How to choose the most comfortable car for yourself. How to choose a car navigator? Selecting a car

Series of articles "How to buy a car wisely"

As a short introduction, we note that when recommending or criticizing this or that functionality, we do not impose our opinion on anyone, but consider important points for the user on which to build right choice car navigator.

Autonavigator and traffic jams

The function of downloading information about traffic jams is the first thing you should decide on when choosing a car navigator, since the answer greatly affects the cost. Prices for navigators without traffic jams start from 2,000 rubles, and for models with traffic jams - from 3,000 rubles for devices that download data via Bluetooth and from 5,000 rubles for navigators with a GPRS module.

There is a reason to buy a navigator without traffic jams only if you plan to use the device exclusively for country trips and road trips. But those who are going to use a navigator in a metropolis should definitely purchase a “traffic” model.

Here it is important to take into account the difference between devices using the Bluetooth and GPRS module. Those with a “blue tooth” require an appropriate phone, and modern smartphones on Android cannot work on transmitting “traffic jams”. In addition, every time you turn on the navigator to load traffic jams, you need to delve into the menu of both devices, re-establishing the connection each time. At the same time, the traffic, although not too large, still goes through the SIM card of the phone with a “voice” tariff, where the cost of a megabyte is quite high (about 6-8 rubles for St. Petersburg operators).

In turn, navigators with a GPRS module, for the most part, have an automatic connection to the Network setting, in which a connection is established immediately when the device is turned on and the user does not require any additional clicks on menu items. Since a separate SIM card is used here, it is possible to purchase a special Internet tariff without a “subscription” with a per-megabyte payment of 1 ruble per 1 MB, which all “Big Three” operators have.

Thus, comparing devices with BT and GPRS, we notice that the advantage of the former is only a lower price, and their main drawback- a great inconvenience of use, which makes traffic jams on navigators with VT more of an optional feature. Navigators with GPRS are more expensive, but they are much more convenient for regular use.

Separately, let’s talk about another option for downloading “traffic jams” - a special TMS radio channel, which today in Russia is supported by some models of Garmin navigators. The main advantage of this technology is that it is completely free, which is important when leaving your “home” region for roaming—for example, from St. Petersburg to Moscow, when the price of Internet traffic from operators begins to “bite.” However, as our own research and forums on the Internet show, the quality of traffic jam information on TMS leaves much to be desired and its reliability is inferior to that of Russian navigation programs. In addition, prices for TMS are the highest among navigators with traffic jams and start from 10,000 rubles.

Selecting navigation software

All “official” navigators sold in retail chains and online stores have pre-installed navigation software with maps of at least Russia, but maps of the CIS countries, the Baltics and Scandinavia can also be included. The lion's share of the market here is occupied by navigators with the Navitel and City Guide programs, followed by a large margin by Shturmann navigators with the original software of the same name, as well as devices with pre-installed iGo (without traffic jams) and Progorod.

All these programs are installed on Chinese-made navigators from Russian companies- OEM brands such as Texet, Lexand, Explay, Ritmix, xDevice - and a dozen more brands. These devices are built on the Windows CE platform and have similar characteristics, and sometimes even the same body.

But their main advantage is the presence of pre-installed programs “Navitel” and “City Guide” - domestic developers who are the undisputed leaders of navigation software in Russia, offering the user the greatest relevance of maps and the reliability of “traffic” information.

Another advantage of navigators for Windows CE is the ability, in addition to the standard “preinstallation,” to launch “your own” navigation programs from a memory card. Probably all models of such devices now have this functionality. However, you can check this when viewing it in the store - this possibility is indicated by the presence in the menu of an item called “Navigation path”, “Path to software”, etc., as well as a slot for a microSD memory card. This allows you to use one or another navigation software that is the best in a particular region - for example, in St. Petersburg, many people use City Guide, and in Finland they launch iGo.

