A quality battery provides reliable engine starts and power for your vehicle’s accessories. A quality battery also has a higher reserve capacity, measured in minutes.
Standard wet cell batteries (also known as flooded, conventional or SLI) require occasional simple maintenance such as topping off evaporating electrolyte with distilled water if they have removable caps. Many automotive stores offer free battery installation with purchase.
Battery Size
Car battery size is one of the most important things to consider when shopping for a new car battery. The physical size of a car battery determines whether it fits snugly into the vehicle’s battery holding tray and can be held securely in place during driving. It’s also a good indicator of the battery’s cold-cranking amp (CCA) rating, but not necessarily its total power output or reserve capacity.
The battery industry has created a standard set of categories, called BCI group sizes, which are based on physical dimensions and the type of terminals found on the battery’s case. These designations, like 24F or 94R, help buyers easily identify the right battery for their cars.
However, simply choosing a battery that physically fits the space doesn’t mean it will provide adequate performance. Other factors to take into consideration include the lead-acid design, voltage and warranty. All of which can vary from brand to brand. These variations affect a battery’s longevity and power demands.
Battery Group Size
Car batteries come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. To take some of the guesswork out of shopping for a replacement, Battery Council International created group size designations. These describe the physical dimensions of a battery (length, width, and height in inches or millimeters) and ensure that the terminal position and hold down style align with the vehicle’s specifications.
Using the wrong battery size in your vehicle can cause damage and reduce its performance. It can also physically not fit in the compartment or the hold downs won’t be able to secure it properly, leading to movement on bumpy or twisty roads and a potentially dangerous situation.
It’s important to note that the same group size designation can have different names in Germany and America. For example, the same battery that is referred to as a BCI group 48 in America is sometimes called an H6 in Europe. This confusion can be confusing for consumers looking for a replacement.
Battery Type
As you know, car batteries are not one-size-fits-all. Different vehicles require different power requirements. Understanding the differences can help you find the right battery for your customers’ cars.
Standard lead-acid car batteries are often referred to as flooded, conventional or wet cell batteries and use liquid sulfuric acid to create the chemical reaction that powers a vehicle’s engine and onboard electronics. These types of batteries are vented and have removable caps, so you can add water to the electrolyte.
More advanced batteries such as the absorbed glass mat (AGM) or VRLA battery also use lead-acid technology, but are sealed and don’t need to be topped up with water leading to less maintenance. These are popular in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. Still newer are lithium ion batteries, which use solid ceramic-like electrodes and a solid electrolyte to offer rapid charging, high energy density and long lifespan. Research and development is ongoing to lower their cost and make them more competent in electrical cars.
Battery Warranty
Most car battery brands offer a warranty on their products. The warranty period and specifics vary depending on the brand. For example, Optima batteries include a free replacement warranty and a prorated warranty adjustment on their REDTOP and YELLOWTOP products.
During the free-replacement period, the vendor will replace the battery with a new one for the designated number of months on the original receipt. This warranty is non-transferable and cannot be extended.
Some of the things that will void your battery’s warranty are improper installation, damage from abusive overcharging, battery case melting, theft and misuse or mishandling. Battery makers also note that merely losing the charge doesn’t qualify for a warranty claim.
During the prorated warranty adjustment, the vendor will replace the battery with one of the same type and size. If the battery has less than the designated number of months of warranty left, you will be charged a monthly fee for the remaining months.