Knowing how to choose a car battery in Australia involves finding that sweet spot between price, durability and value. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, a low-quality battery might not last long and could end up costing you more in the long run. On the other hand, an expensive battery may have features that your car doesn’t need, making it an unnecessary expense.
To help you make an informed decision, here are some practical car battery-buying
tips to keep in mind:
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Know The 3 Types Of Car Batteries: Identify Which One Works For Your Car
How many different types of car batteries are there?
There are three main types of batteries available for cars: AGM, EFB and Calcium batteries.
1. Absorbent Glass Mat Batteries (AGM)
An advanced type of lead acid battery that is maintenance-free, sealed and spill-free.
Why choose an AGM battery? If your car is modern, features Stop-Start technology and requires a battery with a higher output, an AGM battery is your best option.
Related: What is a start/stop car battery?
2. Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB)
Despite being an entry-level option for such cars, EFBs offer superior cycling abilities and better charge acceptance than standard flooded batteries (standard Lead Acid Batteries).
Why choose an EFB battery? An EFB Battery is perfect for vehicles with Stop-Start technology. The wet-fill design makes it similar to standard flooded batteries, but with unique features that allow it to recover faster from heavy-duty, cyclic Start-Stop applications.
3. Calcium Batteries
Calcium batteries contain 1% calcium in both positive and negative plates. This unique addition minimises water loss through gassing, making it possible to fully seal the battery container and eliminate maintenance needs.
Why choose a calcium battery? Calcium batteries offer significant advantages over lead-antimony batteries:
– Improved resistance to corrosion
– No excessive gassing
– Reduced water usage
Plus, calcium batteries experience less loss of charge from internal chemical reactions, which means they can withstand extreme Australian weather conditions and higher charge rates.
What is the difference between STD and AGM batteries?
The most common car battery is the Standard Flooded Lead Acid (STD) battery, which is the most basic battery type. AGM batteries are more advanced than STD batteries and have several advantages, such as being more reliable and able to withstand Australia’s harsh conditions. They also require less maintenance and last longer than a standard battery.
Don’t Miss: What do a battery’s different specs mean?
Is my battery STD or AGM?
There are four main ways to identify what type of battery you have. First and foremost, check the label; second, look at the top of the battery – if it is flat, it’s an AGM battery, and if it has a cap or removable top, it is an STD battery.
You can also shake the battery. STD batteries will wiggle when shaken, while AGM batteries will not as the electrolyte is held within the Absorbed Glass Matt (AGM) inside the battery.
If all else fails, look up the manufacturer’s model number; this can be found on the label or embossed on the case. You can use it to find out more about your battery either from the manufacturer’s site or a battery store like ours!
Which type of car battery is best?
The best car battery for your vehicle will depend on how you use it. Your driving style, climate and how often you drive will play a role in how well the battery works. A good rule of thumb is to match the type of battery with how you use your car.
For example, AGM batteries are ideal for cars with stop-start technology or those that require regular high power.
Consider These 5 Factors Before Buying A New Car Battery:
1. Determine your battery size
You’ll want to double-check your car’s current battery or the owner’s manual and make sure the new one you’re getting is going to fit in the battery tray. It all comes down to width, length, and height, so make sure those little numbers match up!
If you’re still not sure what size is best, give your local Marshall Batteries store a call, or you can phone us anywhere in Australia on tel:1300627742 and we we’ll be more than happy to help you figure out how to choose a car battery by size or better still, we can bring one to you in all metro areas, expertly fit the right battery and ensure all your onboard computer systems are calibrated.
Just HOLLER FOR A MARSHALL at tel:1300627742 and our highly trained team will assist you instore and roadside battery replacement 24/7 in all capital cities and most regional areas.
2. Understand your power requirements!
Want to make sure your car swings into action at any temperature? Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) and Cranking Amps (CA) will give you an idea of how much power you need.
CCA is the amount of energy needed for starting on those chilly 0 C° mornings, while CA lets you know the amount of energy you’ll need to keep it cool on a stunning 30 C° day.
Detailed Guide: Complete Guide to Cold Cranking Amps
3. Compare the Reserve Capacities (RC)
Need to find out which battery will last the longest? Look out for their Reserve Capacity (RC) rating!
It will give you an idea of how long (in minutes) your battery can provide power (25 Amps) before its voltage drops below the minimum rated voltage, 10.5 volts.
4. Look at the manufacturing date
When it comes to choosing a car battery, checking out the manufacture date is a must. Look for a letter and number combination on the code imprinted on the battery – that’ll give you an idea of when it was made.
Keep in mind if a battery is older than six months, it is an outdated model, and you shouldn’t buy it.
5. Decide how much maintenance you’re willing to do
When it comes to car batteries, there are two types of maintenance levels: maintenance-free and low-maintenance batteries.
- Maintenance-free batteries:
As the name suggests, these batteries don’t need any maintenance. This means the electrolyte levels don’t need to be checked, and it’s sealed – so all you need to do is just charge and go!
- Low maintenance batteries:
These ones need a bit more TLC – you have to check out the removable vent caps and top them up with distilled water when needed. They are usually cheaper than maintenance-free batteries, so for those who don’t mind getting their hands dirty, this could be a good cheap battery choice!
Recap Of Car Battery Buying Tips: The Key Points
Figuring out how to choose a car battery in Australia involves knowing these essential aspects:
- The three main types of car batteries available: AGM, EFB and Calcium batteries, which vary in features and maintenance needs.
- AGM batteries are good for cars with Stop-Start technology, EFBs offer superior cycling abilities, and calcium batteries are resistant to corrosion and less likely to lose charge from internal reactions.
- Battery size, Reserve Capacity (RC) rating, Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) and Cranking Amps (CA), manufacturing date and maintenance level are all pretty important factors to consider.
If you’re still not sure which battery is for you, find out where your nearest Marshall battery store is and give a call – our friendly team will be able to sort it out in no time.
Just HOLLER FOR A MARSHALL Ph tel:1300627742
Ready to shop for batteries? Head over to our battery range here. And if you need emergency roadside assistance, holler for Marshall at tel:1300627742 now.
Need a quote? Fill in our Get a Quote Form on the Home Page with your vehicle make, model, year and fuel type and we will do the leg-work for you.