Car batteries generally last for quite some time, but eventually they’ll need to be replaced.  If your vehicle begins to have difficulty starting but eventually turns over after a few cranks (especially in cold weather), it’s probably time to buy a replacement battery.

1) Size Matters

Purchase the correct battery size for your vehicle.  To do this, check the owners manual, look online, ask a mechanic or a clerk at the automotive store.

2) Know Your Choices

Maintenance free batteries are sealed and generally last longer while low maintenance batteries are not sealed and allow you to add water – especially important in hot climates.

3) Get Fresh

Make sure to buy the freshest battery possible. The longer a battery sits on the store shelf, the faster it will lose it’s charging ability. Look for the letter/number code on the battery which will inform you of it’s age, for instance, the letter “A” refers to the month of January, “B” refers to February, “C” refers to March, and so on, while the numbers correspond to the year, so the number “8″ would mean 2008.

4)  Ask About Replacement Warranties

You’ll probably want to know how long the battery is warranted for, just in case it stops working before the warranty period has expired – and remember to keep your recipt. There’s generally a free replacement period, which after expired, you’ll get a pro-rated credit for a short time and then no credit at all. Depending on where you shop, you may also be charged what is known as a “core charge.”  This is because batteries contain lead and need to be disposed of in the proper manner.  You can get this charge refunded to you if you bring in the old battery.  If you bring in the old battery at the same time you’re purchasing the new battery, the core charge can be used as a discount on the new battery.  I always pay a core charge and always get my core charge refunded without any problems.  Just save your receipt if you’re bringing the old battery in after you install the new one.

5) It’s OK to Ask Questions

f you’re ever in doubt or need help, ask.  It also helps to shop at the same automotive store over a period of time, so the store clerks get to know you.  I’ve shopped at the same automotive store for years and most of the clerks know me by name – or at least know what kind of vehicles I own and drive.  Many times, I’ve walked in looking for a particular item and before I can even get the words out about make and model/year, the clerks need only ask if it’s for the truck or one of the cars, and before I know it, they’re off to locate exactly what I need.

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