The battery is an essential part of the car because it allows it to start and makes it possible to use many features. It is therefore essential to choose it well when replacing it. Capacity, power, dimensions… What are the criteria to take into consideration before making a choice? How to take care of your battery on a daily basis?
THE CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING A CAR BATTERY
Dimensions are one of the most important criteria when choosing a car battery . The chosen battery must fit safely into the intended location. You should not use force when installing it and there should not be a large space left around it.
Fortunately, many cars today can accommodate batteries of different sizes. This greatly simplifies the choice. If this is not the case with your vehicle, simply take the time to measure the dimensions of the battery you are going to replace.
Positioning of the + and – terminals
After the dimensions, you should also check how the positive and negative terminals of your battery are positioned. This is called the battery polarity.
The power
Another essential criterion is the power of the battery. This is especially important if:
your vehicle has a large engine
you live in a cold region
your car has a relatively old engine using viscous oils
Power is measured in amperes.
The capacity
The capacity of a battery refers to the amount of electrical energy that a battery can provide when in use. It will be remembered that the higher it is, the more powerful the power will be. It is expressed in amps per hour.
Voltage
The batteries used in cars usually have a nominal voltage of 12 V.
Heavy vehicles, such as buses or trucks, use batteries with a higher voltage, generally 24 V.
To determine the correct voltage, you can consult your vehicle’s service manual.
The charge indicator
More and more battery models have charge indicators. Be sure to choose one with a sufficient charge level at the time of purchase and avoid batteries that seem too old.
Some tips to preserve your battery
To keep your battery in good condition and prevent it from discharging too quickly, a few precautions are in order:
Be sure to turn off your lights when you leave your vehicle. in winter, keep your vehicle out of the cold as much as possible. don’t leave your engine running unnecessarily, turn it off when you don’t need it. Your battery, but also the environment, will thank you. If you have any questions regarding the choice of your car battery, do not hesitate to go to a professional. The latter will provide you with sound advice and guide you towards the most suitable alternatives.