All car batteries die eventually. The chemical processes used in automotive batteries guarantee that they will fail after a certain number of charging cycles, but many factors can influence their lifespan. Everything from extreme temperatures to user error can shorten the life of a battery, ultimately resulting in a frustrating call to a local tow company or roadside assistance club.
Whatever the reasons for your battery failure, you're probably in a hurry to get your car running and back on the road again. While you'll need a new battery if you want your vehicle to be more than an oversized paperweight, you don't necessarily need to choose an identical replacement. Instead, consider these three ways that you can treat your battery failure as an opportunity for an upgrade.
1. Choose an AGM Battery
AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries are high-performance, long-life batteries found on many modern cars. AGM batteries are more popular nowadays thanks to auto start-stop features. Since vehicles with automatic start-stop may travel only a short distance before shutting the engine off, they need a battery that's more resilient under these conditions than a conventional automotive battery.
However, you can install an AGM battery in any car, even if it doesn't have a start-stop system. These batteries typically last longer, handle extreme temperatures better, and have more extended warranties. Although an AGM battery will cost you more than a conventional option, you'll often be able to make that added cost up by keeping your battery for longer.
2. Select a Higher CCA
The most important specification of any automotive battery is its cold cranking amp (CCA) rating. Automotive batteries are also known as starting batteries because they provide a quick jolt of power to engage the starter motor. These batteries can't handle deep discharges, which doesn't usually matter since the alternator provides a continuous charge while your car is running.
As a result, the key performance indicator is how much power the battery can provide on startup. You'll need a battery that meets your manufacturer's recommended CCA rating, but you can go higher. A battery with more CCA will usually provide better starting performance in cold weather and may even last longer than one with a lower rating.
3. Add a Second Battery
Adding a second battery is an extreme approach that's useful in certain circumstances. If you run a custom car audio system, moving to a dual-battery setup can have benefits. As you move up to higher wattage amplifiers, you may notice problems with your car's charging system, including dimming headlights or even performance issues.
In these cases, adding a secondary battery can help provide your system with the power it needs without affecting the rest of your car. However, moving to a dual-battery system is a reasonably involved upgrade, so make sure to work with a competent shop to modify your charging system and select the best auto batteries for your application.