A separate group are navigators such as Garmin, as well as TomTom or Navigon, which are almost invisible on the market. They are built on their own original platform, have their own OS and work with original navigation software and maps. The quality of the hardware and the stability of its operation are very high here, but the relevance of the cards and the speed of their updating are inferior to Russian developers. However, these devices do not allow the installation of additional navigation programs, since the OS here is closed.

Navigator screen

Today, the standard for navigators is a 5-inch display size, which is equipped with most devices with different functionality - “with traffic jams” and without. Screens with a diagonal of 4.3 are still present on the market, but are gradually becoming a thing of the past, as well as very small ones of 3.7 and 3.5 inches, which do not have support for traffic jams.

But lately there have been more and more models with 6- and 7-inch screens, but their number is still relatively small and in company lines they act as a product offering. As a rule, these are navigators without traffic jams, or with data loading via VT. The cost of such models is higher than 5-inch ones with the same characteristics, by approximately 1,500 - 2,000 rubles.

In terms of the display capacity of screens, displays with a resolution of 480 by 272 pixels, which is considered “standard,” and a resolution of 800 by 480 pixels, called “high,” are now common among 5-inch screens. With all other functionality being equal, you will have to pay about 1,500 rubles more for a screen with a “high” resolution.

The argument in favor of the 800 by 480 display is that it has less grain, which makes the icons in the menus and the display of maps more pleasing to the eye when navigating. Also this screen allows you to watch movies on your navigator in several best quality than standard.

But it’s worth keeping in mind that when running “your” navigation software on a device with an 800 by 480 screen, problems often arise - the program can be very slow, maps are drawn with long delays. With standard resolution displays of 480 by 272, this happens less often.

By the way, an important point when examining a navigator in a store. You should definitely enter the standard navigation program and “click” on various menu items to see how quickly the program works. The device most likely will not find GPS satellites indoors, but by how quickly program accounts are opened and closed, addresses are entered, and various functions are called up, you can most likely estimate how the software will continue to behave. And if navigation program It slows down noticeably, which means it makes sense to look at another device.

Multimedia in the navigator

Speaking of multimedia and utilities, we note that the set of functions on all navigators under Windows CE is almost identical and only slightly varies from device to device. This includes viewing photos, reading “books” in txt format, a video player, games, as well as a calculator and calendar. “Stripped-down” analogs of programs for “large” Windows can also be added - Word, Exel, Paint, Commander.

The multimedia capabilities and utilities are quite weak and you shouldn’t expect to use them seriously, like on a netbook or tablet. Separately, it is necessary to say about the “Internet” function, which is persistently included in the descriptions on boxes and price tags. The characteristics of the platform, coupled with the Explorer browser, do not allow working with modern sites, which is why Internet surfing on the navigator is impossible “by definition.”

Recently, navigators have appeared with a built-in analog TV receiver (incapacitated outside the city and while driving) and with a video camera capable of operating in recorder mode. Such devices do not support traffic jams, but their price is comparable to navigators equipped with a GPRS module. What is more necessary and interesting is a matter of personal preference.

• By what criteria to choose new car?
• What is better - the domestic auto industry or a foreign car?
• What engine size is best to choose a new car with?
• How to choose new car at a car showroom?
• What documents should you check before purchasing?

It is probably not easy to find a person who would not want to acquire a car in the near future or exchange it for a new one. Choosing a car is a purely personal process and depends on many factors: financial capabilities, intended use (commuting, long-distance travel or a farmer’s work car), someone’s recommendations, one’s own beliefs, etc. In this article we will talk about how to properly choose a new car that will suit your needs.

9 criteria for choosing a new car

• Purpose of purchase

The main thing (it’s the first thing) you need to decide on before choosing a new car is its purpose. Without this point, you should not take the next steps. All other stages of selection directly depend on where and how much you will travel, what and who you will transport. The next key question is the purchasing budget. Here you need to make an informed decision, taking into account your current financial situation and focusing on your real needs. After answering the basic questions, you can add personal preferences for the brand and model of the future vehicle. For an alternative, it is better to choose several options and study their characteristics in detail. This will make it easier to make the final decision.

