When considering new automotive batteries to replace the one in your vehicle, there are some things that can help you select the right one. While there are many auto batteries on the market, they are not universal, so you need to find one that not only fits in the chassis but delivers the power you need to start your car or truck.

Battery Power

Automotive batteries have several characteristics that are critical when selecting one for your vehicle. The first is the power rating of the battery. It is listed on the battery as CA or cranking amps. The required cranking amps for your vehicle will be listed in the owner's manual, or you can check the old battery to see what the rating was and get the same. 

Also listed on the battery are the CCA or cold cranking amps. Batteries work harder in the cold to start engines with more drag on them due to the thick oil in the crankcase when the weather is below freezing. The CCA on the batteries is the amount of amperage the battery can provide at freezing temperatures.

The more power the battery puts out, the better job it will do of starting the car when it is cold outside. Look for a battery with at least as many cold cranking amps as the original equipment battery, or reference the owner's manual to ensure you are buying a replacement that is up to the task. If you are still having trouble determining the required power rating for your vehicle's battery, the associate at the auto parts store can help.

Chassis Size And Layout

The size of the battery dimensionally and the layout of the connecting points are vital to getting a secure fit for the battery in the car's mounting point. A battery that moves around in the mount will eventually get damaged and could require replacing early.

Check the connections on the battery in your vehicle to determine if you need top posts or side mounts. Top mounts use a post and clamp design, while side mounts screw into the battery, so they are not interchangeable. 

Next, check the group size of the original battery or check the manual and look for one that is the same group, with the right connections, with the correct CA and CCA rating. It sounds complicated, but most auto batteries are sold in stores that either have the information they can give you or have a battery fitment guide hanging on the shelf to look up the battery for your car or truck.

If the recommendation does not match your current battery, someone may have installed a smaller battery before you purchased the car, so while you can use the information on the old battery as a guide, it is good to double-check that information before purchasing new automotive batteries of any kind. 

Visit an auto parts store if you need additional assistance with automotive batteries.  

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