Car batteries are essential components of a vehicle’s electrical system, providing the power necessary to start the engine, operate various electrical accessories, and maintain overall vehicle functionality. below are few comprehensive overview of car batteries:
Purpose: Car batteries primarily serve two key functions:
Starting the Engine: Car batteries deliver a surge of electrical energy to the starter motor, which turns the engine over and initiates the combustion process. This is known as cranking amperage (CCA).
Powering Electrical Systems: Car batteries supply a constant, lower-level electrical current to run essential vehicle systems, such as lights, radio, air conditioning, and electronic components. This is known as reserve capacity.
The Best Places To Buy Cheap Battery For Your Car
These shops sell durable and cheap batteries; they are;
- Costco
- Advance Auto Parts
- BatteriesPlus
- Amazon
- eBay Motors
- Walmart
- Sam’s Club
- NAPA
- Pep Boys
- Autozone
Costo
Costo Shop is among the cheap stores to purchase new batteries. However, it is more affordable for those who have a membership with them. When you buy your battery at Costo, you will pick it up in person at Costo, as they don’t offer delivery services. It means your battery purchase at Costo must be interstate.
Also, the Costo brand does not offer free battery testing or installation. Additionally, there are limitations to their stockings, and if you possess a car brand that isn’t popular, you might need help finding what you need at Costo.
The price of the Subaru Forester is around $73.99. If you have a Toyota Camry, the price is $85.99, and a Ford Escape battery costs around $9
Advance Auto Parts
Advance Auto Parts is everything affordable, convenient, and durable. They sell batteries for the following brands: Autocraft Die-Hard Optima. After you buy a battery from Advance Auto Parts, and the battery fails within the given warranty period, you are entitled to a battery replacement.
The majority of their batteries come with a three-year warranty. Unlike Costo, Advance Auto Parts offers free battery installation. Walmart’s batteries are cheaper than their batteries, but you can win a 30% discount by ordering a battery online. Another outstanding characteristic of this brand is that it offers free testing and free installation. They permit their customers to use their equipment to install batteries in their parking lot.
You can get a DieHard Gold Battery Group of size 35 for $189.99, while the Optima Red Top Battery Group of size 34/78 costs around $269.99. The cheapest battery is the Autocraft Power Sport battery, which is around $52.99.
Batteries Plus
Batteries for different car models can be found at Batteries Plus. Batteries Plus offers online purchase services, and they also provide shipping services. It means they can deliver your battery to your home.
You can also order online and take them in person at their store. The benefit of picking up batteries at their store is that they can install the battery for free if you desire.
Battery Plus stores are pocket-friendly, and purchasing their batteries is an excellent way to save money.
Amazon
Amazon offers a wide range of products. Although they are not inexpensive like some other brands, they offer Excel lineups from major brands.
Furthermore, they deliver batteries to your house if you purchase them online. Unlike BatteryPlus, they do not offer free testing or free installation.
E-Bay
If you want the most miniature pricey car battery, consider E-bay and check out their stores. They side-line affordable car batteries from manufacturing brands like; Bosch Optima DieHard. You’ll find the most inexpensive and durable batteries at E-bay.
To find the battery you need, you’ll have to go to the car areas and then search for the model of your car.
Several batteries that will perfectly fit your car will be sampled for you to select.
Sam’s Club
You need to know Sam’s Club. One of the most common batteries sold at the warehouse is the Duracell battery, known for its durability. Before you go there to make any purchase, you should contact them earlier and ask about the battery availability so you don’t go there and get disappointed in finding a battery that will fit into your car.
You can get a 24 F Duracell Automotive battery for $119.88, and a Duracell AGM battery Group, which has a size of 78, costs around $189.88.
Walmart
Walmart is amongst places you can see cheap batteries to buy. You can shop at Walmart without a coupon because their prices are generally fair and affordable. Walmart supplies Every start brand or lineup of batteries that consistently meet users’ expectations.
The majority of batteries available at Walmart come with a decent warranty. You can get a two-year warranty for a cheaper lineup, and MAXX models offer a five-year warranty.
