Your car battery is a vital part of your vehicle that provides power to the ignition system, onboard computer, lights, and much more. Car batteries also do not last forever, and you will need to change the battery periodically.
Many motorists are unaware that there are different types of car batteries, so you need to know how to find the right one to meet your vehicle’s needs.
Why Car Batteries are Important
If your battery runs flat, then you will not be going anywhere. Even though it is possible to charge your car battery, this will not be a long-term solution as they will gradually find it harder to maintain a full charge and, at this stage, you will need to buy a car battery to replace your dead or dying one.
Types of Car Batteries
Wet cell car batteries are a type of lead acid battery with a liquid electrolyte, which means that they can be recharged (this happens when the engine is running). The water in the solution can evaporate, so you need to check on the fluid level and top up as required.
There are also two versions of this type of battery; SLI (starting, lighting, ignition) starts the car with a short burst of energy and then uses an alternator to keep the power running (this is the most common type). Deep cycle batteries are another type of wet cell that can last longer.
VRLA batteries are the other main type of battery, and these are sealed and do not vent gas, which means that they are ideal for small areas. The gel cell variation uses a gel electrolyte and is highly resistant. The AGM variation works with the electrolyte being held in glass mats so the battery acid cannot spill.
How to Maintain the Battery
Beyond understanding what battery you have and how it works, you also need to know how to maintain the battery to increase its lifespan and avoid any issues behind the wheel. You should perform a check-up every 6 months, which will include cleaning the battery, tightening loose cables, and using a voltmeter and battery tester to check the performance.
Remember, it is important that motorists understand car batteries and know what battery they need for their car as well as how they can maintain this battery over the years.