• Domestic auto industry or foreign car

The classic example of a buyer of a brand new car is a yesterday's driving school graduate. Such a buyer, as a rule, chooses inexpensive options. The fear of damaging a car due to inexperience prevails over the student's driving course. This factor enhances and is far from best condition domestic roads. The first car may well be from the budget model range.

Therefore, the most correct answer to the question: which new car to choose will be a counter question about the driver’s experience.

Domestic car

There is a category of drivers who do not even consider buying a foreign car. Your decision to use the products exclusively domestic auto industry They explain it by the low cost, availability of spare parts and ease of repair. These factors form in them a unique version of automobile patriotism. There is common sense in such reasoning, since you will not need to bother with a list of the nearest service stations (as is the case with foreign cars) and spend considerable sums on ordering spare parts from abroad. Of course you have domestic cars mobiles some shortcomings caused by far from the best level of reliability and comfort. But you can adapt to these disadvantages and even enjoy driving.

Foreign car

A motorist’s decision to purchase a foreign car is influenced not only by appearance car, but also more interesting technical specifications. It is difficult for many domestic car models to compete in these parameters with the world leaders in the automotive industry. And the reliability of our cars is also not at the proper level. Foreign cars are, of course, more comfortable and practical, but in terms of adaptability to domestic roads, they do not always meet all the necessary requirements.

The advantages of foreign cars are obvious:

• better equipment;
• excellent workmanship;
• more long term services (without major repairs).

Although the cost of spare parts for them is slightly higher than for cars Russian production, but the likelihood of breakdowns is much lower. This means fewer calls to the repair shop and, accordingly, eliminates the difference in the cost of spare parts and consumables.

• Car dimensions

It will not be practical or convenient for city dwellers to drive along busy streets in a long executive car. In addition, such a colossus is more difficult to park, which is very important for novice drivers.

One of the most popular body types for city cars is the hatchback. If you don’t need a particularly large trunk volume, then in urban environments, where compactness and low fuel consumption are valued, a hatchback will be an excellent choice. And the cost of hatchbacks is somewhat cheaper than sedans.

The sedan body is already more versatile in areas of use. In addition to city modes, it can also be used for family trips out of town. A long wheelbase contributes to a more confident ride on the highway, where speed limit, as a rule, higher. But still, this is not a station wagon, because on low-quality roads the car feels “out of place.”

A station wagon is rightfully considered a real family option. Choosing a new (2018 year) car with this body type is a step towards convenience and practicality. You can comfortably transport even a large family in it, and the trunk can accommodate quite a lot of items. The station wagon is good both for the city and for trips to nature (or to the country).

If your activity or hobby involves frequent off-road travel, and even in any weather, then it’s just time for you to take a closer look at all-wheel drive station wagons. Excellent control of the road surface and good maneuverability are the main advantages of such cars.

Fans of large SUVs (jeeps) buy them, most often, as a status car, and not for completing rally stages. But status also has another side: significantly higher fuel consumption (about 15-17 liters per 100 km), more difficult maneuvering in narrow streets and parking lots.

There are a large number of car security systems. New developments appear almost every year. But the most important are still three components of any car that you should not skimp on:

• seat belts;
• airbags.

For beginners, it wouldn’t hurt to have an assistant like a parking sensor, which will help you park without damaging your own and neighboring cars.

• Automatic or manual transmission

An automatic transmission greatly simplifies the process of driving in dense city traffic. Constant stops at traffic lights, congestion and traffic jams make moving around the city not so pleasant. If you prefer comfort, what you should pay attention to before choosing a new car is the gearbox. Automatic transmission owners quickly get used to the convenient controls and rarely decide to return to cars with a manual transmission. But there are also ardent adherents of mechanics. Their arguments are based on the greater reliability of manual transmissions compared to automatic transmissions, and the ability to “rock” a car stuck in sand or snow. And such a parameter as fuel consumption is also not in favor of automatic machines. Although the difference, in practice, is small.

