Most places that sell replacement batteries for vehicles offer guarantees on their batteries. This can sometimes lead to consumers having a falsified view about the reliability of the batteries they purchase. The original battery that comes with a vehicle is a good indicator of all batteries that should come afterwards. The issue is that some people make upgrades to vehicles, which may require more robust battery power.
Understanding How Heat Affects Batteries
Despite your best hopes, you car is likely going to outlast your battery unless an uneventful circumstance such as a collision occurs. If you live in an area that has extremely hot temperatures, you may have to replace your battery sooner. For example, a battery that is slated to last for two years, could malfunction prematurely if the vehicle is primarily used or stored in an area that experiences high temps.
Choose the Correct Battery
It can be easy to assume that as long as a battery fits under your hood and results in your vehicle's ignition working you are fine. This is a false sense of security. If you have a robust engine, it can quickly drain a weaker battery. Over time, you may find that you drain the battery beyond repair. This is why it makes sense to choose substitute batteries that are comparable or exceeding in regards to the strength of the original battery that was installed in your vehicle at the time of manufacturing.
Considerations for High-Performance Vehicles
When people choose to make amendments to their vehicles, sometimes the original owner's manual recommendations no longer apply. For example, if you decide to make upgrades to a standard vehicle that results in it being considered a high-performance vehicle, the original owner's manual is virtually useless.
Keep in mind that high performance is no longer associated with simply making changes to a vehicle under the hood. Adding complex stereo systems and other upgrades can also affect the need to opt for batteries with higher CCA ratings. CCA ratings in the automotive industry are ratings that are measured by battery outputs at temps of zero degrees.
When Preferences Come Into Play
You may be wondering if you will find yourself replacing batteries on a regular basis. The rule of thumb should lead you to take into consideration if any upgrades have been made to your vehicle. If not, it is safe to use batteries that are comparable to or stronger than the original batteries. Do not purchase a stronger battery simply as a "safety net." You could still encounter some of the same problems in regards to batteries failing due to heat that other car owners encounter. An auto repair shop like XL Auto Service & Tires is the best resource to use for battery selections.
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