3 Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing Your Car's Battery

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A car is nothing without its battery, which is exactly why you need to take extra care when buying a replacement. Of course, if you don't know too much about auto parts, replacing your car's battery can seem daunting. For the smoothest experience, here are three mistakes you should avoid. 

1. Don't wait too long

One of the most common mistakes car owners make with their batteries is waiting too long to replace them when they're failing. Many people wait until the day their car breaks down before they start shopping for a new battery, but this could leave you without a vehicle for days or even weeks. On top of this, a sudden failed battery puts you and your car at risk of a harmful accident. As such, it's best to be proactive and replace your battery before it fails completely. Make sure you get your auto battery professionally tested at least once a year, and be sure to keep an eye on it yourself if you know the basics of looking under the hood. If your battery shows signs of wear or it's simply aging past the typical three- to five-year lifespan, be sure to start looking for a replacement. 

2. Don't buy the wrong battery

While all car batteries are similar in function, that doesn't mean they're one-size-fits-all. The last thing you want is to waste money on a battery that doesn't work in your car, so make sure you get the basic specifications right before you start shopping. The two key factors you need to look at are size and terminal placement. Size determines whether the battery will fit into your car, while terminal placement ensures the battery will connect to the rest of the system correctly. If possible, try to buy a battery produced by your manufacturer or a battery that explicitly states it's suitable for your car model. 

3. Don't go for the cheapest option

It can be tempting to try to save money when your car is in need of repairs or replacements, but it's important to keep in mind that you often get what you pay for. While you don't need to buy the most expensive battery on the market, it's often worth paying more for better specifications and features. For example, if you have a modern car that requires a lot of power for all its functions, consider investing in an absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery. While they're more expensive, they hold charge far better over long periods of time. Likewise, look at the capacity and lifespan of the batteries you're browsing. If you want a battery that's going to last, it's worth paying extra for improved specifications.

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12 August 2021

My Guide to Auto Parts

You can keep your car on the road by learning about how to maintain, repair, and replace different auto parts. This site is here to guide you through the wonderful world of auto parts. I hope that by the time you have finished checking out the articles on this blog, you will feel ready to dive under the bonnet of your car so you can get to work. I am not a trained mechanic but I've spent a very long time researching different auto parts using both online and offline sources. Thank you for taking some time to read this blog.