Another argument for mechanical enthusiasts is the better responsiveness of the manual transmission. This is more relevant for drivers who prefer extreme driving styles or for racers participating in competitions. Involved in mechanics human factor responsible for reaction and decision making. Every second matters here, which is why some drivers don’t even plan to switch to automatic transmission.

Each driver accepts values ​​that are close to him. But this is the 21st century, and if you are not a racing driver, you will feel much more comfortable driving a car with an automatic transmission.

• Engine size

With the question: how to choose a new car, advice on engine size from experienced motorists will flow like a river. But here it is important not to succumb to the authority of the adviser, but to calmly analyze: for what purposes the car will be used and how the engine size can affect its operation.

For cars that mainly move around the city, an engine with a volume of 1.2 to 1.6 liters is most often chosen. Power isn't particularly useful here. But if trips to the highway or out of town are planned more than once a week, then it’s worth taking a closer look at models with an engine from 1.8 to 2.5 liters. This power reserve will not interfere with overtaking and driving on uneven surfaces, and higher fuel consumption is offset by the absence of traffic lights and traffic jams. And the overall service life of large-capacity engines is longer than that of economical models.

It is better for novice drivers not to get hung up on “tuning” the car, filling it with expensive audio systems or advanced climate control systems. It would be better (and smarter) to spend the money saved on a set of tires from a trusted manufacturer and a car insurance policy. This approach will only increase your confidence while driving.

• Rear or front drive

Vehicles with front or all-wheel drive more controllable on roads with poor surfaces and have better cross-country ability in temporary off-road conditions. Therefore, for novice car enthusiasts, this option may be the most preferable.

• Car make

There are no clear answers to the question: which brand is better to choose a new car? Each well-known manufacturer is worthy of attention, but has its own pros and cons for each specific case. Japanese brands are known for their reliability, but in inexpensive models you can find the characteristic smell of cheap plastic. Models of German auto giants are capricious in maintenance and have a considerable price for spare parts. But this is compensated by exceptional reliability and comfort. French cars are exquisite both inside and out, although their prices are not always pleasing to the eye. American models are equipped with a suspension that is unique to them, expensive spare parts and engines that can run on 95-octane gasoline, but they also have insufficient sound insulation.

Having settled on the third option, it would not hurt to find out as much as possible about all the nuances of operation and the cost of components. For example, Citroen is famous for its expensive hydraulic suspension system with the ability to change ground clearance.

Therefore, the decision on how to choose a new car in terms of parameters and price should be made without haste, after weighing all possible options.

• Car color

• On credit or in cash

You can find out how to buy a new car on credit on the websites of official dealers. But you should think several times before making such an important decision. A car loan may be justified if you have a stable income and do not plan to soon other serious expenses. But the amount of overpayment for the entire period of using the loan can “sober” even the most avid dreamer. Available on the Internet online calculators many financial institutions issuing car loans. Even a simple calculation will show that you can overpay, sometimes by about 40% or more of the original cost of the car. The bank also strives to cover possible risks, and even make money on your desire, so paying out 1.5 or even 2 cars (by value) instead of one should not surprise you.

How to choose a new car in the showroom: step-by-step instructions

Deciding on the model and saving the necessary amount is only the first stage of buying a car. The next stage is, in fact, the purchase itself, and here several steps can be distinguished:

Step 1. Selecting a dealer

How to choose a new car in the showroom? The easiest (and no less reliable) way to purchase is to buy from official dealers. A list of such dealers can be found on the car manufacturer's website by selecting the appropriate region. It is important here not to fall for the bait of some entrepreneurs who pose as dealers, hiding behind a loud sign. If the list consists of several salons (which is important for large cities), then it makes sense to create your own list, taking into account all the conditions in each of them. These could be profitable promotions when purchasing or offers for further maintenance of the car. It will be good if you find reviews about the car dealerships you have chosen.

