Every vehicle comes with a battery that meets the manufacturer’s specifications. This battery does a good job for the conditions under which typical buyers of that particular vehicle are expected to drive. When it’s time to replace a battery, you should always select one that at least meets the manufacturer’s requirements. Keep in mind that some drivers drive in different ways and under different conditions. These differing factors may require a battery with more than standard capabilities.
For example, if you use your vehicle to make deliveries throughout the day (and that includes delivering kids to everywhere they need to be), you’ll be starting your vehicle many times a day. A starting event uses a lot of electricity and all the short trips don’t allow enough driving time for the alternator to keep the battery at a high level of charge. That is obviously harder on your battery than say, a seven-kilometer commute to and from work. You may benefit from a battery with a higher reserve capacity.
As you can imagine, it takes more energy to start a cold engine before the oil warms up and thins out a bit. If you live where it’s very cold part of the year, a battery with a higher cold cranking amps (CCA) rating could help make sure you can start your vehicle every morning.
Heat is the real enemy for drivers. Did you know that summer months and hotter climates can literally take a year or more off the expected life of your battery? So, depending on where you live, purchasing a battery with a longer warranty period may help you manage your replacement costs.
In short, our battery needs vary depending on how we use our vehicles and the climate in which we live. Talk with your Service Advisor about what battery is right for you. We can test your battery to verify its capacity and life expectancy so you can be prepared for the months ahead.
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403-293-3438