What kind of battery does your Ford need? | South Bay Ford
There is no “one-size-fits-all” battery suitable for every car. Different car batteries are compatible with different vehicle specifications. In general, batteries are year, make, and model-specific.

A healthy battery is one of many critical components for proper vehicle operation. The battery helps start the engine and keeps the electronics running. It also lets you charge your phone and play music even when the engine is off.

However, automotive batteries gradually lose power over time, and cold weather is tough on them.

If you are at all concerned about your battery, South Bay Ford will test it for free.

When does your Ford battery need to be replaced?
One of the most common vehicle problems is a dead battery. We have all been there. Maybe you left your lights on or didn’t completely close the door. Now your battery is drained.

In addition to these painful accidents, you can proactively look for indications that you may need a South Bay Ford mechanic to look at or replace your battery. Here are a few signs:

  • Delayed Engine Crank - when you attempt to start the car, it takes longer than usual to roll over or start
  • Check Engine Light - the check engine light usually turns on when your battery is losing charge
  • Low Battery Fluid Level - if the fluid level is low, you need to have the battery and charging system tested immediately
  • Fluid Leaks or Corrosion –over time, corrosion will build naturally and may cause fluid leaks, which can be cleaned to prolong the life of your Ford battery
What kind of battery does your Ford need? | South Bay Ford
What to consider when choosing a new battery?
If you notice any of these issues, your battery should be tested at South Bay Ford. When you need a new battery, here’s what you should know to get the right one.

Like everything else you buy, you can do a little research about batteries. After all, according to online review statistics, 95% of consumers read reviews before they buy a product. There are only five main things to review when picking a battery that’s right for your car.

1. Battery Group Size
This is just the size of the battery- the length, width, and height. Many vehicles can accept more than one group size. Ask your Ford mechanic or check your owner’s manual to find which battery group sizes fit.

2. Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)
CCA is a rating used in the battery industry to define a battery's ability to start an engine in cold temperatures. It is easier to start an engine in a warm environment than in a cold one. Your new battery’s CCA number should match the CCA number in your owner’s manual or the CCA of the vehicle’s original battery.

A slightly higher CCA rating may benefit your vehicle’s cold-starting performance if you frequently travel by car to any of our wintery locals in California and our neighboring states.

3. Reserve Capacity (RC)
RC helps to power your vehicle's electrical system if the alternator fails. It identifies how many minutes the battery can supply ample power without falling below the minimum voltage needed to run your vehicle. With RC, the higher the number, the better. This is an important factor to consider if you will operate electrical equipment on your vehicle while the engine is off.


4. Battery Date Code
The date code is the date when the battery was made. Date codes come in the form of a sticker, or the code may be branded into the battery itself. On your original Ford battery, the first two characters in the code are a letter and a number. The letter is the month: A is for January, B is for February, and so on. The number is the last digit of the year of manufacture. So, a code starting with A9 would mean the battery was made in January 2019.

5. Warranty
Ford offers battery warranties. If for some reason, the battery turns out to be bad, Ford will give you a new battery with the same amount of power for free.

Battery Replacement at South Bay Ford
Worried your Ford vehicle may be in need of a new battery? Not sure what kind of battery your Ford needs? Leave it to the experts at our dealership located just off the 405 in Hawthorne. Schedule your next service appointment for your Ford battery replacement today! South Bay Ford is here for your battery and all of your servicing needs.