Step 2. Analyze prices

Recommended prices are indicated, as a rule, on all official websites and coincide with the price in showrooms. Finding your chosen car brand in the basic version will not be easy. Basically, cars with some additional functions are available in showrooms. This point applies not only to those who have chosen to buy a budget new car. It’s up to you to decide which one to choose: wait 2-3 months and get it in the configuration you need, or pay a little extra and pick up the car that’s in the showroom.

Step 3. Call the salon and check prices and availability of the desired brand

First, you should call the showrooms and find out if the make and model of the car you need is available. In addition to finding out availability, you will be able to weed out dealers who do not pay enough attention to serving potential buyers, which practically guarantees you unnecessary hassle in the next stages of the transaction and car maintenance. When communicating, try to find out all the points you are interested in: availability, price, equipment and order conditions. Clear answers to your questions and polite behavior from the employee are a good reason to write down his name in order to continue communication in the salon itself. The choice of manager also matters (more of a psychological plan), since when buying a car you will

Step 4. Select additional equipment

Before choosing a new car (up to 800 thousand rubles or more) with additional equipment, it is worth checking for authorization from the manufacturer of this equipment. This will allow you to maintain the warranty on your new car. We are not talking about minor additions, but about such cases as installing a towbar or a top rack (so that the car dealer does not have questions about the permissible load and the paint coating at the installation sites during servicing). The same applies to the installation of a complex alarm system that can interact with the car’s electronics.

Step 5. Conduct a test drive

An important part of buying a car is its test drive. No matter how happy you are with your virtual choice, in practice everything can change. If the dealer has at the moment There are no test samples of this or a similar model, then you should at least get behind the wheel and feel the car, the degree of comfort and compliance with your expectations. If after 20 minutes you begin to experience some discomfort, think about it.

Step 6. Bargain with the salon

Of course, you can imagine a situation where you found a car in the showroom in the color and configuration you wanted, but such cases are rare. Over the phone, you may be reassured that the car you are looking for is standing and waiting for you, but when you visit the showroom, it immediately becomes in the “just sold” category. You will immediately be offered “similar” options, which will have additional options and costs. Study these add-ons carefully so you don't overpay for something you won't need.

Here you can apply a proven method of demonstrating (albeit verbally) the amount of cash: “I have this much money in my pocket, I need this and this.” You will be able to find out the available options for the specified amount and equipment. And if the model is not in the popular cohort, then it makes sense to bargain. But you shouldn’t cling solely to the price if the discount is due to some defect in the car. This approach can only lead to dissatisfaction with the purchase in the future. It is better to fix all the agreed upon nuances in the contract, otherwise it will be difficult to prove anything later.

What to check before buying a new car at a car dealership

Let’s imagine that you have already agreed on everything and your car is already in the showroom.

• Despite the excitement, check the appearance of the car (for absence of damage) and compliance with the specified configuration.
• You should definitely check the warranty card, vehicle documents, certificates and licenses. The registration certificate must contain the date of registration and issue, as well as VIN number car. The invoice must contain information about the place and date of sale, terms of purchase and detailed description car. The details of the car dealership that made the sale must also be present.
• For the sake of increasing profits, car dealerships may “keep silent” on some features. This often concerns the year of manufacture of the car. At the beginning of the year, as a rule, prices for models from previous seasons go down, which they may simply “forget” to tell you about.
• Discuss all the points with the seller, starting from delivery dates and the seller’s responsibility for failure to meet these deadlines, to service(where, when and for what).

It is worth not forgetting about your rights, according to the Consumer Rights Protection Law; in case of unpleasant situations with breakdowns, you can receive full or partial compensation for costs. Although, it is better not to get into such situations.

