Car batteries are undoubtedly crucial for our driving experience. Without a car battery, it would be challenging to start the vehicle. It is essential to know how to differentiate between new and old car batteries when selecting a car. This way, we can make a more confident purchase, ensuring safety while driving and reducing the risk of battery failures.
Packaging: Genuine car batteries have distinct color differences compared to counterfeit ones. The packaging of authentic batteries is finely crafted and comes with a seal. Upon opening the package, you will find a clear and exquisite warranty card and product manual. If you are purchasing from an automotive parts store, you may find multiple models of the same brand grouped together, and their packaging should not exhibit color discrepancies. If you notice any color differences, please be cautious in your selection.
Anti-counterfeit verification: Check if the digits on the battery casing and the production date are clear. Most genuine batteries have anti-counterfeit labels affixed to them. By scratching off the protective coating and dialing the anti-counterfeit inquiry number, you can verify the authenticity by following the voice prompts and inputting the correct anti-counterfeit code. The genuine anti-counterfeit code can only be checked once, although different brands may have different anti-counterfeit methods. If there is no anti-counterfeit code, make sure to check the clearness of the numerical code and production date engraved on the plastic casing of the battery.
Price: Beware of suspiciously low-priced batteries. There are various battery models available at significantly different prices. For example, for a commonly used 60-ampere battery for a family sedan, the price of a genuine battery in an automotive parts store is typically around 450 yuan. Counterfeit or refurbished batteries may be available for around 300 yuan, but they provide no guarantee and are often intended for use in taxi fleets. Therefore, it is essential not to prioritize cheap prices when buying a battery.
Weight: Compare the weight of the new and old batteries. Those who have experience in replacing batteries will know that they can be quite heavy. Yes, that's right, because the cost of a battery lies in the lead alloy substrate. Counterfeit batteries may manipulate the substrate to reduce costs. Therefore, when purchasing a new battery, it is recommended to weigh it and see if it matches the weight of the original battery. If the new battery feels lighter than the old one, it is likely to be a counterfeit product.
Harmful driving habits for batteries: One common habit is using electrical devices in the car for an extended period while the engine is turned off. Many drivers choose to turn off the engine to save fuel and then listen to the radio or watch DVDs using the car's audio system. Although this saves fuel, it can severely harm the battery. Using external power devices, such as car vacuum cleaners or portable air compressors, should be strictly avoided when the vehicle is turned off. These devices consume significant power and can quickly drain the battery, affecting the normal starting of the vehicle. Furthermore, such "rapid power consumption" also causes considerable damage to the battery itself.
Forgetting to turn off the lights after parking: Forgetting to turn off the vehicle's headlights after parking can be divided into two situations. The first is forgetting to turn off the "main headlights" when parking at night, which can drain the battery overnight, leaving you with a dead battery the next day. The second situation is more likely to occur when parking at night while waiting for someone. To save fuel, most car owners choose to turn off the engine. However, at this time, remember not to forget to adjust the headlights to the "position lights" mode. This not only protects the battery but also serves as a warning signal, ensuring that the interior of the car remains adequately illuminated.
How to determine if a car battery needs to be replaced?
Inspect the battery's appearance: Observe if there are noticeable swelling, deformation, or bulging on both sides of the car battery. Check if there are white or green powdery substances around the battery terminals. These substances are oxidation products, and high-quality or new batteries generally do not exhibit such oxidation. Once these signs appear, it indicates that the battery's performance is starting to deteriorate.
Check the battery's charge indicator: According to statistics, more than 80% of maintenance-free batteries are equipped with a charge indicator. The colors visible through the charge indicator are usually categorized into three types: green, yellow, and black. Green indicates sufficient charge, yellow indicates a slight discharge, and black indicates that the battery is approaching the end of its lifespan and requires replacement. However, this method is only for reference, and car owners should use other methods to comprehensively evaluate the battery's condition. Measure the battery voltage: Use a battery tester or a multimeter to measure the battery's voltage and determine if it needs to be replaced. Under normal circumstances, the unloaded voltage of the battery should be around 13 volts, and the fully charged voltage should not be lower than 12 volts. The starting voltage should not be below 9.5 volts. If the battery voltage is too low, it may cause difficulties in starting the vehicle or prevent it from starting altogether.
