Boston Mobile Mechanics | Battery Types

Car Battery Replacement

Batteries come in a variety of sizes. It is important to choose the right size. The wrong size might not fit securely or provide sufficient power. If the terminals are in the wrong place, the car's cables might not reach, or it may not fit securely.

1. Size 65 (Top Terminal):

This size fits large cars, trucks and sport-utility vehicles from Ford or Mercury.

2. Size 75 (Side Terminal):

This size fits some General Motors midsized and compact cars and a few Chrysler vehicles.

3. Size 24/24F (Top Terminal):

This size fits many Acura, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan, and Toyota vehicles.

4. Size 34/78 (Dual Terminal):

This size fits many large Chrysler vehicles and many 1996-2000 GM pickups, SUVs, and midsized and large sedans.

5. Size 35 (Top Terminal):

This size fits most Japanese nameplates, including many recent Hondas, most Subarus, and most Nissan and Toyota vehicles.

6. Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM):

The AGMs are built to stand up to repeated draining and recharging cycles. Their features include fuel-saving stop-start systems, electronic safety and convenience, and power outlets for mobile electronics (but AGMs costs more than the other batteries! ).

BATTERY WARRANTIES

A 36-month free-replacement warranty for your battery is typical.

Even with today's warranty, it is still important to choose a battery with the longest free-replacement period you can get.

A battery warranty code of 24/84, for example, indicates a free-replacement period of 24 months and a prorated warranty of 84 months. The amount that may be reimbursed usually drops off quickly once you're into the prorated period.

For example, on a battery that offers a 96-month prorated warranty, after four years, or half the warranty period, half of the original price may be credited if the battery failed. Signs of neglect, such as low-water levels and improper installation, can void a warranty. So can use in heavy-duty applications such as high-end car audio and marine use - if the battery is not recommended for them.

Most aftermarket car batteries sold in the United States are made by three companies that build them for retailers: Johnson Controls of Milwaukee,Wisconsin , which supplies more than half of the U.S. market; Exide Technologies of Milton,Georgia; and East Penn Manufacturing with its headquarters in Lyons, Pennsylvania.

They are sold under various brand names and built to the specifications of the retailers - so their performance can vary. Most battery stores will test, install, and match the right battery to the car’s needs.

Here are the major brands and where they are sold:

1. AutoCraft -

This is available at Advance Auto Parts stores across the country.

2. Bosch -

This battery is available at Pep Boys outlets.

3. DieHard -

This is available at Sears and Kmart automotive centers.

4. Duralast -

This is sold at AutoZone outlets.

5. EverStart -

This is available at Walmart stores.

6. Interstate -