Walmart provides online battery orders that customers can come pick up in-store. Walmart offers free testing of batteries and installation, but this is only available in automotive center stores.
The price of their Everstart car batteries varies. For instance, an Everstart Value 24 F battery costs around $49.88 plus 1 year of free replacement warranty. You can upgrade to 2 2-year free replacement warranty for the same battery, but it will cost you $74.88. If you are going for the Everstart Maxx 24 F battery, you should hold at least $93.76. They give 3 years free replacement warranty.
Autozone
All company batteries can be costly; some would be more expensive than others. In this case, Autozone batteries are more expensive when compared to Walmart, but their battery range is broad. There, you can find almost all kinds of batteries that will fit your car.
One benefit you will enjoy when you get to their store is that they will test your dead battery and help you install a new one.
Autozone also gives 3 years warranty. The cost of their DieHard Platinum and Optima Redtop is around $199.99.
NAPA Auto Parts
NAPA is chosen by people consistently because it is reliable. NAPA batteries are popularly known for their high performance. They also have a wide range of batteries that will fit your car; however, they are not the cheapest batteries in the market.
Furthermore, they manufacture their batteries with LEGEND as their most prominent model. This LEGEND battery can be easily carried with its fold-down handle, providing a compelling performance.
As stated, their battery brand is Napa Proformer, which costs around $119.99, and the Napa The Legend Premium AGM battery, which costs around $159.99. The warranty for NAPA is 18 months.
Pep Boys
There are several types of battery type sold at Pep Boys. Their Optima RedTop is sold for $199.99, while the DieHard Platinum goes for $199.99 couple with 3 years warranty.
Disadvantage of buying used batteries
Buying used batteries, while sometimes a cost-saving option, comes with several disadvantages and potential risks. Here are some of the key disadvantages of purchasing used batteries:
Uncertain Lifespan: Used batteries have already been through a certain amount of wear and tear, and their remaining lifespan can be uncertain. You may not know how much longer the battery will last before needing replacement.
Reduced Capacity: Over time, batteries degrade, and their capacity to hold a charge diminishes. Used batteries may have significantly reduced capacity compared to new ones, resulting in shorter driving ranges for electric vehicles or more frequent starts for conventional vehicles.
Limited Warranty: Used batteries typically come with little to no warranty or guarantee. If the battery fails shortly after purchase, you may have no recourse for a refund or replacement.
Unknown Maintenance History: When buying a used battery, you often have no information about how well it has been maintained. Poor maintenance can accelerate a battery’s degradation and reduce its overall performance.
Compatibility Issues: Used batteries may not be compatible with your vehicle’s specific requirements. This includes considerations such as size, type (e.g., lead-acid, lithium-ion), and cold-cranking amps (CCA). Using an incompatible battery can lead to electrical system issues and may even damage your vehicle.
Environmental Impact: Many used batteries end up in landfills or improperly disposed of, posing environmental hazards due to the toxic chemicals and heavy metals they contain. Buying used batteries contributes to this problem, as it may encourage the removal of old batteries without proper recycling.
Safety Concerns: There’s a risk that used batteries may have been damaged, mishandled, or poorly maintained, which can pose safety hazards. Battery leaks, corrosion, and even thermal events (overheating) can be more likely with used batteries.
Hidden Defects: Used batteries may have hidden defects that are not immediately apparent. A battery can appear functional but have internal issues that lead to premature failure.
Unpredictable Performance: The performance of used batteries can be unpredictable. They may work fine for a while but suddenly fail, leaving you stranded or requiring an unexpected replacement.
Cost of Installation: The cost of installing a used battery can be similar to that of a new one, especially if you need professional installation. This means that the cost savings associated with buying a used battery may not be as significant as you initially thought.
Limited Choices: When buying a used battery, you are limited to what is available in the used market. You may not find the exact type or size of battery your vehicle requires.
Inadequate Testing: While some sellers may claim that used batteries have been tested, the extent and accuracy of these tests can vary widely. There’s a risk that the testing process may not catch all potential issues.
