Beginner’s Q&A Guide to Choosing the Best Truck Battery

Buying a car battery is one thing, but when purchasing a truck battery you need to do your research to ensure the battery is correct for your vehicle.  Not only do you need to make sure that the battery is the correct physical size but also has the capacity to start the engine size of your truck. A battery that is under capacity will not get the life span expectancy as would be the case if the right battery was installed. You will learn how to choose the best truck battery in this article.

How much does a truck battery cost?

Truck battery prices are obviously more expensive that your average vehicle battery. The price you pay will depend on the size of the truck the battery is for and also the brand of battery that is being purchased. However, on the price range, affordable truck batteries can cost between $200-$500 however there are other brands available on the market that can cost more than this. 

What is the best heavy-duty truck battery?

The best battery should be based on performance, reliability, and durability. It should be able to perform extremely well in all climates and conditions. 

In looking for the best battery for trucks, you should also consider the type of truck the battery is starting, is it a small or large truck?

At SW Batteries, we aim to provide you with the best advice on which battery you should purchase for your vehicle, feel free to call us anytime!

How do you execute battery maintenance correctly?

Below are a few easy tips to help you get the best life from your battery:

1. Keep the battery clean and free of grease and dirt, as a dirty battery can discharge across the grime on the battery case.
2. Check the battery’s state of charge using a voltmeter or if the battery is accessible ie vent caps use a hydrometer to check the specific gravity of the electrolyte. A charged battery should have a stable voltage above 12.5 volts.
3. Check battery posts are free from sulfation (white powdery substance). Make sure all terminals and brackets are tightened, as vibration can cause internal damage to a battery. Check cables for any breakages or any other signs of wear and tear.
4. Make sure the battery case is not damaged or warped. This can be a sign of overcharging or excessive heat.
5. If the battery is non-maintenance free, check electrolyte level every 12 weeks, if necessary top up using distilled water, never use sulphuric acid.
6. Make sure the vehicle charging system is working correctly. The vehicle output should be between 13.5 to 14.8 volts. Overcharging or undercharging will significantly shorten the life of the battery.

If you need the condition or the state of charge of your battery checked, bring it to SW Batteries and we can test and inspect your battery for you free of charge.

How long can truck batteries last?

Truck batteries should last for a minimum of two years on average, however, a battery can last longer depending on the quality of the product, the application it is in, and the way the battery is maintained. 

Do I need a truck battery charger?

Yes, it is advisable to have one. Your charger needs to be of the correct capacity to change the size of the battery in your particular truck. Generally, it needs to be a minimum of 10% of the amperage of your battery. If the charger is not an automatic one, you will need to monitor the voltage of the battery to ensure it doesn’t overcharge.