Car Battery Replacement FAQ: Costs, Warning Signs, and Buyer’s Guide
October 21, 2020
Maintenance
Looking for a quality car battery replacement? Today’s post is for you. Read on to learn about car battery replacement costs, warning signs, and critical considerations for battery buyers, courtesy of your local TIRECRAFT experts.
How Do I Know I Need A Car Battery Replacement?
Watch for the following 7 signs:
- Slow engine start-up—slow engine start-up is usually your car battery’s last gasp before it kicks the bucket
- Dim lights and electrical issues—if the battery is losing its charge, you’ll start to experience issues with everything from your lights and radio to your dashboard computer
- Check engine light is on—though not a definitive sign that your battery is acting up, some car battery issues will cause the check engine light to turn on
- Bad smell—damaged batteries can cause small gas leaks
- Corroded connectors—look for a white, ashy substance on the metal parts of your battery
- Misshapen battery case—look for signs of swelling or cracks
- Old battery—most car batteries last 3-5 years
How Much Does A Car Battery Replacement Cost?
According to research by CanadaDrives, the average car battery replacement ranges in price from under $100 to over $400.
Each price point offers different pros and cons, all of which your TIRECRAFT representative will be happy to explain during your 100% free consultation. Find a TIRECRAFT in your area to get started now.
Buyer’s Guide To Car Battery Replacements in Canada 2020-2021
When selecting a new battery, look for something that:
- Meets or exceeds the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating recommended in your owner’s manual. CCA is a standardized rating in the battery industry used to gauge a battery’s ability to start an engine in cold weather. The rating refers to the number of amps a 12-volt battery can deliver at -18°C for 30-seconds while maintaining a minimum of 7.2 volts. The higher the CCA rating, the greater the starting power of your car battery replacement.To save time, we recommend looking up your CCA rating requirements before you start shopping around. If you need help determining the CCA requirements for your car battery replacement, ask your local TIRECRAFT expert. In addition to helping you identify your CCA requirements, we can create a shortlist of suitable car battery replacements that meet your vehicle’s needs and budget.
- Fits into your vehicle’s battery tray. You want to be sure that your car battery replacement will be properly held down in your vehicle’s battery tray. Failing to do so may result in damaging vibration.
Even if it physically fits into your vehicle’s battery compartment, oversized car battery replacements can cause a host of other issues. For instance, a mismatched battery/alternator combination could lead to overheating and shortened battery life.If you’re unsure about optimal sizing, a TIRECRAFT representative can recommend a list of car battery replacements designed to fit your vehicle.
- Offers the best cold capacity. Only certain car battery replacements can handle cold Canadian winters. Extreme cold can reduce battery cranking power significantly, cutting the capacity from 100% at 27°C to as little as 50% at 18°C, even while fully charged. Make the right choice to avoid getting stranded this winter!
- Has sufficient Reserve Capacity (RC). RC indicates how long your vehicle’s accessories can run without impeding the car battery’s engine start-up power.
Get A Quality Car Battery Replacement At Your Local TIRECRAFT
Use the Find a TIRECRAFT tool to book a free consultation with a local battery expert, and simplify your search for the perfect car battery replacement.
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