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It’s often the internal argument that most car owners face - do you invest in a premium product that promises longevity and better performance, or opt for a more wallet-friendly option that gets the job done?
The product in question this time is car batteries.
Batteries play an important role within the car, so it can’t be denied that picking the right battery is an important decision and one determined by a number of factors, including cost and technology.
If you’re weighing up the pros of premium and cheap car batteries and you’re not sure which type is the best choice for your car, keep reading.
Understanding car batteries
A battery is a core component of the car - without it, the car won’t start. In order for the car to start, the driver turns on the ignition of the car which sends a signal to the battery to supply power to the starter motor. This process turns the engine over. Whilst this is taking place, power from the battery is supplied to the spark plugs in order to ignite the fuel and air mixture that has been compressed in the engine combustion cylinders.
The battery power used during the starting up process is then replaced by the alternator, which supplies the bulk of electrical current to your car's electrical systems, keeping your battery fully charged.
The strength and longevity of your car battery can be impacted by the demands placed on it. Therefore, it’s important to get your batteries regularly checked by a professional so it continues to work optimally.
When purchasing a new battery for your car, you might notice some differences between the premium and cheaper brands. Those differences can include the materials used to manufacture them and the advanced technology incorporated into the design.
Why vehicle owners should consider premium car batteries
There are several pros to considering premium batteries for your car. The expectation is that premium products tend to have a longer life expectancy and are made with better quality materials.
Generally, with premium batteries, you can expect:
Durability and longevity: premium car batteries tend to have a longer life span and are much more durable than cheaper batteries, meaning they won’t get damaged as easily.
Better performance: extreme weather conditions can have a detrimental impact on the longevity of your car battery, however, premium batteries tend to be more durable and higher quality, so perform better in extreme conditions.
Advanced technology: premium car batteries tend to be manufactured to include more advanced technology such as AGM technology. AGM stands for absorbent glass mat and is a type of lead acid battery that requires less maintenance than a regular car battery.
The argument for cheap car batteries
Whilst there are many positives to purchasing premium car batteries, you may find that budget constraints encourage you to source cheaper alternatives.
So, what are the pros to considering cheap car batteries?
Initial cost savings: there are immediate cost benefits by purchasing a cheaper car battery.
Adequate for everyday use: cheap car batteries are generally sufficient for everyday use.
Practical for older vehicles: if you’re currently driving an older car that you don’t intend on keeping for a long period of time, a cheaper battery alternative might be more practical.
Making the right choice
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the right battery for your vehicle, including weather conditions, the age of your car, how often you use it and the types of road conditions you drive on. It’s important to weigh up these factors, including the costs of the battery, maintenance and replacement, before making your decision.
Regardless of the type of battery you choose, we recommend that all vehicle owners check the health of their batteries and keep them maintained regularly by reaching out to a professional. This will help to extend the longevity of your battery and keep it running optimally.
Book your free battery health check
Does your car battery need a maintenance check? Why not book your free battery health check with Kwik Fit. Our specialist equipment will assess the condition of your battery and identify if there are any underlying battery faults.
If your battery needs to be replaced, we stock a variety of batteries suitable for cars and vans.
In the meantime, keep up-to-date with the latest vehicle advice and guidance on the Kwik Fit blog. If you have any other maintenance questions or concerns, get in touch with our team of experts today at your local centre.
Driving in heavy rain can be tricky and bring extra risks. Check out our guide for top tips to stay safe and avoid breakdowns if travelling in wet conditions.
Is the UK on the verge of ‘the coldest winter for 50 years?’ Even if El Niño doesn't hit the UK this winter, reduce the risk of a winter breakdown by making sure your car battery is winter-ready.
Your tyre size can be found on the sidewall of your current tyre and is a sequence of numbers and letters. The most common tyre size in the UK is 205/55R16 but there are many variations so it’s important to check your existing tyre first before searching for tyres.
Tip: Take a photo of your existing tyre sidewall to make it easier to identify your tyre size using the guide below.
The first three digits. This displays the width of the tyre in millimetres. A tyre marked 225 will measure 225mm across the tread from sidewall to sidewall.
Aspect Ratio
The fourth and fifth digits of the tyre code that immediately follow the tyre width. The aspect ratio or profile height of the tyre sidewall is expressed as a percentage of the tyre width. So an aspect ratio of 55 for example means that the profile height of the tyre is 55% of its width.
Rim Diameter
The next two digits represent the size of the wheel rim that the tyre can be fitted to. It is also the diameter of the tyre from bead to bead. So a tyre marked 16 will fit on a 16-inch wheel rim.
Speed Rating
The speed rating of a tyre is represented by a letter of the alphabet at the end of the tyre size code and indicates the maximum speed capability of the tyre. Tyres receive a speed rating based on a series of tests which measure the tyres capability to handle a set speed for a prolonged period of time.
Select your tyre speed rating to find out the maximum speed your tyres can maintain.
If you are unsure what speed rating you need, be sure to check your vehicle handbook. Choosing a lower speed rating than that recommended by your vehicle manufacturer could potentially invalidate your insurance.
Load Rating
The load index provides information on the maximum weight capability for the tyre. The load index is a numerical code that can be located just after the tyre size marking and before the speed rating.
Select your load index to find out the maximum load capability for your tyres.
Although not illegal, it is not advisable to have tyres with a lower speed rating or load index than the manufacturer recommended tyre specification for your vehicle, or to have a combination of different tyre construction types. Consult your vehicle handbook to confirm your vehicle’s tyre speed rating and load index as well as any additional requirements.
0800 75 76 77 You can reach our customer care team 6 days a week from 9:00am to 6:00pm on Monday and Thursday, 8:30am to 6:00pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm Saturday, and 10:00am to 4:00pm on Bank Holidays.
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Select Tyre Size
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We endeavour to ensure we are displaying the correct tyres for your vehicle. However, we recommend all customers check the tyre size printed on the side wall of their tyres before proceeding with a tyre purchase as occasionally discrepancies do occur. By selecting the tyre sizes above and clicking 'Continue', you are indicating that you have checked your tyre sizes.
Please select your front and rear tyre size before clicking 'Continue'.
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Please note: There is a slope that the vehicle must be driven up to reach the vehicle ramp at this centre. This may prevent us from being able to work on some high-performance vehicles, Tesla vehicles or vehicles that have been lowered. If your vehicle has low ground clearance, please contact the centre team on 01342 314 111 before booking.
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Centres do not open until 10:00 on bank holidays. If choosing an earlier appointment time on a bank holiday, please bring your vehicle to centre at 10:00 rather than the time shown.