• Do not forget to check the documents for installed equipment from third-party manufacturers (car radio, acoustics, security system etc.). Each such unit must have a separate set of documents (warranty cards, instructions, etc.).

After checking all the specified points, you can safely complete the transaction and pick up your car. As a result, you must receive the following documents along with the car:

• vehicle passport;
• purchase agreement;
• invoice;
• warranty card;
• service book with a stamp confirming the completion of pre-sale maintenance and the condition of the vehicle;
• instructions for use.

Since driving a car is prohibited without a compulsory motor liability insurance policy, it can be issued directly at the salon or by inviting your insurer in advance.

How to buy a new car and avoid scammers

Before choosing a new car, especially if you are not buying from a dealer, check it for cleanliness. Ideally, the seller should not be individual, but legal, otherwise there is a risk of purchasing a car that belongs to someone or is on credit.

Such cases occur quite often, so it is worth minimizing them: the purchase amount must be fully specified in the contract (this will protect you if someone challenges the legality of your transaction).

To save time (as an additional service), you can ask the dealer to handle all the legal aspects of the transaction, but still check everything yourself when signing the documents. This advice will be relevant at all stages of the transaction.

If you want to buy a car at the lowest price, it is better to do it from December to March, when car dealerships offer big discounts and promotions. The main thing is to find your car, and not buy what is offered. Even if the car is from last year or the year before, but according to favorable price, this option would be much preferable to buying new version, but with less complete set or with any defects. Another argument for buying last year’s models (especially those released in November-December) is that they are fully consistent with models that will be released later, but with a higher price tag.

Buying a car during promotional periods makes the most sense and can save a lot of money. In some cases, taking into account all the bonuses, the amount of savings can reach 200 thousand rubles.

And even if sold, models purchased as last year’s ones will cost the same in 3-4 years as analogues released a year later.

Don’t forget that once you leave the cabin, you will only have enough fuel to get to the nearest gas station.

Leave 10–15% for repairs and unexpected expenses. They will definitely be there, even if the car is a year old and under warranty. Otherwise, the family budget will quickly begin to collapse.

2. Don’t choose a car based on the principle of “something for 400,000 rubles”

Determine for yourself 2-3 models that you will look for. This will help you not to get scattered and make a rash decision based on emotions. Plus, you can study the selected models on the forums, find out what they are typical problems, maintenance periods and understand the intricacies. All this will make the search much easier.

3. Calculate the average price for the car you are interested in

Most accurately, this can be done manually, remembering fifth grade mathematics, or using the “Price Statistics” tab on the Avto.ru website. Knowing average price, it will be easier for you to think sensibly, bargain and not fall into the hands of scammers and resellers.

4. Don’t expect someone to sell a good car at a price below average

If a person urgently needs money, he sells the car through intermediaries and instantly receives money. All other cars that are sold at a reduced price are damaged or have legal problems. Or this ad is from scammers.

5. The first conclusions about the car can be drawn from the advertisement.

If it contains disgusting photographs and a two-line description like “All questions by phone,” “All maintenance is on time, the car is in perfect condition,” and so on, you don’t even have to call. In 95% of cases it is a reseller.

6. Talking on the phone gives a lot of information and saves time

Ask specific questions that cannot be answered generally. For example, which dealer did the car undergo maintenance? When last time did you change the oil? What's new in the car? Is the PTS original? How many owners are registered in the PTS? How long has a person owned a car with a title? Is the person you are talking to an owner or helping someone with a sale? Is there a service book, work orders and receipts? And so on.

7. Always check the documents before inspecting the machine

This can be done on the traffic police website or avtokod.mos.ru, if the car is from Moscow or the Moscow region. You can find out whether the car is pledged on the website of the Federal Notary Chamber.

8. Monitor new offers

The best cars sell in a few days or even hours. Therefore, if you want to get the maximum good car at the most attractive price, subscribe to updates on the model you are interested in in mobile applications Avito or Avto.ru and constantly monitor them.

