Types of Car Batteries

Car batteries play a major role in running your vehicle smoothly. There are different types of car batteries. While car batteries may appear to be insignificant, they perform really important functions like starting your car, providing power to the infotainment system, and headlights. Do you get the idea? The batteries get charged themselves when the engine is running. So taking care of batteries is rather easy. However, most of the time we neglect this important part of the car. This may result in many failures and car breakdowns. Thus, it is advised to check the car batteries every few months. 

Understanding your car engine and the battery is the first step in knowing how to take care of your car. And to know more about them we will take a look at their various types. 

Different types of car batteries

Few most common types of car batteries are as follows:

1. SLI Car batteries

It is the most commonly used battery in cars and performs the function of starting the engine, powering the headlights, and ignition. This type of battery is very easily available. In this, the time for the battery to charge and then discharge is fairly less. In addition to this, the battery is quite cheap. SLI batteries have 6 galvanic cells connected in a series circuit which provides a voltage of 12-volts. Further, each cell of the SLI battery provides 2.1 volts and gives a total output of about 12.6 volts at full charge. It is a rechargeable battery that can work well at a wide range of temperatures, has a low internal resistance, and high current discharge.

2. Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) Car Batteries

This is one of the most underrated batteries. It is also very easily available. However, it is a little more expensive than the old battery type. Li-ion batteries have become famous in the last few years. As compared to other batteries the Li-ion battery offers almost ten times the storage density of a lead-acid battery. Another plus point is that these batteries weigh less than old car batteries of the same power. The life span of the battery is about 5-10 years. In addition to this, it gives high voltage, is durable, and is easily rechargeable.   

3. Lead Acid Batteries

Remember when the fun science practicals involved lead acetate and vinegar? These batteries work on the same lines. Lead-acid types are the batteries with the lowest maintenance. Unlike the other batteries, Lead-acid Batteries do not leak. These batteries come in sealed packaging. Hence you cannot service these batteries. We can only change lead-acid batteries and we throw out the drained ones. Lead-acid batteries also work in short bursts to provide power to the starter batteries. They are also very cheap and are easily available.       

4. Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) Car Batteries     

In design, VRLA batteries are very different. They are low-maintenance and are not spilled when moved or tilted over. Further, they do not require the regular addition of water to the battery cells like other car batteries. 

There are two common types of Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid battery: Absorption Glass Mat (AGM) and Gel Cell Batteries.     

1. Absorption Glass Mat Car Batteries

The AGM batteries have a scope of supporting high electrical energy demands. This makes these batteries very useful in heavy vehicles. It also charges very fast and has three times more power production. Automatic start-stop cars have such batteries. Even though they are very powerful, they are not widely used. It is due to the fact that these are very expensive. They cost 40%-100% more than old conventional batteries.     

2.  Gel Cell Batteries

These batteries do not spill. In other words, the acids and fluids do not leak from this battery. These types of car batteries are also known as dry cell batteries. They have gel patches instead of fluids. Furthermore, these batteries have a longer life than conventional batteries. However, they also are more expensive. The design of these batteries is shock-resistant. Because these batteries do not leak, they are widely accepted. But they are very expensive and because of that, they sometimes fall short in the market.     

These batteries do not spill. In other words, the acids and fluids do not leak from this battery. They are also known as dry cell batteries. They have gel patches instead of fluids. These batteries have a longer life than conventional batteries. However, they also are more expensive. The design of these batteries is shock-resistant. Because these batteries do not leak, they are widely accepted. But they are very expensive and because of that, they sometimes fall short in the market.

5. Wet Cell Car Batteries  

Wet cell batteries are also known as flooded batteries. These types of car batteries have a fluid called an electrolyte. These can be easily re-charged because of the presence of that fluid. The fluid basically helps in providing ions to produce power. These can charge from the car’s alternator. However, you need to make sure that the car is on while charging. With regular maintenance, wet cell batteries can be very useful. On the other hand, these batteries are prone to leakage. Thus, their maintenance is very tedious. Even so, wet cell batteries are quite cheap and easily available.

When to change car batteries?

Now, the question arises, when should you change your car battery, or maybe, how would you know when your battery is drained out?

The answer lies in the question itself. The main indication that your car battery needs attention is a car breakdown. In other words, if your car stops moving all of a sudden or does not start, it means that the car battery is on the verge of expiring. 

Some signs that indicate when you should change your car batteries are:

• When the engine does not start instantly and takes time to start or doesn’t even start. The battery cannot produce enough power to even start the car.
• While switching the ignition on, the dash light flickers or is dimmer than usual.
• The engine suddenly turns off.
• The power windows move at a slower speed than normal.
• The headlights are dimmer than usual.
• Modern cars have a battery warning light which shows when the car battery is draining or is too low.

Conclusion

These are the different types of car batteries but you also need to look at the specifications that suit your needs while buying a car battery. You can refer to your owner’s manual to understand the size and type of car battery which will serve you well for a long time with little or no maintenance at all. 

If you have any more queries about car battery or car maintenance, contact AutoFlipz and get your vehicle checked by experts. We provide free pick-up and drop-off service and you can track the progress of maintenance services online through the AutoFlipz app.