How to Choose the Right Battery for Your Car

Here are key things to consider before buying a new car battery:

1. Battery Size and Type

Check your car care manual to confirm the right battery size and type.

Here are the main types of car batteries:

• Lead-acid batteries: A traditional and affordable battery type that provides reliable starting power, is easy to maintain, and can be either wet (flooded) or sealed. Sealed lead-acid batteries are of two types — AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries and gel cell batteries.

• Lithium-ion batteries: A lightweight, high-performance option offering rapid charging, long lifespan, and superior energy efficiency. These are mostly used in electric vehicles (EVs).

• Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB): An improved version of lead-acid batteries with enhanced durability and longer service life.

• Deep cycle batteries: Designed for slow, sustained discharge over time, these batteries handle deeper energy draws efficiently.

• NiMH (Nickel Metal-Hydride) batteries: A hybrid battery type with a longer lifecycle than lead-acid or lithium batteries.

2. Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)

The CCA rating measures how well the battery can start your engine in cold weather. If you live in freezing climates, choose a battery with a higher CCA, such as AGM and lithium batteries.

3. Reserve Capacity (RC)

Reserve Capacity (RC) shows how long your battery can power the car’s electrical systems if the alternator fails. AGM and lithium batteries typically have higher RC ratings, making them ideal for vehicles with heavy electrical use — like upgraded audio systems.

4. Vibration Resistance

Driving on rough terrain exposes your battery to vibrations that can reduce its lifespan. AGM and gel batteries are designed to handle vibration far better than traditional lead-acid batteries.

5. Brand Reputation

Always choose a trusted brand known for its quality and reliability. 

TIP: Check your current battery’s health to ensure you’re not spending extra money on a replacement you might not need. Visit your nearest store that offers free battery testing. 

How Much Does a Car Battery Replacement Cost?

The amount of money you’ll spend on a replacement depends on the battery type and the local labor charges.

Here are some estimates that include the cost of a new car battery and labor fees:

• Standard flooded battery: $150 to $350
• Enhanced flooded battery: $350 to $420
• AGM battery: $120 to $480
• Electric vehicle battery: $6,500 to $20,000
  

NOTE: Battery prices can also vary depending on the auto store you choose. Some stores offer discounts, installation deals, or even free battery testing service when you purchase directly from them.

7 Signs Your Car Needs a New Battery

Here’s a car battery problem checklist that can help you recognize the common signs that it’s time for a replacement: 

1. Vehicle won’t start: A dead battery won’t provide enough electrical power for your engine to crank.
2. Vehicle starts slowly: A weak automotive battery will struggle to power the starter motor. This can lead to repeated attempts to start the engine and unusual sounds from the engine.
3. Frequently needing a jump start: If your old car battery is dying, it won’t hold a charge long enough for the engine to recharge it. Therefore, you’ll have to rely on jumper cables to start your vehicle.
4. Dashboard warning lights: A lit battery light or check engine light may signal a battery issue.
5. Malfunctioning electrical accessories: A failing battery won’t supply sufficient electrical power to the car’s electrical components, such as the headlights and the air conditioning system.
6. Bloated battery case: When an alternator overcharges, it generates excess voltage, leading to electrolysis and hydrogen gas build-up. This will increase the pressure in your car battery and make it swell.
7. Odd smell: A rotten egg odor from the auto battery indicates a battery acid leakage, which can corrode nearby areas.

TIP: It’s a good idea to get free battery testing during tire changes, as worn tires can negatively impact your battery health.

What Goes into a Car Battery Replacement?

It’s always a good idea to have a professional handle your car battery replacement. They have the necessary tools and expertise to ensure the installation is done safely.

Here’s how they’ll proceed:

1. Park the vehicle safely, switch off the ignition, and engage the parking brake.
2. Remove the negative (black) cable first, then the positive (red) cable to prevent short circuits.
3. Remove any brackets or clamps holding the old battery in place, and then carefully lift it out.
4. Clear away any corrosion or debris from the battery tray and terminals.
5. Place the new battery securely in the tray, ensuring the terminals are correctly aligned.
6. Attach the positive (red) cable first, then the negative (black) cable.
7. Secure the connections and brackets to keep the new battery firmly in place.
8. Start the engine and check that the electrical system and battery indicator are functioning properly.
9. Recycle the old battery safely in accordance with environmental regulations. For disposal, the mechanic will drop off the battery at a recycling facility, the nearest battery manufacturer, or a dealership.

When Do You Need a Car Battery Replacement?

Your car’s battery typically needs to be replaced every 3 to 5 years. That said, the lifespan may vary depending on the type of battery your vehicle uses.

Here are some general replacement intervals:

• Standard flooded battery: 3 to 5 years
• Sealed lead-acid battery (SLA): 3 to 5 years
• Enhanced flooded battery: 4 to 6 years
• AGM battery: 3 to 7 years
• Gel cell battery: 5 to 7 years
• Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery: 8 to 10 years
• Lithium-ion battery: 8 to 17 years

However, you may have to replace your battery sooner if you notice these signs:

1. An illuminated check engine or battery light.
2. Your vehicle won’t start because the battery can’t supply enough power.
3. The engine starts slowly or needs multiple attempts.
4. You frequently need a jump start as the battery can’t hold a charge.
5. Electrical accessories such as headlights or the AC start malfunctioning.
6. The battery case looks bloated from overcharging.
7. There’s a rotten egg smell that indicates leaking battery acid.

6 Common Causes for Car Battery Failure

Your battery may fail early due to the following issues:

1. Lack of regular care and maintenance: Neglecting routine fluid level checks or voltage testing can cause the battery to weaken over time.
2. Frequent short trips: Short drives don’t give the alternator enough time to recharge the battery fully, causing it to weaken gradually.
3. Extreme temperatures: Exposure to very hot or cold weather damages the battery’s internal components, reducing its ability to hold a charge.
4. Overloading the battery: Running electronic accessories while the engine is off drains stored energy, leaving the battery undercharged.
5. Old or weak battery: As a battery ages, its chemical capacity declines, making it harder to start the engine or power electronics.
6. Improper installation: A loosely fitted battery can cause internal damage or short circuits, leading to performance issues and potential failure.

What Are Some Tips to Extend Battery Life?

Here are some ways to keep your car battery in top shape:

• Drive regularly: Keeping your engine running ensures the battery stays fully charged. If your daily commute involves frequent short trips, occasionally drive for a longer distance to fully recharge the battery.

• Limit accessory use when the engine is off: Avoid running the air conditioning or audio systems without the engine, as this drains battery power.

• Park strategically: Use shaded areas to protect the battery from extreme heat or cold that can reduce its lifespan.

• Maintain cleanliness: Keep the battery terminals free of dirt to maintain strong electrical connections.

• Secure the battery: Ensure the battery pack is securely fastened in the battery tray to prevent excessive vibrations, which can lead to internal damage.

• Conduct a battery health check: Use diagnostic tools (such as a multimeter) to read the battery charge. A fresh battery should be around 12.7 volts or higher; below 12.4 volts indicates a potential battery issue.

NOTE: On a cold day, your car may take a little longer to start. This doesn’t necessarily mean your battery has failed, as cold temperatures can temporarily reduce a battery’s power output.