9. When buying a car at a car dealership, carefully read all clauses of the contract

It should not take more than 5-6 pages. If they brought you a contract, then took it away and brought it again, read it again: there may be changes that are unfavorable for you. If you buy a car on credit, read the terms and conditions with triple attention. Unofficial dealers are very fond of including hidden fees in the price and charging a commission for refusing a deal.

10. To inspect the car, rent a thickness gauge

Look online to see what thickness of paint a particular car model should have, and measure it when inspecting it. True, the thickness gauge is not a panacea, since sometimes cars are painted specifically for the device or minor damage is repaired under CASCO.

You need to look to see if the gaps are the same on different sides of the car, if the paint is knocked off the bolts, if there are traces of paint on the seals and moldings, if the shagreen and paint tone on different parts are different, if the stampings fit together, if the headlights and windows are the same, if they are symmetrical tires are worn out.

11. Don't trust the odometer readings.

The best indication of a car's mileage is the condition of the interior: the driver's seat, steering wheel, armrest and gearshift lever.

12. When test driving, pay attention to all the little things

Check whether the steering wheel is level, whether the car is moving when accelerating and braking, whether something is knocking in the suspension, whether the air conditioning and electrical equipment are working.

13. Before purchasing, take the car to a service center

If you like the car in all respects and you have no doubts, before concluding a purchase and sale agreement, be sure to go to a service center and at least have the suspension diagnosed. Ideally, there would also be an electric motor. This will cost a maximum of a couple of thousand rubles, but will save you from buying a car in poor condition. In many cases, diagnostics allows us to identify those problems, due to which you can bargain well and certainly recoup its cost.

14. You can enter into a purchase and sale agreement and make changes to the PTS yourself

The main thing is that with one pen and one handwriting. It is better to transfer money to a pre-opened account through a bank cash desk. This will protect you from fakes and fraud.

Here it comes, a sad moment for the family budget, when it is necessary to buy a car battery. Your old one has already been subjected to . Systematic charger in the garage it becomes almost a weekly procedure. So, it's time to go to the auto store and make a difficult choice. car battery.

Criteria for choosing a car battery

When buying car batteries, the selection must be made according to the parameters that they must meet when used in your car. Here are the main parameters by which you need to select a car battery.

• electrical (nominal) capacity of the battery in A/h;
• meaning starting current Battery in A (i.e. this is the starter discharge current in engine starting mode);
• dimensions battery(must correspond to the standard mounting location on your car);
• battery weight.

For any car battery, selection and subsequent purchase begins with studying the owner's manual for your car. It contains all the main parameters and characteristics of the battery, specifically for your brand and model.

Therefore, when going to the store you must carry the Manual under your arm.

Tips for a car owner when choosing a car battery in a store

You haven’t forgotten that we came to the auto shop with the vehicle’s Operation Manual in order to be extremely precise when selecting the battery parameters you need.

• check the type and electrical characteristics of the battery (they must be no lower than those of the old battery. With the same capacity, the value of the starting current for the new battery is allowed to be higher, which will contribute to more reliable engine starting in the cold season)
• dimensions and mounting method (this is due to the fact that the battery different manufacturers, the terminals can be positioned differently, i.e. the opposite polarity and you simply may not have enough standard wire when installing the battery on a car);
• Next, choose: buy a dry-charged battery or one already filled and ready for use. If the matter is urgent, then naturally you need to take the completed one. There is another plus to this. The manufacturer, as a rule, fills the batteries with high-quality electrolyte.
  
• carefully inspect the battery case and cover for defects, the presence of labels with indicators, indicators and designations;
• If you are choosing a car battery with filler plugs, then you need to check the level and density of the electrolyte, and check the open circuit voltage at the poles. This is a serious matter, since you are choosing a battery for at least 3.5-4 years.