Car Batteries Buying Guide
You car battery  is responsible for more than just revving your engine. It works to filter and provide power for lighting, the radio and other accessories too. Hidden under the hood of your sweet ride lies a tiny box packed full of power that can last up to two years if you care for it properly. So get to know the basics from volts to amps and everything in between before picking up a new one.
Types of Batteries
Cold Craking Amps (CCA)
The environment you live and most often drive in often plays a key role in determining what kind of battery you should buy. Batteries with higher CCA ratings--defined as the discharge loads measured in amps that a fully charged battery at -17.8 degrees C can deliver for 30 seconds while maintaining the voltage above 7.2 volts--work better in colder climates and vice versa.
Reserve Capacity
The Reserve Capacity rating is the number of minutes a fully charged battery at 26.7 degrees C can be discharged at 25 amps until the voltage falls below 10.5 volts. When shopping for batteries, more RC is better in every case.
Low-Maintenance Versus Maintenance-Free
These are the two most common types of batteries. While maintenance-free is obviously more convenient because of the lack of preventative maintenance needed, these batteries also often have substantially longer lives, greater overcharge resistance, and recharge faster. This variety, however, do go "dead" more often. Some manufacturers have added a third type of car battery, a dual battery with switchable emergency backup cells.
Group Size
A group size defines the battery's outside dimensions and the placement of the terminals on them. If you see a battery with a combination of numbers, this means that the battery may fit two different model cars--34/67 may fit both Ford and Chrysler.
Freshness
Determining the "freshness" of a battery is sometimes difficult, so try having a trusted mechanic or motorhead friend take a look at it before purchase. A battery that is more than six months old should never be bought because by this time it has likely begun to sulphate--the creation of lead sulphate that cannot be converted back to charged material.
Major Manufacturers
To ensure that your battery keeps buzzing and your wallet stays relatively full, buy it from a trusted brand. Here are a few well-known manufacturers to get your started:
Related Guides
External Links
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