Without a working battery, your car engine won’t start. If you want to avoid getting stranded because of battery issues, it’s important to know which type is best for your car and when it needs to be replaced.
Here’s what you need to know.
4 Signs That Your Battery Needs to Be Replaced
Don’t wait until your car won’t start. If you notice any of the below signs, your battery is on its last legs and should be replaced immediately:
The electrical components are dim. A dim or flickering headlight, dashboard or interior light most likely means that your battery is running low on juice.
The car struggles to start. Clicking or sputtering sounds when starting your car are usually a sign that your battery doesn’t have enough power to crank the engine.
The “check engine” light is on. This doesn’t always mean that your battery is dying. However, it’s best to cover your bases, especially if yours is more than three years old.
The battery is damaged. Over time, extreme heat and cold can cause your battery to bloat and crack. If your battery is swollen or smells bad, it may be leaking acid and need to be replaced.
If you aren’t certain if you need a new battery, you can get yours tested at any Prairie Battery location.
What to Consider When Buying a New Battery
It’s important that your car has the right battery. Here are four things you should think about when purchasing one:
Group size. Car batteries are divided into group sizes based on their length, width and height. You must choose the right group size so that your battery fits securely and provides sufficient power.
Brand. Ideally, you should buy the battery brand specified in your owner’s manual. However, if the recommended brand is too expensive or not available in your area, make sure you choose a battery that meets all of the specified requirements.
Reserve capacity (RC) rating. A battery's reserve capacity rating indicates how long a battery can power a vehicle if its charging system fails. Your owner's manual can help determine the recommended RC rating for your particular car.
Cold-cranking amps (CCA). Cold-cranking amps measure a battery's ability to start an engine in extremely cold temperatures. Therefore, choosing a battery with a high CCA rating is a good idea if you live in a cold climate.
If you’re still unsure and need help determining which battery is right for your car, talk to the experts at Prairie Battery.
A One-Stop Source For Car Batteries In The Prairie Provinces
If you need a new AGM or lead-acid battery for your car, Prairie Battery has you covered. We carry several industry-leading car battery brands and provide reliable testing and installations. Contact us today to find out more about our products and services at a location near you in Brandon, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Regina or Toronto.