How do I know what battery to buy for my car?

  1. Step 1: Check for the group size on your old battery. …
  2. Step 2: Check your owner’s manual for a group size. …
  3. Step 3: Search online for the group size. …
  4. Step 1: Look on your battery’s label. …
  5. Step 2: Check your manual. …
  6. Step 3: Check online.
Do I need a specific type of battery for my car?

No. Car batteries differ in multiple ways to work with different vehicle’s specifications, and they are generally year, make, model-specific. … This battery starts your car, and it also provides the power necessary to run the radio, lights, and other electrical components in your car.

Is a higher CCA battery better?

In general, for both CCA and RC, the higher the number the better. However, if you live in a cold climate, the CCA rating should be an important consideration in choosing a battery. Conversely, if you live in a high heat climate, you don’t need as much CCA.

Can I put a different size battery in my car?

Just as with any part or accessory, using the wrong size battery can lead to a host of problems. While it isn’t always necessary to use the OEM brand, you should always replace your battery with the size and output that the manufacturer recommends.

Are Walmart car batteries good?

Walmart’s car batteries are of good quality, reliable, and last a long time. Walmart batteries are made by Johnson Controls, which makes some of the best batteries n the world, including VARTA. Walmart also has the best prices on new car batteries. … Walmart does not charge to install a new battery.

What's the best brand of car battery?

  • Optima Batteries 8020-164 35 RedTop Starting Battery : Best Overall.
  • Odyssey 34/78-PC1500DT : Best for Extreme Temperatures.
  • ACDelco Gold B24R Hybrid Vehicle AGM BCI Group 51 Battery : Best for Hybrid Vehicles.
  • Megavolt Lead Acid Flooded Car Battery : Best Budget Battery.
Will a bigger battery hurt my car?

Most vehicles have limited space for batteries, so in many cases a larger size, from a physical standpoint, may not work. The problem in most cases is that the terminals will contact the hood and short out the battery or the physical dimensions just will not work.

How many cold cranking amps do I need?

A battery should be big enough to allow reliable cold starting. The standard recommendation is a battery with at least one Cold Cranking Amp (CCA) for every cubic inch of engine displacement (two for diesels).

At what CCA should a car battery be replaced?

Generally, a battery needs to be replaced when it is putting out less than 50% of its CCA rating.

What is a good CCA for a battery?

Still, it’s good to be aware of your CCA rating, as replacement batteries should equal or exceed the original battery in ratings to avoid poor performance. Typical CCA readings for a car range from 350 to 600A, and higher for trucks.

Is it OK to have more cold cranking amps?

Well, that’s still very important, because cold, cranking amps tells you the ability of the battery to do work right now. And the higher the cold cranking amp rating of the battery, the better it is for your car.

What happens if you put too big of a battery in a car?

Installing a larger-capacity battery changes the currents, which could lead to spikes and surges that may damage the on-board computer or fuse panel. You have a lower chance of damaging the computer, but with alternator failure, damage is still a possibility. The fuse panel likely will receive most of the damage.

What happens if you install a car battery wrong?

Installed new battery backward, the car won’t start. The car will no longer start. … Similar symptoms will be experienced when you try to jump-start a dead battery but accidentally connect the jumper cables backward. When a car battery is connected backward, a fuse designed to protect vehicle electronics should blow.

How do I know if my car battery is compatible?

Your car’s battery group size can be found in the battery section of the owner’s manual. If you no longer have access to your original owner’s manual, you may also consult the reference guides provided by battery retailers to determine the appropriate battery group size for your car.

Are car batteries cheaper at Walmart?

Walmart. Based on my research, Walmart offered some of the lowest prices in addition to great warranties and free installation if you buy your battery from the same location. … You’ll mostly see EverStart car batteries at Walmart, and that brand has several models that get high ratings from Consumer Reports.