Batteries are critical for everyday living – from cellphones and laptops to forklifts at distribution centers, our children’s school buses, solar-powered homes with battery backup, and cellphone towers’ and hospitals’ emergency generators.

The wrong battery warranty puts you at risk if there’s a problem. This article will arm you to get the coverage and support you need.

What “bargain” battery manufacturers don’t tell you could cost you thousands in early failure and a fortune in downtime and reputational damage. Unless you know what to look for: When battery companies engineer and manufacture batteries’ internal components to last, you get a longer life and better ROI. But most battery cases look the same.

Your battery manufacturer’s support shouldn’t end when you sign on the dotted line. So what should you expect from your battery manufacturer after you buy a battery?