1. Get the right size to fit in your car
Wrong size battery won’t fit in your car. You can find out what size you need from your car's manual or at an auto store. Car batteries come in 4 basic sizes. They are 37, 75, 34/78 and 65.
2. Get One with a Short Shelf Life
Buy a battery that hasn't been sitting on the store shelf for more than six months. Look for the shipping date code. The letters represent the month it was shipped (A or 1 for January) and the number represents the year (10 is for 2010).
3. Choose for Climate
If you live in extreme climates (too cold or too hot), care about climate for battery slection. Also, there are batteries designed for northern climates, to work in extreme cold, and for southern climates, to work in extreme heat. Batteries often list what is called 'cold cranking amps' or CAA. This is a purported measure of the starting current at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a cold climate, where having a battery that will work in freezing weather is essential, be sure your battery has sufficient voltage to get you going.
4. Get A Long Life Span
Check to see how long the manufacturer says the battery is designed to last before it needs to be replaced. Most batteries come with standard 2 years replacement. For extra few bucks you may get with 3 years replacement guarantee. Batteries usually last 6-7 years.
5. Find Out How Long It Will Run on Empty
Batteries have what is called 'reserve capacity', which means the length of time the battery will run your car if the alternator stops working and it is not being recharged.
6. Get a Handle on It
If you plan on installing the battery yourself, look for one with a handle to make lifting it easily.
I personally buy my batteries at Costco, Walmart or Napa stores. Napa often runs paper ads.
