When it comes to car batteries, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Several things need to be considered before making a new battery purchase. But if car batteries are not universal, how do you know which battery is best for your car, truck, or SUV? Learn what types of vehicle batteries exist and the most important factors when choosing a car battery to help you find the right battery for your vehicle.
Different Types of Car Batteries
Although the main function of a car battery is to start the car (except for electric/hybrid vehicle batteries, which keep it running), not all batteries are made exactly the same way! Just like vehicle models and versions, batteries come in different types and “levels” – varying in size, power, and features.
Flooded Lead-Acid Battery
A flooded lead-acid battery, also called a wet cell battery, is the most commonly installed type of battery in modern vehicles. Flooded lead-acid batteries are relatively affordable and easy to find. They can be recharged easily and can also operate in many types of climates.
However, a lead-acid battery may have a shorter lifespan than its higher-performing counterparts, especially in extreme heat and cold conditions. Additionally, as its name suggests, flooded lead-acid batteries are literally filled with liquid – an electrolyte solution (aka battery acid). This means that wet cell batteries must be kept upright, which limits their use in certain vehicles. Furthermore, the “liquid” nature of the battery acid inside them makes them more prone to leaks and resulting corrosion, which may require maintenance.
There are two more specific classifications within the broader category of wet cell batteries – SLI (short for Starting, Lighting, and Ignition batteries) and Deep Cycle batteries.
SLI Battery
SLI batteries are designed to provide the short but powerful energy discharge needed to start the engine of most non-electric passenger cars. Although SLI batteries can help power electronic accessories, they are not intended for long-term power supply, as the alternator remains charged. Using your SLI battery to power car accessories while the engine is not running can deplete its charge and shorten its overall lifespan.
Deep Cycle Battery
On the other hand, deep cycle batteries offer a dual punch – they can provide the necessary surge to start an engine or supply a constant flow of energy over a continuous period. Deep cycle batteries are often found in recreational vehicles and boats, which often require electrical power when the engine is not running.
Valve Regulated Lead-Acid Battery
Another type of battery is a Valve Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) battery. This type of car battery generally requires less maintenance than the standard flooded lead-acid battery because it is sealed. There are two types of VRLA batteries: gel cell and absorbed glass mat.
Gel Battery
Gel batteries contain a gel solution as opposed to a liquid solution inside the battery. And while these batteries function like flooded lead-acid batteries, they are much more durable. These batteries have higher resistance to heat, physical shock, and fluid evaporation, allowing them to last longer in many cases.
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Battery
Absorbed glass mat batteries use glass mats to hold the electrolyte fluid inside the battery, as opposed to the fluid freely flooding the plates inside the battery. Absorbed glass mat batteries function like flooded lead-acid batteries. However, since these batteries are sealed, there is little risk of battery acid spillage.
Electric Vehicle Batteries
As eco-friendly cars become more common, it is essential to recognize the importance of specialized electric vehicle batteries, or EVBs. Most electric vehicles currently on the market are equipped with lithium-ion batteries, which can be very expensive, making them inaccessible to some consumers.
Cost and performance are currently two of the most important factors to consider in an ever-changing world. Engineers and designers are looking for new ways to create a battery that lasts as long as possible while offering a more cost-effective solution.
Different Car Battery Group Sizes
Like your favorite pair of jeans, the right car battery (whether it’s an AGM or an SLI) should fit your car perfectly – and that’s where battery sizes, officially called “group sizes,” come into play!
The group size of a car battery is determined by its length, width, and height. The correct battery group size for your car can usually be found in your owner’s manual or by using our car battery search tool.
Different Types of Car Battery Terminals
It is also important to note that some vehicle models and years require batteries with different types of terminals and configurations. Terminals connect the battery to the car. The most common terminal types found on vehicles today include SAE, JIS, and L terminals.
SAE terminals are cylindrical in shape. In terms of size, the positive post is usually larger than the negative one. On the other hand, JIS terminals are smaller and thinner, hence their nickname “pencil posts.” Like SAE terminals, the positive terminal is larger than the negative terminal in JIS terminals.
Finally, L terminals, which are mainly found in European brands and other types of vehicles (such as lawnmowers, for example), look like small L-shaped brackets. The vertical end of L terminals usually has a hole in the middle where the battery cables can be bolted on.
Additionally, some vehicle makes and models require different terminal configurations – top post or side post. As their names suggest, this refers to the location of the terminals relative to the battery. For proper installation, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s specifications and ensure that all battery cables can easily connect to their respective terminals.
Different Car Battery Cold Cranking Amps
Have you ever noticed that your engine takes a bit longer to turn over on cold winter mornings? You’re not alone! It’s not uncommon for batteries to have a “harder time” getting engines started when operating in extreme temperatures. That’s why the Battery Council International established a standard unit to measure, report, and compare each battery’s ability to provide power at freezing temperatures. This standard battery measurement unit is known as CCA – cold cranking amps.
However, CCA is still a valuable measurement for your battery purchasing decisions, especially if you live in a particularly cold climate. When deciding which battery to buy for your car, a good rule of thumb is to always get one that meets or exceeds your manufacturer’s CCA recommendations.
How to Choose the Best Battery for My Car?
Choosing the right battery for your vehicle is an essential form of maintenance that can help it run longer and more easily. If you’re looking for the best battery for your car, the initial cost is undoubtedly a factor, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you consider.
Remember:
- Your Manufacturer’s Recommendations: Checking the manufacturer’s recommended service information to help you find the right battery for your car is perhaps the most critical factor in your battery purchasing decision. The manufacturer knows your car best – they built it!
- Your Primary Purpose for the Vehicle: If you use your vehicle for particularly demanding tasks, such as frequently taking short trips or carrying heavy loads, you might benefit from a more performance-oriented battery.
- Your Local Climate: If you drive in an area with particularly harsh winters, check that the replacement battery you get meets at least the minimum cold cranking amp requirements for your environment.
- Your Vehicle’s Electrical Accessories and Features: Cars with more electronic features, such as automatic start-stop and heated seats, may require AGM batteries.