Car batteries

• Plan to buy a new car battery before the old one fails. When the battery in use is becoming weaker, a load test may be done to check its charge holding capacity.
• Size, rated capacity, and age determine the performance of a battery.
• Choose the group size as recommended by the manufacturer. A group size defines the battery’s external dimensions and the position of the terminals.
• Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) is a measure of a battery’s ability to start a car in cold weather conditions. CCA denotes how much current the battery can deliver to the starter at 0 degree F. You may go for a little above the car’s CCA requirements (CA stands for Cranking Amps, a measure taken at 32degrees).
• Reserve capacity indicates the duration of running of car using the battery alone (when alternator fails). Buy a battery available with the longest reserve capacity.
• Buy a new battery, preferably manufactured within about six months.
• Check warranty and free-replacement period.
• You can install battery yourself, but remember to dispose off the old one properly.