Have you ever owned an old car? One day it’s working great, and then your favorite rustbucket won’t start. What’s worse is that you know the car still has some life left.
So what do you do? After all, 12v batteries are notorious for being hard to recycle, so it seems wasteful to chuck it and replace it with a new one.
That’s where used car batteries for sale come in. Suppose you don’t know what to look out for when buying a used car battery. Here’s everything you need to know about buying a used car battery.
How to Buy a Used Car Battery
Buying a used car battery isn’t hard once you understand the process. It involves three steps:
Find a Dealer
Find a reputable dealer who sells used car batteries. They’re often near auto parts stores, so ask around to see who has the battery in stock you need.
Do Your Research
Ask them questions about their experience selling used car batteries. What kind of return policy do they have? Are they willing to take back defective items?
These are all valid questions when buying a used car battery. A good dealer won’t leave you short with a broken battery that’s no use to anyone.
Aftercare
Once you’ve bought a used car battery, keep it charged correctly. That means keeping it plugged into a wall outlet whenever possible. Also, store it somewhere cool and dry. And always test it from time to time to ensure its performance remains consistent.
Factors to Consider
When looking at used car batteries, it’s easy to buy something that fails to work straight away. So there are several things you should be aware of:
Type of 12v Battery
There are two types of automotive batteries: flooded lead-acid and sealed gel cells. Both can be traditional starters or deep cycle batteries. Check your manual to see which you need.
Age and Condition
The age and condition of the battery itself are important. It includes how old the battery is, as well as any damage or wear on the casing. If the battery looks like this, then the chances are good that it will fail soon.
Check for cracked cases, swollen batteries, missing caps, or leaking fluid before purchasing. These are all classic signs that a battery is about to break or on its way out. The seller might be legitimate but not seen the damage to the battery before resale.
Battery Charge Capacity
Capacity refers to the amount of power stored within the battery. A refurbished battery, in most cases, works like new.
But suppose the seller has one straight out of an older car. Then check the battery using a multimeter first before taking any further action. Understanding car battery sizes before you shop will get you the best results.
Warranty
If the battery comes with a warranty, make sure it covers both defects and use. Check the fine print before you buy! Most warranties on used batteries cover 12 months, but some go up to 3 years from when you buy the battery.
Price
A cheap new battery can cost more than a high-quality used battery, so it’s important to consider quality over price.
Please don’t pay too much for a low-capacity battery just because it costs less. Chances are you’ll end up stuck in the middle of nowhere a week later!
Buying a Used Car Battery
Buying a used car battery isn’t hard, but it does need research and patience. Make sure your battery meets the requirements listed above before buying a battery.
We’ve got more advice to get you back on the road and kick-start your thirst for knowledge. So keep reading more articles and see what you can find!
