Despite knowing about the BCI car battery size, it is essential for you to find out the other unique traits in the different types of car batteries. Because car batteries vary in so many characteristics such as
- Purpose the car battery serves most in different vehicle models. For example, starting, deep cycle and dual-purpose.
- Car battery sell type. For example, AGM, Gel cell or flooded cell.
- Battery chemical composition. For example, lead-acid, NiCd, NiMH, lithium amongst others.
Now, don’t worry if all these terms sound new to you. We are about to to explain everything you need to know about these different types of car batteries.
The most common misconception is that the car battery size dimensions is relative to the power it holds. In fact, most car owners have no idea about what type of car battery is in their car. Though once the car battery breaks down, they would like to get the best type of battery suitable for their vehicle.
There are a number of considerations when choosing which battery is suitable for you. For example, the car ignition set-up will determine power out-put requirements for the battery you choose.
Some of the other most common considerations when selecting a car battery will include
- Number of terminals and their height.
- BCI Group battery size.
- The car battery maintenance. Because some Lead-acid batteries are sealed off while older ones can be refilled.
- The Battery’s housing material.
- Its configuration for power acceptance and durability.
In today’s article we will examine the type and orientation of the car battery.
1. Absorbed Glass Mat [AGM]
This car battery is a variation of the Lead-acid battery.
What a terrible way to start!
Anyway, we will define the lead-acid car battery later. Meanwhile, the AGM is the most recent type of car battery.
It is lead free meaning that it doesn’t have the free-floating electrolytes around the battery like the Lead-acid battery. Alternatively, instead of the lead-acid chemical composition, the AGM has mats of fiberglass containing electrolytes.
Most manufacturers are going for this type of car battery because of some of the advantages the AGM offers.
Advantages of the AGM type of car battery.
Omitting the lead acid makes the battery less heavier in comparison to the other types. This reduces the weight on engines hence contributing to better vehicle fuel economy. Further, the lightness makes installation easier and more effective.
Secondly, it delivers a higher amount of electric current which makes it most suitable car battery for the start-stop vehicle ignition set-up. The fiberglass and electrolytes AGM battery specifications reacts faster to deliver higher electric current.
The AGM battery is able to hold charge for longer periods while powering the car accessories even as the engine is shut off. This is one of the reasons it is a current favorite for vehicle manufacturers.
Once it is completely drained, the AGM is able to bounce back after a recharge faster than the other batteries.
Disadvantages of the AGM battery.
It is highly costly due to the many advantages it possesses. Hence the reason why you find it in high end modern vehicles.
Manufacturers take advantage of its light weight and install it in other areas of the vehicle rather than under the hood. This makes it hard to access incase of failure of the car’s electric system.
2. Lead-acid car battery.
They are the most common car batteries and you will find them in most vehicles.
Don’t let their name fool you!
Lead-acid batteries are not actually made of lead. They get their name from the materials that make up that plates inside the battery housing. The material that makes up the plates is lead.
Further, the lead plates are surrounded by sulfuric acid which reacts together to produce electrolytes. The plates act as two electrodes for the purpose of electrochemical reactions. Hence enabling the production of electric current.
This electric current goes into the process of powering car start-up, accessories and lighting.
Advantages of Lead-acid car batteries.
They are able to withstand shallow charge cycles. Meaning that they put less strain on the engine’s alternator belt. Further, it means that they charge at a faster rate.
They are more affordable that the AMG battery. Additionally, this affordability makes them readily available in the market.
Disadvantages of Lead-acid car battery.
Though they are able to charge faster, they are susceptible to faster drain and charge depletion. This is incase the alternator belt is faulty or when you use them without running the engine.
The battery lifespan is generally shorter. That is 2 years at most. Hence requiring frequent replacements in comparison to other car batteries.
Further, if they are left without being used for a long time, the charge they contain may run out. Which means that you will require to jump start the vehicle when you need to drive off.
3. Valve regulated lead-acid [VRLA] battery.
The VRLA car battery is usually sealed rather than vented. Meaning that it is rechargeable without emitting flammable hydrogen gas.
A unique battery specification for these batteries is the valve that regulates the amount of oxygen being released into the cells.
Incase of a puncture during charging, this valve minimizes the chance of a thermal runaway. Meaning that the battery maintains its power regardless of the puncture.
However the puncture will require immediate repair in order for the battery to operate well. In order to avoid these repair costs, you should ensure that the battery valves are in a good condition.
4. Enhanced flooded battery [EFB].
Usually created as an improvement of the lead-acid car battery. They are a lower tier version of the AGM battery in relation to durability and performance.
Their constituents include water, lead plates, sulfuric acid and carbon additives in the plates. These carbon additives on the lead plates make them different from the wet cell batteries.
Further, their features are inclusive of recombinant lid technology, glass mat separators and higher pack pressures to facilitate improved cyclic lifespan.
Advantages of EFB car batteries.
It’s design allows for abrupt supply of electric current demands by the engine. Hence making these batteries more suitable for engines that have the start-stop engine technology.
Secondly, EFB batteries are extremely durable for the longer than the lead-acid battery. Meaning that you will not experience a loss in charge if you stay for sometime without using it.
5. Lithium-Ion batteries [li-Ion].
They are a common installation in electric and hybrid vehicles. They use the reversible reduction of lithium ions to store energy.
Though they have the lithium metal name, they don’t have any lithium metal. Instead, they are made up of ions. An Ion is a molecule or an atom with electric charge that is caused by the loss or gain of electrons.
Advantages of Li-Ion batteries.
They have higher energy holding capacity because they exhibit low energy emission of the charge they contain. Meaning that they are able to stay with the charge for long periods. Even when you leave them without recharging.
They have a longer life span in comparison to other batteries. Because they don’t deplete charge as well as their quality stays intact.
Thirdly, Li-Ion battery can store more electric charger per volume. Further, it maintains the charge voltage through out its lifespan.