When you are getting late for office and your car does not start, you realize how a dysfunctional car battery can create problems for you. A flat battery can ruin your dinner plans if you cannot repair it on your own. Hence, the importance of a car battery. The most important part of the car’s engine, a battery gets the car running. Usually, a battery is either ‘flooded’ or ‘wet’ type. While flooded batteries are made up of lead plates and are maintenance free, wet batteries are comparatively cheap and completely hassle-free.
How to buy a car battery?
The life of a car battery depends on its proper usage, however, a well-maintained one can last up to five years. You should be careful and check your battery on a timely basis if it does not work even after charging. Also, do not start a car if your battery is leaking, has a cracked casing and its end walls are swollen. These are the indications to replace the battery. While doing so, you should keep a few things in mind.
-Make sure to purchase a new car battery of the appropriate size and design as per your vehicle’s make. Too small a battery can affect the functioning of your car. Similarly, the design of the battery is equally important to ensure that it will fit in your car.
-While buying a car battery, you have to be careful of the temperature you drive in. The hotter the temperature, the more strain your battery has to go through. For such cases, get a high-performance battery.
-Always make sure you get a car battery with a shelf life of six months or less. Check the manufacturer code (indicates month and year) on the battery cover before buying.
-It is advisable to get the car battery installed at the store for proper installation. Professionals can install it properly while saving you time and stress.
Top car battery brands to buy
Optima
One of the most reliable brands in car batteries, Optima has impressive starting power to start a car. Although they are expensive, these batteries have the longest lifespan and are known to work in extreme temperatures. Available in three different types – RedTop, Yellow Top, and BlueTop, Optima is perfect for SUVs, trucks, and other heavy vehicles.
DieHard
Marketed by Sears, DieHard batteries are considered as powerful and premium batteries. With a lifespan longer than other car batteries, DieHard can withstand drastic weather conditions. Ideal for famous brands such as BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes, these batteries provide a maintenance-free solution.
Duralast
Duralast batteries are budget-friendly car batteries with excellent performance and longer life. Available only at AutoZone stores, these batteries work exceptionally well even in extreme conditions. The Duralast Gold battery is engineered with extra grids and plates to give your car maximum starting power, even in freezing temperatures.
Exide
Exide car batteries have created a benchmark in the automotive batteries market with its superior performance and easy installation. Other than four-wheelers, Exide also manufactures batteries for three-wheelers, two-wheelers, and e-rickshaws. Its SureLife Graphite Technology promises hassle-free and quick charging even when the battery is fully discharged. Capable of delivering the best even at low temperatures, these batteries can work flawlessly in stop-and-go traffic.
ACDelco
ACDelco is one of the best car batteries that have surpassed all the quality parameters. With zero maintenance and excellent performance, these batteries will last longer than your car. Quite affordable and with a great warranty, ACDelco is the best in the automotive battery business. Get it installed and drive smoothly for years.
Odyssey
Odyssey PC680 car battery provides a fantastic service life, faster recharge time, and 80% longer life cycle than most conventional batteries. It features vibration resistance that protects against the shock while increasing the lifespan of the battery. It can also withstand extreme climatic conditions.
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Here’s how to get a no fee prepaid debit card
Read moreWhat’s a prepaid debit card? You’ve heard of debit cards and credit cards, but this is different. This card can help you stick to a budget and limit your spending.
Prepaid Debit Card
A credit card offers you access to credit that you can pay back later. A regular debit card gives you access to all the money in your checking account. A prepaid debit card is funded by money you load onto the card through a variety of means. You can only spend the amount that is loaded on the card. A prepaid debit card is not linked to a bank account.
Prepaid Debit Cards and Fees
Prepaid debit cards can involve different fees. There’s an activation fee, monthly fee, card loading fee, cash withdrawal fee, and fee for withdrawal at out of network ATMs. Look for cards with a minimal number of fees, a large network of ATMs, and cash loading centers. Most cards don’t charge for purchases. But there are some that do.
No Fee Prepaid Card?
If you get a prepaid card that doesn’t charge a regular fee, it might end up costing you more in charges for cash withdrawals or when you load cash to the card. There is generally an activation fee on most cards. Look for cards with monthly fees that help you avoid transaction fees for cash loading, purchase, or cash withdrawal.
With a lot of cards, monthly fees can be waived if you load cash through direct debit. The fee may also be waived if you load at least $750 or more. Check the terms and choose according to your usage.
Most of these cards are from issuers who have a large network of ATMs and partner shops. These are places where you can load cash for free. But there’s always the option to load cash through direct debit.
Some prepaid debit cards have a savings facility. You can set aside some money that you load into the card in a savings section. This can’t be accessed when you’re trying to withdraw or make a purchase. The bonus of this is that you can earn interest on the money that you’re locking in. But there are only a few cards that have this facility.
Many prepaid debit cards come with usage tracking facilities. Expenses can be separated into different categories and you can track how the money is spent.
There’s also a Cash Back prepaid debit card, the only one of its kind, the American Express Serve Cash Back. This card gives you 1% cashback on all purchases. It also comes with purchase protection.
Why Use Prepaid Debit Cards?
If you don’t have a good financial record and thus, can’t get a credit card, you can use prepaid debit cards for cash-free transactions.
There is no credit check for these cards.
You can learn to budget your expenses.
You can create savings without having to create a bank account. Look for cards that pay an interest on the amount in the savings section.
Go to card comparison websites and find reviews of the best prepaid debit cards. Choose the card that’s the best fit for you. -
Countries that are popular for their MBA programs
Read moreA growing number of students have come to realize the importance of having an MBA degree. MBA programs have become one of the most sought-after courses not only by fresh just-out-of-school individuals but also by working professionals.
If you are looking to pursue an MBA program through a foreign university then you are on the right track as it gives you more than basic business knowledge. Students gain a better practical understanding of the business world, are exposed to the bigger things, and more. However, it is also vital to have a keen interest in choosing the best universities offering MBA programs. If you are confused about the countries that are popular for offering the best MBA programs, here are the following:
Canada – Canada houses the best universities and schools that one can pursue their MBA program through. In the recent years, this is one of the destinations that is growing be popular for its business education that transcends beyond just good academics. With institutions such as the Alberta School of Business, Ivey Business School, Saint John Faculty of Business, and many more prestigious schools, students can choose from the best MBA programs.
Spain – Spain has managed to earn itself a notable place on the world map for hosting some top MBA programs. Even with a small population, the country has managed to boom business education and attract a large population of overseas students every year. Some of the best schools that offer MBA programs are located in the country’s capital, that is Madrid.
Singapore – Singapore is yet another country that has grown into a big name in the area of business and management studies. Considered to be one of the safest places in the world for students, it is a great destination to complete your MBA program. One can pick from universities and schools that include INSEAD Singapore, NUS Business School, University of Liverpool, and several other notable institutions.
Although these destinations are great and well-known for their MBA programs, the United States of America is home to numerous prestigious universities that offer MBA programs. Pursuing an MBA from the country itself is a great way of building a strong educational base.