can do serious damage - fitting the battery yourself is not that difficult. The supplier will then identify the correct battery for your car and purchasing can go ahead. We already know you are looking for new car batteries (there are special batteries for other vehicles such as bikes, lorries and boats) so all you will need to do is enter the make, model and year of your car. Fitting the wrong new car batteries could have a disastrous effect on your electrics.įortunately, there now exist suppliers who have websites that make choosing the correct battery a piece of cake. This is not always as straightforward as it may seem as there are many varieties available, each of which will have very different specifications. The first thing you will have to do is make sure you buy the correct replacement car battery. Fortunately, new car batteries are not difficult to fit. ![]() While you may get lucky and the battery will just need a recharge or even a simple cleaning and tightening, if the battery is old or has been recharged many times a replacement car battery will be likely. ![]() Unfortunately, car batteries have a tendency to die just when you don't need it. Car Battery / Leisure Batteries / Motorcycle Batteries Next Day!īefore you order please check the physical size and terminal layout against your old battery.
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