If you own a car, then it is a given that you must at one point or another need to purchase a new battery for your car. According to this article here, your car battery has an expected lifespan of about four years. This could be more of less depending on a number of other factors which we may not enumerate here.

Since this is an important process for any car owner, we want to take some time in this article to discuss the issue of pricing, what can affect the price of a car battery and how you can go about ensuring you make the right choice when purchasing a new one for your car.

Let’s start by looking at some of the factors that will affect the cost of car batteries.

Factors that Affect Car Battery Prices

There are a number of factors that can contribute to this. The major ones however include: Type, brand, size

Size

The physical size of a battery is most often than not an indication of its power. Bigger engines will use bigger types which will also be more powerful and more expensive. In terms of sizing, you will find that the most common ones fall among any of these: 25, 65, and 75. The prices for these sizes will fall between $40 and $100 depending on some other factors.

Car Type

Very modern cars come with a lot of features that have special power requirements. To ensure that these are met, the batteries they use are not like the ones that most other cars will use. These types will cost anywhere from about $150 to about $350.

Type

There are different types of batteries in the market and this is a fundamental factor that will affect pricing alongside the other factors. We will not explain the differences in the types as that is not the focus of this article. We will however just provide a broad list of types and their price ranges.

Lead/Acid Batteries

These are the most common types available and will cost between anywhere from $70 to $150.

Calcium-Calcium Batteries

These are higher quality batteries that can cost up to $250 depending on a few other factors.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

These are not doubt some of the highest quality batteries you can get and their price range reflects this. You may not be able to get any of these for less than $1000.

Brand

Like all other products, brand name can play some role in determining price. There are some brands that have made a name over the years. Products from these brands are likely going to cost a bit more than those from less known brands. This may however not mean that the products from the less known brands are inferior.

Other Consideration Factors

A few other factors to consider when it comes to changing batteries include cost and ease of maintenance as well as cost of installation. If your choice of battery is easy to maintain or requires no maintenance, you will not need to spend any money on maintenance. If you will require someone to install the battery for you, then you will also need to add this to your cost.

You can get a more detailed explanation here: https://batterymanguide.com/how-much-does-a-car-battery-cost/.

How Do You Know It’s Time to Get a New Battery?

Is there a way to know that your car needs a new battery? Yes there are and we will look at a couple of them right away.

Difficulty Starting the Car

This is the most obvious sign that your battery is due for change. If starting your car becomes difficult and you can confirm that it is not a kick starter issue, then your battery may require a change. If you find that your car will not start while the engine is very hot, requiring that you wait a long while for the engine to cool before it starts, then the battery has become weak.

Electrical Problems Accompanied with Dim Lights

Since your battery is responsible for powering every electrical component in your car, they are likely to begin to function less efficiently if it is getting weak. Your lights for example can begin to get dim.

Bad Smell

If you perceive something like a rotten egg smell when you open your car hood, then it is likely that there is gas leakage from the battery. This means that there has been some kind of damage to it which will require that it be changed.

Battery Case is Misshapen

A misshapen battery case is an indication of something not right inside. This can be caused by a number of factors including harsh weather conditions. Whatever the cause, you need to begin to get ready for a change.

Age

When you have used a battery for up to four years, while it may be able to serve you for a bit longer, it is wise that you begin to make plans to get a new one as your current one will likely reach the end of its life cycle in a short while. It is therefore better to be ready with a replacement than to be taken by surprise.

What to Consider When Choosing Batteries

How does all of the above directly affect you and the choice you make? Not all batteries will be ideal for your car. You therefore need to ensure that you know exactly how to pick the right one. Important consideration factors include: size, your car type, date of manufacture, and reserve capacity.

Size

The first thing to check for is the size that will fit the space designed for batteries in your vehicle. You most certainly do not want to get one that is too big or one that is too small. It should be a right fit to avoid any issues.

Vehicle Type

You need to know the exact power requirement of your vehicle. Different types of vehicles have different requirements. Knowing this will help you ensure you find the right match.

Date of Manufacture

This is critical in making a choice. Do not go for any product that has stayed on the shelf for more than 6 months. Your choice should ideally be less than 6 months from the date of its manufacture.

Reserve Capacity

This is something that can give you an idea of how well your purchase will serve. Something to remember is that a higher reserve capacity is always better.

Conclusion

It is important that your car battery is always in top shape to ensure it will constantly deliver top performance which will make your vehicle operate at its best. Take some time to go through the different types of batteries available and choose the one that will serve you the best.