It's important to have your battery checked regularly by the professionals at your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership so they can spot battery troubles before they become serious. If your battery is dead and you're stranded, you won't have the luxury of getting it serviced when it's convenient.

Spotting Symptoms of Battery Failure

Your battery may be worn or damaged if you notice any of the following:

• Corrosion or damage to the battery cables or terminals
• Worn drive belts
• Battery is bulging or deformed
• Battery cables or terminals feel loose
• Battery is able to wiggle or move in its mounting
• Consistent charging or electrical system problems
• Trouble or difficulty getting your engine to start

If any of these symptoms occur, you should get your battery tested at your local Ford or Lincoln Mercury Dealership immediately.

Choosing a New Battery

If your vehicle needs a new battery, the service experts at your local Ford or Lincoln Mercury Dealership will help you choose the battery that's right for you. For example, if you live in a cold weather climate, they'll help you choose a battery that won't have trouble starting in the winter.

Consider these factors when purchasing a battery:

• Battery Group Size—This is the physical size of the battery. Check your owner's guide to find the battery group sizes that will fit in your vehicle.
• Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)—CCA determines how well your battery will supply ample power for 30 seconds at a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit. In general, you should use the number recommended by your owner's guide or the CCA of the battery that was originally installed on your vehicle. Be wary of batteries that only display hot cranking amps (HCA) or cranking amps (CA). These batteries might not be as powerful as you think and may not perform when the temperature drops.
• Reserve Capacity (RC)—RC measures how many minutes the battery can supply power before falling below the minimum voltage level after the alternator has failed. In general, the higher the number, the better. This is an important factor to consider if you'll be operating electrical equipment on your vehicle while the engine is off.
• Battery Date Code—Be sure to ask the dealership for the "freshest" battery possible. A battery that's been on the shelf for an extended period can lose some of its charge, and might not perform the first time it's started. If you do get a battery that's been on the shelf for a long time, it usually regains its full potential and long-term performance by being charged in the vehicle or with an external charger.
• Warranty—Make sure you're comfortable with the warranty. Look at how long the free replacement period is and if there is any coverage on a pro-rated basis beyond that point. Ford and Lincoln Mercury Dealerships carry Motorcraft® batteries, Ford Motor Company's recommended battery for your vehicle. Motorcraft® batteries have an excellent warranty and come with free towing. Complete details are available at the Dealership.
• Original equipment vs. aftermarket.

Schedule Battery Service

To schedule battery service at your local dealership, use the Dealer Directory.