The recession has left consumers searching for ways to skimp on expenses in any way possible, including saving on your automobile. Consumers are accustomed to taking their car to the dealership for service, or to an automotive repair shop, but both locations charge exorbitant fees for labor, and upcharge the cost of automotive parts. Car dealerships are the priciest solution for automobile problems. Frugal consumers can skimp on spending by shopping for used auto parts and learning how to repair their vehicle on their own. Below are ways to find alternatives for auto parts, including automobile batteries.
Specialty Stores
Specialty stores exist that deal with only car batteries. They have a higher turnover of sales, and thus are more likely to have fresh batteries. For example, Firestone, Goodyear, Pep Boys, and Sears carry car batteries.
Online Dealers
Online dealer websites that sell automotive batteries are in abundance. AutoZone is the most prevalent option, while O'Reilly Auto Parts and Batteries Plus are other options. Make sure you read the fine print prior to purchase, though.
Consumer Websites
Consumer websites list independent dealers who carry car batteries, most of them with websites. If you use any of the above options, you are more likely to get a new battery at a reasonable rate.
What to Avoid
Avoid cheap and recycled batteries, as well as online outlets that do not offer a warranty. Roadside gas stations will have older models, unlike the battery specialty stores, which have a higher turnover of sales and are more likely to have fresh batteries. Discount stores such as Kmart and Target may not be brand new; in addition, you will not get free installation in your car.
Size and Warranty
There are things to consider prior to purchasing an automotive battery, which include the size of battery in your vehicle and warranty options. Batteries come in a variety of sizes, and it's important to select the right size to fit securely and provide the proper power for your vehicle. If the terminals are in the wrong place, the cables may not reach, or the battery may not fit securely. The proper size should be listed in the owner's manual or an in-store fit guide. Below is a list of battery sizes and their respective vehicles:
Size 65 - fits most Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury cars
Size 75 - General Motors cars and a few Chrysler vehicles
Size 24/24F - Acura, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan, and Toyota vehicles
Size 34/78 - Chrysler cars
Size 35 - Hondas, Subarus, Nissan and Toyota vehicles (Japanese names)
Warranties are important in the event that you experience a problem with your automobile battery. Today, a typical vehicle warranty lasts 36 months and offers a free replacement. Other warranty options include the 24/84, which includes a free replacement period of 24 months and a prorated warranty of 84 months. The amount of reimbursement usually drops off fast once in the prorated period. For example, for a battery offering a 96-month prorated warranty, after four years you would be credited with half the original price if the battery failed. In addition, signs of neglect can void a warranty, including low water levels and improper installation.
Electric Cars
Electric car batteries are expensive, but the warranties last for 10 years or 100,000 miles. The best batteries for electric cars are made of lithium. Other options include lithium-titanate, nickel-cadmium and lead acid batteries. In addition, the higher capacity batteries are more expensive.
When you've found your new battery, don't throw away the old one, because you will probably be able to sell your old battery. Metal recyclers, auto parts stores and auto repair shops may offer cash or store credit to refurbish your old battery. If not, you can at least recycle your old battery to help the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, they contain lead and acid in toxic amounts, so handle them with care prior to final disposal.
In summary, specialty stores, online dealers and consumer websites are good options to purchase car batteries for a frugal consumer. Avoid cheap and recycled batteries, as well as purchasing batteries that are not the proper size or do not come with a warranty.
Specialty Stores
Specialty stores exist that deal with only car batteries. They have a higher turnover of sales, and thus are more likely to have fresh batteries. For example, Firestone, Goodyear, Pep Boys, and Sears carry car batteries.
Online Dealers
Online dealer websites that sell automotive batteries are in abundance. AutoZone is the most prevalent option, while O'Reilly Auto Parts and Batteries Plus are other options. Make sure you read the fine print prior to purchase, though.
Consumer Websites
Consumer websites list independent dealers who carry car batteries, most of them with websites. If you use any of the above options, you are more likely to get a new battery at a reasonable rate.
What to Avoid
Avoid cheap and recycled batteries, as well as online outlets that do not offer a warranty. Roadside gas stations will have older models, unlike the battery specialty stores, which have a higher turnover of sales and are more likely to have fresh batteries. Discount stores such as Kmart and Target may not be brand new; in addition, you will not get free installation in your car.
Size and Warranty
There are things to consider prior to purchasing an automotive battery, which include the size of battery in your vehicle and warranty options. Batteries come in a variety of sizes, and it's important to select the right size to fit securely and provide the proper power for your vehicle. If the terminals are in the wrong place, the cables may not reach, or the battery may not fit securely. The proper size should be listed in the owner's manual or an in-store fit guide. Below is a list of battery sizes and their respective vehicles:
Size 65 - fits most Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury cars
Size 75 - General Motors cars and a few Chrysler vehicles
Size 24/24F - Acura, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan, and Toyota vehicles
Size 34/78 - Chrysler cars
Size 35 - Hondas, Subarus, Nissan and Toyota vehicles (Japanese names)
Warranties are important in the event that you experience a problem with your automobile battery. Today, a typical vehicle warranty lasts 36 months and offers a free replacement. Other warranty options include the 24/84, which includes a free replacement period of 24 months and a prorated warranty of 84 months. The amount of reimbursement usually drops off fast once in the prorated period. For example, for a battery offering a 96-month prorated warranty, after four years you would be credited with half the original price if the battery failed. In addition, signs of neglect can void a warranty, including low water levels and improper installation.
Electric Cars
Electric car batteries are expensive, but the warranties last for 10 years or 100,000 miles. The best batteries for electric cars are made of lithium. Other options include lithium-titanate, nickel-cadmium and lead acid batteries. In addition, the higher capacity batteries are more expensive.
When you've found your new battery, don't throw away the old one, because you will probably be able to sell your old battery. Metal recyclers, auto parts stores and auto repair shops may offer cash or store credit to refurbish your old battery. If not, you can at least recycle your old battery to help the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, they contain lead and acid in toxic amounts, so handle them with care prior to final disposal.
In summary, specialty stores, online dealers and consumer websites are good options to purchase car batteries for a frugal consumer. Avoid cheap and recycled batteries, as well as purchasing batteries that are not the proper size or do not come with a warranty.
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