When it comes time to replace your car battery, be sure to select one that meets the minimum specifications recommended in your vehicle owner’s manual. You may be surprised that they are not a “one size fits all” part. Differences in vehicle needs and manufacturers make for a wide array of battery choices on the market. But you don’t have to be a battery expert to pick out a new battery. Here’s how to pick the battery that best suits your vehicle.
Physical Size
Car batteries are sized by Group number. The Group number dictates the length, width and height of the battery case. Your vehicle is designed to hold a specific battery Group size. While a different size battery may physically fit in the space, the battery hold-down will likely not secure it correctly. The terminals may also be in the wrong place. An undersized battery may move around damaging itself or the car, while an oversized battery may not allow the hood to close or even cause a short if the terminals stick up too high! Stick with the battery size found in your owner’s manual.
Power Capacity
Physical battery size isn’t the only important factor, a battery must also have enough cranking amps to start the car. The amount of power a battery can put out at 0°F is called the cold cranking amp (CCA) rating. Manufacturer’s design vehicles with a minimum CCA needed to start the car. While it is okay to use a battery with more CCA than stock, it is highly unadvisable to use a battery with less CCA than the car requires. When in doubt, consult your owner’s manual.
Construction
Not all batteries are created the same and how a battery is put together plays a big part in its service life. For example, AAA Premium batteries feature rugged construction such as reinforced posts, straps and welds to protect vital internal components. Heavy-duty optimized electrical pathways inside a AAA Premium battery deliver power efficiently for strong starts every time.
Warranty
Most batteries include some sort of warranty. When it comes to battery warranties, longer is always better. Each AAA Premium battery is backed by 3-year free replacement limited warranty. It’s always good to realize that if an unfortunate situation arises, knowing that the battery will be replaced offers peace of mind.
Now that you know the basics you are ready to pick a new battery. AAA Premium batteries are available at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store as well as participating AAA Approved Auto Repair Shops, NAPA AutoCare Centers, and AAA’s Mobile Battery Service. AAA members also save $22 off the purchase price at participating NAPA AUTO PARTS stores and via AAA.com/napaonline.
