Driving a used car has its perks. It’s a vehicle you know well, and it may provide that sense of familiarity that makes you comfortable when you get behind the wheel—not to mention the joy of not having a monthly car payment. This frugal approach is useful when it comes to maintenance as well. When buying used, finding the right car parts is important for keeping your vehicle in good condition, and the battery is no exception. Here are some things to consider when it’s time to replace yours.

What to Look for When Buying a Used Car Battery

1. Age

Car parts all have a certain life span. Since they’re used as a power source, it’s arguably more important to look closely at a battery’s age than any other used car parts. Luckily, you don’t have to guess at how old the battery is.

You’ll notice a date stamp on these units consisting of a single letter and a single number in most cases. The letters A through L are used to indicate the month the battery was made (A being January, L being December). The number is the year, so D9 would mean a battery was made in April 2019. Go for a battery that’s no more than six months old if possible.

2. Corrosion

Corrosion is a common problem that many batteries face. Most people know that batteries contain acid. This acid gives off hydrogen gas, which accumulates on the unit predominantly around the terminals where it’s hooked in.

Corrosion can be a yellow, orange, or green hardened substance that doesn’t wipe off the battery like regular dust or debris does. If a battery is corroded, it’s at risk of failing since the substance buildup hinders it from charging all the way. 

3. Warranty

Even if the warranty on your used car expired a long time ago, you can still find car parts that have an active warranty. For an important component like a battery, it’s useful to have a warranty that’s in effect for at least a year.

Some problems your battery may face could be hard to detect, such as acidic stratification. This occurs when a number of short trips during the battery’s testing phase inhibited its ability to maintain a full charge. If you have a warranty, you won’t be on the hook for a replacement a couple of months down the road.

When you need car parts, choose T&S Automotive in Thomasville, NC. This metal recycling expert has been in business for two decades. Not only are they committed to helping you find the part you need, but their used car batteries also start at only $25. To get in touch, visit them online or call (336) 882-7989.