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Any driver who’s ever needed a jump start due to a dead battery can tell you the importance of maintaining your car battery. It provides power to several crucial systems throughout your car, and without it, you’d be left with nowhere to go. Understanding your car battery — how it works, how to maintain it and how to pick out a new one — can help you avoid that unfortunate outcome.

An automotive battery works much like the batteries you'd find in your home, using chemical energy to generate electricity. Your car battery’s most essential function is to power your car's starter, an electrical motor that kickstarts the engine before its combustion cycle kicks in. As you drive, the battery provides power to various other electrical systems throughout the car such as the lights, stereo and onboard computer. The battery also acts as a surge protector, stabilizing the voltage delivery throughout the car and recharging itself as you drive.

Car batteries typically have a lifespan of a few years. This can vary, however, based on environmental factors, your driving habits and the type of battery it is. There are a few common signs that may indicate that your car battery may be on its last legs:

One way to help extend the life and performance of your car’s battery is to be proactive about its maintenance. Testing your battery at regular intervals (usually annually) is a good way to see how much life is left in your battery. This testing can be done by a mechanic, but you can also pick up a diagnostic tool at an auto parts store to help you do this yourself. These tools typically provide readings on the remaining charge, voltage, cranking and overall health to help you determine if it’s time to head to a garage for servicing or replace your battery altogether. Additionally, it helps to regularly check that your connectors and wires are in good shape and securely attached. Finally, follow any manufacturer recommendations regarding any car maintenance specifics in the owner’s manual of your car.

If you find yourself in need of a new car battery, here are a few things to consider:

Car batteries come in two main types, lead-acid (sometimes called sealed lead-acid or SLA) and absorbed glass mat (AGM).

Car batteries come in a variety of sizes, and it’s important to pick the one that fits your car properly. The terminals (where you connect the battery to your car) also need to be in the right alignment or your car’s cables may not reach or fit securely. It’s best to consult your owner’s manual to find out which sizes and terminal alignments the manufacturer recommends for your car.

Car batteries get weaker in colder weather. Cold-cranking amps (CCA) measure how well the battery can start an engine in extreme cold. Generally, the bigger the CCA number, the better.

Reserve capacity is a measure of how long the battery could power the car if its charging systems don’t work.

Battery life is the measure of how many times the battery can be discharged and recharged before it fails to perform adequately. This is especially important to consider for drivers who frequently take short trips that don’t allow enough time to recharge properly.

In general, more battery power — more CCAs, bigger reserve capacity, longer battery life — will cost more. Batteries aren’t exactly inexpensive, but they’re important enough to your car to consider investing in a higher-quality battery.

Without a car battery to power the starter, your car is quite literally going nowhere. You also wouldn’t be able to use your stereo, lights, headlights, navigation system or many other car systems that depend on the electric power from the battery. When a car battery starts to run low, you’ll notice the engine becoming slower to turn on. If there’s a leak, you may also notice a foul odor or corrosion around your battery. When looking for a replacement, it’s best to consult your owner’s manual to get the size and type of battery recommended by the manufacturer or visit a trusted mechanic.

This article is for educational purposes only and provides general auto information.  The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service.  Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. Chase is not responsible for, and does not provide or endorse third party products, services or other content. For specific advice about your circumstances, you may wish to consult a qualified professional.

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