The answers to our most common car battery related questions.
Battery FAQs
1. What areas do NRMA batteries service?
We service metropolitan Sydney, as well as Wollongong, Canberra, Newcastle and throughout NSW and the ACT– via our country service centre network.
2. How quickly can NRMA replace my battery?
In most cases we’ll be there within the hour, depending on traffic, 24/7. Then we’ll test your battery and have you moving again in no time.
3. Are NRMA batteries expensive?
No. Our batteries are competitively priced, with Members enjoying free delivery and installation across NSW and the ACT. We’ll recommend the best course of action based on the battery test, and replace your car battery only if required.
We’ll also take your old battery away for recycling, free of charge.
4. Do NRMA batteries come with a warranty?
Yes. Our batteries are produced to exacting standards. Then tested and proven to stringent quality control standards. This is why all our battery products carry a nationwide warranty up to 36 months for a vehicle that is used for private purposes. There is a 6 month nationwide warranty for vehicles that are used as a taxi and a 3 month warranty for courier purpose vehicles. For full warranty terms and conditions please see here.
5. What is a deep cycle battery?
Deep cycle batteries are designed to be discharged over many cycles (discharged and recharged = one cycle) without effecting the battery life as they generally have thicker plates to reduce plate buckling. They are common in motor homes, caravans, marine and fork lifts and are rated in Amp Hours.
6. What is a calcium battery?
A calcium component is added to both the positive and negative plates; this reduces water loss through gassing and allows the container to be fully sealed and maintenance free. More and more modern cars are using these types of batteries to combat higher power demands by the vehicle as they are less likely to be effected by extreme heat and higher charge rates.
7. What is a sealed battery?
This means the battery is fully sealed during manufacture and doesn't have provision to add distilled water to the cells. Most Calcium/Calcium batteries are fully sealed and are "maintenance free" with minimal or reduced fluid loss due to gassing. The fluid level under normal conditions will last for the life cycle of the battery.
8. What does CCA mean?
CCA stands for Cold Cranking Amps and is the recognised industry standard for rating a battery's performance. The number of plates was once used as the measure for rating batteries, however, now CCA is used and the higher the CCA the more powerful the battery. The more accessories and power consumers the vehicle has then a higher CCA is recommended.
9. Does the NRMA make batteries for trucks?
Yes. We have a large range of truck batteries from small trucks right up to large articulated lorries.
10. Does NRMA have a battery suitable for my SUV?
Yes. We have a wide range of batteries to suit most recreation vehicles from small to large SUVs.
11. My car won't start - how do I know if I need an alternator or starter motor?
In most cases if the battery charge light has been coming on while driving this would indicate an issue with the alternator. If your vehicle is having trouble turning over and the battery is in good condition this could indicate an issue with the starter motor. These can be checked by one of our batteries mobile technicians and, where available, a car electrics service can be organised.
See information on alternators or starter motors or call us on 13 11 22.
