Everything You Need to Know About Car Batteries

Gearheads love to boast how fast their cars are, how much horsepower is under the hood and all the upgrades they’ve done to have cars that stand out. Until they’ve skipped a regular battery replacement and realise that nothing happens when turning the key. That irritating clicking sound and the short silence that follows has happened quite too often, leaving drivers stranded. To avoid the hassle and ensuing electrical problems, car batteries need to be regularly checked and maintained well before their expiry date.

Battery Basics

Without a functioning battery, you won’t be going anywhere. Otherwise, there’ll be too many engine, safety, and interior issues that lead to high-cost repairs. Batteries have the main say when starting the engine. They supply a very high electrical current to engage the gears in the starter motor and turn the crank. This short burst of cranking power also allows basic parts like the wipers and windows to work on startup.

Often overlooked is that a dependable battery also works alongside the alternator when power demands rise. This can be with the AC on full blast, the headlights set to high beam, and the stereo belting out your favorite song. If the alternator can’t supply the needed current, then the battery steps in to help. If you start to notice one or more electrical issues, like flickering lights, hard starts, or stuck windows, it’s time to start searching for reliable car batteries for sale.

Signs You Need a Working Replacement

Car batteries have lifespans averaging between 3 and 5 years. How long the battery lasts depends on the climate and outside temperatures, how you drive, the electrical demand of your car, and the battery brand. Newer technologies have helped in this respect with longer run times, and batteries that are safer to operate. To avoid the hassle of dead batteries and being stuck in the driveway or parking lots, pay attention to the following signs that your unit is nearing its replacement date:

• Corroded terminals – corrosion on the terminals or built-up acid can lead to lower voltage and issues when starting the car. Often, this also means that the battery isn’t charging properly.
• Warped battery case – depleting batteries start to sulphate and overheat. This hurts performance and further decreases the battery’s lifespan. Look for swollen or warped sides in the battery casing, and check for possible leaks.
• Slow Cranking – a slow-turning crank is a sign that the battery is running on its last breath. Clicking sounds can point to a bad starter motor or alternator, but more often to a bad battery.
• Dimming lights – headlights that are dim or start to flicker point to a flat battery.
• Dash warning light – this is a clear indication that you need a replacement. Most cars have a battery warning light in the dash or the check engine light pops up.
• Alternator – a faulty battery can also kill the alternator. Interestingly enough, it’s the alternator that tops up the battery once the engine is running. If the alternator dies while driving, this can lead to serious safety issues, as you lose basic driver systems like the power steering and ABS.
• Electrical issues – stuck windows, problems with the AC and the radio not powering up are just a few electrical issues that indicate your car battery needs replacing.

What to Look for in Your Next Car Battery

Type

There are several types of car batteries for sale. 12V flooded lead acid batteries are the most common, and have existed for decades. They consist of 6 cells, each containing lead plates submerged in a sulfuric acid/water electrolyte. Older versions known as Starting, Lighting, Ignition (SLI) batteries, are the cheapest to buy and require periodic topping up with distilled water. Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB) are found in newer cars with stop-start systems and are sealed to ensure better performance and more safety. They last twice as long as a regular SLI unit and need little to no maintenance.

AGM batteries are a type of Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries that are completely sealed, won’t gas or leak, and have longer lifespans. Moreover, they can hold charge for longer, meaning they’re better suited to newer cars with higher electrical demands or tuned cars with higher horsepower. And if you drive a hybrid vehicle, chances are you’ll be looking for a lithium-ion battery. This is more compact, weighs considerably less, has up to 5 times the lifespan of typical SLI types, and charges faster.

Ampere Hours (Ah)

This is the time a battery can supply a specified current while it’s not being recharged by the alternator. Typical numbers are 50Ah or higher for petrol cars and 65Ah or more for vehicles running on diesel.

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)

This is crucial for good cranking ability. The number indicates how many amps a battery can hold for 30 seconds at very low temperatures before voltage drops. Higher numbers are better, especially for vehicles with high engine output.

Group Size

There are several battery sizes. While most vehicles can accommodate batteries in different sizes, buy car batteries according to the vehicle manufacturer group size.

Battery Freshness

When the unit was manufactured is another crucial factor that determines how long a car battery lasts. Often this is stated in month/year format, either as a sticker or etched on the casing. To ensure the battery performs and lasts, also look for warranties.