Top Tips for choosing the right 12V automotive battery

Top Tips for choosing the right 12V automotive battery

by: Dean Janse Van Vuuren
August 2022
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Hearing your engine sputter and go quiet when you turn the ignition key doesn’t have to mean that your day is about to take a turn for the worse. Armed with the right knowledge and support, picking the correct replacement battery can be a lot easier than expected.

Fortunately, there are lots of ways to find your car’s perfect match. Let’s dive into some of the most helpful indicators, that the battery you are considering, is the right one.

What to check as part of your car battery selection process

Before you decide on a battery, you will need some important information to guide your selection.

Your OE (Original Equipment) battery’s specifications, i.e. the specifications of the original battery fitted to your car when it was manufactured, will be a good indication as to what you should be looking for now.

Check the manufacturers label for key information about your battery

CCA (Cold Cranking Amps)

The CCA defines the battery’s ability to start your vehicle’s engine in colder

temperatures. Batteries tend to be more efficient at this when the temperature isn’t too

low, so if you live in a colder climate, it will be important to buy a battery with the right

CCA. It is very important to remember that your battery’s performance in cold weather

will decline as it ages, so this is something to bear in mind before you make your

purchase.

The rating refers to the current that a 12V battery can deliver at around -20°C for 30

seconds while maintaining a voltage of at least 7.2 volts. The higher the CCA rating, the

greater the starting power of your battery in cold weather.

As a general rule, the CCA should be at least as high as your car’s original battery. If

not, you may experience some performance issues.

RC (Reserve Capacity)

RC is an indicator of how long a new, fully charged battery can operate essential

accessories if your car’s alternator fails. It refers to the time measurement explaining

how long a fully-charged battery supplies 25A of current at 27°C, before the battery is

discharged down to the minimum voltage, 10.5V or 1.75V per cell.

This is an important measure to consider when replacing a battery, as its RC will need to

be suitable for the load drawn by your car when operating its essential accessories.

Check your vehicle user manual for the Original Equipment Manufacturer’s (OEM) recommendations

The manufacturer of your car will know best which battery replacement is ideal. Your owner manual should have a section on OEM-approved replacement parts. It is very important to take battery sizing, terminal type and layout, as well as the specifications into account.

The OEM recommendation will take out this guesswork for you, allowing you the peace of mind that you have chosen the correct battery.

Check the warranty for the free-replacement time frame of your battery

Most battery warranties range from about 1-3 years. It will be important to consult your warranty document for the terms and conditions so that you are informed about any processes and procedures, as well as anything that could nullify the warranty period.

Before replacing your current battery, it is helpful to check the warranty period, as you may be able to save a significant amount of money.

If your battery is out of warranty, buying a battery with a longer warranty period is always a good idea. Some brands offer battery ranges with different warranty periods, so purchasing a more premium battery tends to be a wiser choice in the long run.

Know what battery technology is available to you

The battery technology you invest in will make a big difference to the performance and longevity of your battery.

There are a number of different options to choose from.

Know what type of battery will meet your vehicle performance and driving style needs

Sealed Lead-Acid Battery (SLA)

The most common type of battery used in cars is the SLA battery. These are standard flooded lead-acid batteries. They are sealed, and come with valve regulators (which is why they are also known as Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries, which is a safety measure to prevent excess gas buildup. These batteries are maintenance-free and leak-proof.

Unlike older vented batteries, they do not require water top-ups, as evaporation is contained within the sealed unit.

SLA batteries generally last from 3-5 years, depending on their quality and care. They are a trusted and well-established choice for a wide range of different vehicles.

EFB Battery

Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) are an improvement on traditional lead-acid batteries. They have a longer lifespan, lower internal resistance, and about double the amount of charging cycles.

They can be used as a standard lead-acid replacement. You may want to consider an EFB battery if you drive in urban traffic on a regular basis.

AGM Battery

Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries have an electrolyte bound in an absorbent glass mat. This technology has many benefits over flooded batteries.

They are more powerful, and have excellent cold start characteristics. If you live in an area with very cold winters, an AGM battery would be the most suitable out of all lead-acid battery types.

AGM batteries are also more efficient and have a longer lifespan than other lead-acid battery types. Like EFB batteries, they are very helpful for drivers who are often stuck in urban traffic or drive in other strenuous conditions.

Automotive Lithium-Ion Battery

You may have heard about the benefits of lithium batteries over other types of batteries. Despite their higher price point, lithium-ion batteries deliver consistently better performance and longevity. They are able to go longer in between charges, have a longer lifespan than other batteries, and display excellent discharge characteristics.

Because they have a higher cell efficiency, they also are able to pack more capacity into smaller spaces, making them an ideal battery for high-end vehicles.

Determine the size of the battery required which will be based on your vehicle make, model and engine type.

Batteries differ widely across vehicle types. Asian, American and European car makes have different terminal sizes and layouts, so it is important to make sure that your battery type corresponds to your car manufacturer’s place of origin. Additionally, batteries can vary widely across models of the same make. This also applies to the year in which your vehicle was manufactured, as well as any changes to your model series.

Another important factor to consider is the engine type of your vehicle. There is a vast array of different types of engines, all of which require a specific amount of current to start.

It is important to consider your car manufacturer’s recommendations on replacement batteries.

Get Advice From Battery Power-Zone

If you are still stuck, Battery Power-Zone’s team of trained consultants are able to assist you in choosing the correct battery for your vehicle.

In addition to free consultation, Battery Power-Zone offers free testing and fitment. Grab a seat while you wait, and enjoy a complimentary cup of fresh coffee and free Wi-Fi. Before you leave with your new battery, get sound advice on maintaining your battery and keeping up with your warranty’s requirements.

If you no longer have access to the information you need on your vehicle battery then get sound advice from your nearest Battery Power-Zone.

Rest assured that your vehicle’s battery requirements are in good hands with Battery Power-Zone. Contact us or visit us in store today to find out more.

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