Replacing your car's battery is an important part of maintaining your vehicle. How often your vehicle's battery will need to be replaced will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle and other factors, such as the local climate and your driving habits. Most car batteries will need be replaced every four years or so. If you need to replace your car battery and want to save, used car batteries may be an option to consider. Here are three things that you should know when purchasing used batteries.
Age and Condition Are Important
When it comes to used car batteries, the age and condition of the battery you are planning on purchasing are key. You want to make sure that you are purchasing a relatively new battery with little wear and tear. If you see any corrosion, especially around terminals, you will probably want to avoid buying that battery. Checking the date when the battery was manufactured is also important. Knowing how old a used battery is will help you determine how much life it could possibly have. The manufacturing date is represented by the month, which is represented through the letters A through L, and by one or two digits indicating the year.
How Much You Can Save
Another thing to consider when it comes to buying used car batteries is how much you will be saving. This will vary depending on your vehicle, the condition and age of the used battery, and where you purchase the battery. In most cases, a used battery will be between 50 and 75 percent of the cost of a new battery. For some types of vehicles, this can be a substantial savings. You may even be able to find reliable used car batteries for even less.
Installation Costs
If you are looking to save by buying a used car battery, it's important to consider the cost of installation as well. Mechanics will typically charge between $10 and $100 to install a battery. The cost will vary depending on the location of the battery and the difficulty of installation. If you are looking to save and are capable of installing the battery yourself, you can save a lot of money by doing this task yourself.
If you are thinking about buying a used car battery, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, age and condition of the battery are key. You want to choose a battery that has no or minimal corrosion and that is relatively new. Costs will vary, but you will typically see a savings up to 50 percent, and on some occasions more, by buying used. The cost of battery installation will also vary, depending on the location of the battery.
