How to Check the Date of a Car Battery?
2 Answers
The production date of a car battery can usually be found on the top of the battery, indicated by numbers such as 26.08.16, which means it was produced on August 26, 2016. Interpreting the car battery code, using the model 6-QAW-54a as an example: 6 indicates that the battery consists of 6 single cells, each with 2V, resulting in a rated voltage of 12V. Q indicates the battery's purpose, where Q stands for automotive starting battery. M is for motorcycle batteries, JC for marine batteries, HK for aviation batteries, D for electric vehicle batteries, and F for valve-regulated batteries. A and W indicate the type of battery. A stands for dry-charged battery, W for maintenance-free battery. If not labeled, it indicates a standard battery. 54 indicates the battery's rated capacity is 54Ah. The subscript 'a' indicates the first improvement to the original product, 'b' the second improvement, and so on.
I only realized how important it is to check the date after my car battery suddenly died. The method is simple: open the hood and locate the battery. There’s usually a small label or embossed code on the side or top. Different brands have different coding systems. For example, ACDelco uses letters to indicate the year—'A' stands for 2010—followed by numbers 1 to 12 representing the month, so 'A5' means May 2010. Other brands like Bosch might have a dot system, where the position of the dots corresponds to the year and month. You’ll need a small flashlight and crouch down to get a closer look—wipe off any dust on the label for clarity. The date helps you estimate the battery’s age; it should be replaced every 3 to 5 years to avoid getting stranded. Batteries are especially prone to failure in winter, so I check mine every autumn and winter and note it in the manual. Searching online for the brand’s decoding chart can help confirm the date. Developing this habit saves money, hassle, and ensures a safe trip home.
