Choosing the Right Battery for Your Car: A Guide to Ensure Reliable Performance
It’s the worst. Getting out to your car on a cold morning, turning the key but nothing happens. Or you hear it crank but the engine just won’t turn over. Your first thought is the battery. Will a jump-start work or is it time for a new battery? If it’s a new battery, you’ll likely be wondering what kind to get. The type of battery that is best for your car will depend on the make and model, as well as your needs and driving habits. Keep in mind the engine size of your vehicle, what you will be carrying, and the climate in which you will be using your vehicle. It’s always a good idea to check your vehicle owner’s manual or with a reputable auto parts dealer for guidance. There are several different types of batteries to choose from.
1. Lead-Acid batteries are the most common type. They use a combination of lead plates and sulfuric acid to generate electricity. These batteries are the most cost-effective and typically last 3-5 years. They will have an expiration date on them that you will want to check when you purchase the battery. This will give a pretty accurate idea of how long the battery will last.
2. The next option is AGM, or Absorbed Glass Mat, batteries. The difference between these and Lead-Acid batteries is that instead of lead plates, they use fiberglass mats inside. These allow the batteries to last longer than traditional batteries, as well as have less wear and tear. AGM batteries are going to cost more than Lead-Acid batteries; however, you will be able to go much longer before having to replace them.
3. If you have a Hybrid or Electric car, chances are your car came with either a Nickel Metal Hydride Battery or a Lithium-Ion one. These batteries are the most efficient in providing power for longer periods of time. They have a higher energy density which means they can store more energy than traditional batteries and come in a smaller and lighter package.
4. Calcium-Calcium batteries are similar to Lead-Acid batteries, but they use calcium alloy in the grid to reduce water loss and extend the battery life. These batteries are great because they are less likely to be affected by extreme weather conditions and can charge at higher rates. There is a downside to that though. These batteries require more voltage to charge, and if your car wasn’t designed for that, it will never fully charge the battery. This leads to a shorter battery life.
When it comes to picking a type of battery, it is recommended to always go with the same type that your car originally came with. The reason for that is that your car engine was designed to work with a specific type of battery, and not all battery types are interchangeable. For reliable performance stick with what your car was designed to run with.