Automobiles are pretty complex machines. Not only do they have 6 or 8-cylinder engines, but they also have complex bodies, consisting of a frame, wheels, axles, and more. There is so much to know about these vehicles and their various parts. As an average car owner, you can generally get away with just knowing the basics — when to change the oil, how to know when you brakes need replacing, and so forth. But if you have a passion for cars, you might want to dig a little deeper. On this website, we share articles on all sorts of automotive topics to help you boost your knowledge.
3 Things You Need To Know Before Installing A New Car Battery
Many people wait until their car leaves them stuck in a parking lot or gas station before ordering a battery replacement, but it doesn't need to be this way. Allowing your car to reach this point unnecessarily strains your charging system and may lead to costly towing or roadside assistance bills. And, of course, it's a lot less convenient than replacing your old battery on your own time.
One of the advantages of replacing your battery as part of a preventative maintenance schedule is that you can take your time and choose an option that fits your needs and budget. However, you'll need to learn a little about your car's requirements before selecting the perfect replacement. Keep reading to discover three things you'll need to know when selecting a new battery for your car.
1. Group Size
Despite its relative simplicity, group size is often one of the most confusing specifications when selecting a battery. A battery group is typically a two-digit number with an optional letter suffix. For example, you may see group sizes such as "24" or "51R." These numbers don't mean anything by themselves, but you can cross-reference them with a battery chart to determine a battery's physical dimensions.
When selecting a battery for your car, you must use a group size recommended by your car's manufacturer. Since the group size tells you a battery's physical dimensions, a different size may be too large to fit at all or too small to fit securely. If your car supports multiple sizes, you can choose freely between them, but you should never try to use a battery that doesn't meet your car's requirements.
2. Minimum CCA
Cold-cranking amps (CCA) are the "top line" specification for many batteries. The CCA rating for a battery tells you its ability to produce sustained output at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Although this particular temperature is somewhat arbitrary, it represents a reasonable minimum normal temperature for most parts of the country.
Your car will have a minimum CCA rating for its battery which you should be able to find in your owner's manual. When purchasing a battery, always choose one that at least hits this minimum rating. A higher CCA rating is fine and may provide some marginal benefits, but it's crucial never to select a battery that falls below this minimum requirement.
3. Reserve Capacity
Reserve capacity is a little trickier to decipher than the other two requirements for selecting a battery. If you've ever sat in your car with the engine off and the radio on, you were draining your battery's reserve capacity. In other words, this specification measures how long your battery can provide voltage without discharging the cells to a dangerous level.
Your owner's manual may not list this stat, so you might need to check your current battery to determine its reserve capacity. When selecting a new battery, you can always select one with more reserve capacity than your current model. This extra capacity will help protect your battery against damage while using power-hungry accessories with the engine turned off.
Reach out to a mechanic for more information on car battery installation.