Once the time to replace the battery has come, the option that may come to mind is to buy a new one. The problem is, new car batteries are quite expensive and not necessarily suitable. For this one, a used car battery should be considered.

Apart from the price, buying a new battery means not applying the 3R principle, which is harmful for the environment. On the other hand, buying a used battery means reusing the old battery, which means reducing battery waste.

But because it is a used item, there are a number of points that must be considered to determine whether a used battery is worth buying or not.

Tips for Buying a Used Car Battery

In any case, a used battery is definitely different from a new battery. So the first step, make sure to understand the battery you are looking for, then pay attention to every detail as the following points.

1. Know What You're Looking For

When you step into a used car battery shop, the process is not as easy as buying a new battery. So, make sure to find out what type of used battery along with size, type, specs, and more.

Moreover, not all batteries are designed the same. So be sure to ask as much as you can about the battery you want to buy. This is useful to avoid problems that arise in the future.

2. Check Battery Life

Always check the age which indicates when the battery was manufactured. But most people do not know how to read the date code listed. Knowing how to read a battery's code will give you an idea of ​​how old the battery really is.

The month is always written in alphabetical code, for example A for January, B for February, and so on. The letters are followed by numbers. If the battery was made in 2016, the code is written as 16 or 6.

For instance, if the battery was made in April 2017, the code would be D7 or D17. The majority of car batteries use this format, but some manufacturers use simpler formats such as date, month, and year.

When looking at 150918, the number explains that the battery was manufactured on September 15, 2018. Sometimes there are other codes written under the date, such as X, Y, and Z. These codes actually refer to the factory location, not the date.

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3. Look for Signs of Corrosion

Even car batteries of the same age have different performance. Depending on their condition, pay attention to signs of corrosion. Used batteries often look dirty and full of dust, but make sure there are no signs of corrosion.

Though, corrosion can appear anywhere, especially in the terminals. So, check the battery terminals for signs of sulfation. If you see a white color in the area, you should avoid it. This type of battery may no longer be able to be charged and the lifespan will not be long.

4. Warranty

Ask if there is a warranty. Some sellers sometimes provide a warranty even for a few days. The warranty will give you a peace of mind because the battery can be exchanged again. If the seller doesn't include a warranty, switch to another seller.

5. Price

A new battery can cost 4-5 times more than a used battery. Even the price is lower than other components in the car, it still has to be a consideration. Used car batteries vary in price, depending on the brand, condition, type, and seller.

If you want to get a bigger battery capacity or a premium brand, the price is obviously higher. With a much cheaper price, used car batteries are a practical solution to save money.

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6. Battery Size

It is important to know the size so you don't buy the wrong one. Each car battery is designed with a different configuration, so be sure to check. Information such as size and specs can be found in the manual.

The important note regarding the size is the positive and negative terminals, also which side the terminals point to. Some batteries may fit but the terminals point the other way. If you are not sure, open the manual book to find out the appropriate battery specs.

7. Environmental Conditions

The performance of a used car battery is dependent on a number of factors, one of which is the environment. When buying a used battery, besides choosing the right size and design, you must pay attention to the area in which the car is used.

In the rainy areas, make sure the used battery does not leak or get rusty due to humidity. Conversely, in warm areas, the battery must be heat resistant to avoid overheating.

8. Eco-Friendly

Reusing used car batteries means participating in protecting the environment. As we all know, battery waste has become a big issue. All materials in the battery are not eco-friendly.

Battery fluid has high acid properties, the container is made of plastic, the terminal uses a copper structure, and others. All of these materials are not classified as safe materials. So, if there is an opportunity to reuse a used car battery, this can be the ideal solution.