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How
do you know which battery is right for you vehicle?
Here are some quick tips to help you make the right choice
-
Check your vehicle manual for the original equipment manufacturer's
recommendations for:
-
Battery group size
- Cold cranking amps (CCA)
- Reserve capacity (RC) for your vehicle
Battery group size indicates the battery size that will best
far the physical dimensions of your vehicle. Many vehicles can
accommodate more than one group size.
CCA is critical for good cranking ability. It's the number of
amps a battery can support for 30 seconds at a temperature of
0 degrees F until the battery voltage drops to unusable levels.
A 12V battery with a rating of 600 CCA means the battery will
provide 600 amps for 30 seconds at 0 degrees before the voltage
falls to 7.20C (six cells).
RC helps to power your vehicle's electrical system if the alternator
fails. It indicated the battery's "saying power"- how many minutes
the battery can supply ample power without failing below the
minimum voltage needed to run your vehicle.
In general for both CCA and RC, the higher the number the better.
HOWEVER, if you live in a cold climate, the CCA rating should
be an important consideration in choosing a battery. Conversely,
if you live in a high heat climate, you don't need as much CCA.
If you're looking for a deep cycle battery for marine or RV
use, you must consider:
· The type of equipment to be powered
· The current (amps) needed to run the equipment
· The number of hours you'll be using the equipment
Multiply the Amps by the Hours to determine the Amps Hours,
or AH required.
Look for a battery that will deliver the required amount of
AH for the specified time and voltage. For a safety cushion,
increase the number of AH by 20%. To add AH, connect batteries
in parallel. To add voltage, connect batteries in a series.
- Be careful of products that display only ratings
such as Hot Cranking Amps (HCA) or Cranking Amps (CA)
Products that display HCA or CA ratings are tested at higher
temperatures, in the case of HCA-80 degress- so the resulting
numbers appear higher. (Cas are tested at 30 F). since these
batteries are not as powerful as you might think, what looks
like a "bargain" may end up costing you money. Make sure you
are comparing apples to apples when looking at ratings. The
CCA and RC are the best measure of a battery's true power.
- Look for a hassle free warranty
· Is the warranty nationwide so you can obtain service wherever
you are?
· How long is the free replacement period?
· After that time, will you be reimbursed for a portion of the
battery's cost on a prorated
- consider value as well as price
You might want to get professional advice from your mechanic
or retailer at your local past store before you buy.
- Purchase a new battery before your existing
one fails.
Before you take a long trip, or when you're having your car
serviced, have your battery tested. It could save you a lot
of time and money down the road.
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