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How do I find the right car battery?
The battery in my car finally gave out. I went to the auto parts store, but the sea of batteries was overwhelming. How do I know which battery to buy?
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Finding the right car battery can feel daunting, but the process is surprisingly easy! You just have to weigh a few different aspects to come to the right conclusion.
When purchasing a car battery, you should consider the following specs:
- Brand
- Size
- Reserve capacity
- Cold-cranking amps
- Age/Warranty
- Brand: Despite the overwhelming amount of car batteries on the market, almost all of them are manufactured by three different companies under various brand names. If possible, consult your owner’s manual to determine which battery is ideal for your car.
- Size: The car battery needs to fit snugly in the battery compartment under the hood. Fortunately, your owner’s manual or the auto parts store can tell you what size you need. Most batteries are Size 35, Size 65, or Size 75. However, hybrids andelectric carswill need specialized batteries that require a trip to the dealership.
- Reserve capacity: This refers to the amount of time your battery can provide the voltage necessary to keep your car running, even if the alternator fails. Reserve capacity is measured in minutes. The higher the number, the longer your battery can last.
- Cold-cranking amps: If you live in a cold-weather climate, cold-cranking amps are infinitely more important. Cold-cranking amps (CCA) measure how easily your car can start in cold weather. The higher the CCA rating, the better your battery will perform in frigid temperatures.
- Age/Warranty: Every battery has a manufactured date stamped somewhere on the battery, but this varies from one manufacturer to the next. You should also keep an eye on the warranty. Low-end batteries usually have a one-year warranty while high-end batteries can have a warranty of four years or more.
This amount of information can feel overwhelming, but let the auto parts worker help. It’s their job and can take some of the worry and stress off your shoulders.
Even if you purchase the right battery, get some added peace of mind by adding roadside assistance membership with
Jerry
app. Jerry’s roadside assistance includes jump starts, lockout service, key replacement, and towing for as low as $4.16 a month.View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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