I grew up around cars my entire life and could turn a wrench around the same time I learned to walk. As a result, I've learned a lot about car maintenance, repair, and mechanics. I also learned that a lot of people don't have that level of understanding, so I wanted to share my skills and my knowledge with others. I've created this site to help teach people how to maintain their own cars safely so that they don't risk disaster on the road. I hope the information here helps you to take better care of your car and maybe make fewer trips to the local auto repair shop.
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When To Purchase A New Automotive Battery For Your Car Or Truck
Marc Vasquez
Automotive batteries provide twelve-volt electricity to your vehicle for many different uses. However, the primary function is to start the engine and power accessories in the vehicle when the engine is not running. The battery that fits your car is often specific and finding the right one can be challenging if you are unfamiliar with the differences.
Amperage Versus Voltage
Automotive or car batteries are commonly twelve-volt lead acid batteries with a lifespan between two and five years in your vehicle. While the voltage is constant in most vehicles, the amperage that the battery provides can change significantly, and larger engines require more amps to turn the engine over.
Each battery is rated based on the cranking amps, and a cold weather rating of cold cranking amps, or CCA, is listed on the battery. The CCA is vital for cars and trucks in areas of the country that see winter temperatures below freezing daily.
Using a battery with a rating that is too low often leaves you with a vehicle that is hard to start in cold weather. If you are unsure what to buy, your owner's manual will indicate the minimum battery size you need for your vehicle, and many auto parts stores have a listing they can refer to that will help ensure you get a battery with the correct amperage rating.
Battery Dimensions
When replacing automotive batteries in any car or truck, you need one that fits in the spot provided and has the correct connectors to ensure it fits securely. Any car battery that moves around in the bracket can be unsafe, and damage can occur to the outer case, allowing it to leak and stop working prematurely.
The electrical connections on the battery must also be correct for your needs, and if you have post-style connections, it is crucial that the replacement battery uses those same connectors. Automotive batteries typically use one of two connectors, a side post mount or a top post connection. While there are adapters you can use to change the connection type, it is best to buy a battery with the correct connector.
Replacement batteries use a system to classify the dimensions and power rating of the battery called groups. If you determine you have a group one battery in your car, you should be able to replace it with another group one battery. However, it is still necessary to verify the connections and configuration because several batteries may fit in that group, and the layout or design can make some easier to use than others.
For more info about automotive batteries, contact a local company.
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