Car Batteries provide the jolt of power needed to start your engine and run most electrical accessories. Battery power degrades over time due to chemical reactions within the physical cell, and can also be accelerated by neglect or poor maintenance.
There are a variety of factors to consider when selecting a battery, including the BCI group size, terminal type, mounting system, polarity, and CCA. Let’s take a look at these in more detail.
Wet Cell Batteries
Wet cell batteries are made up of a collection of galvanic cells connected in series to produce a higher voltage than a single battery could. The lead acid battery found in most cars is a typical example of a wet cell.
Each battery cell consists of a lead metal anode and a lead oxide cathode immersed in a solution of water and sulfuric acid. When charged the cells generate electrical energy by the chemical reaction between the electrodes.
When flooded wet cell batteries are not being used the acid molecules tend to stratify within the battery. Regularly running a current through the battery to equalize the charge prevents this from occurring.
Flooded wet cells need regular maintenance in the form of adding distilled water to replenish lost electrolyte. They are also not designed for deep discharge, as repeated deep discharges can result in permanent capacity loss. These features mean that flooded wet batteries are often only used to provide the short burst of power needed to start engines.
Dry Cell Batteries
Unlike wet cell batteries that contain liquid electrolyte solutions, dry cells use an immobilized paste of electrolyte. This helps reduce the risk of spillage, which can be a serious safety hazard. This type of battery is ideal for use in most portable equipment and can work without the need to be topped up with water.
This type of battery converts chemical energy into electrical energy through a redox process between the zinc anode and the carbon cathode. It also uses an electrolyte to allow the flow of ions.
This type of battery is relatively safe, but it requires regular maintenance, including monitoring the electrolyte levels and occasionally topping them up with distilled water to prevent leaks. They are also not rechargeable, and they have a limited lifespan. These batteries are most often used in clocks and watches and can be found powering many smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. They also serve as backup power for residential and commercial appliances and devices during utility outages or fluctuations.
AGM Batteries
AGM batteries are a great choice for modern vehicles that use Stop-Start technology to shut off the engine while stopped, saving fuel. These advanced systems require a higher power output from the battery than traditional lead acid models, and AGM batteries deliver. They also offer a lower internal resistance and are resistant to vibrations that could otherwise damage their delicate lead-acid interiors, allowing for longer lifespans without the need for regular electrolyte refills like those found in flooded batteries.
They do this by putting fiberglass mats in between each negative and positive plate to absorb the electrolyte inside. This creates a lower internal resistance, enabling more cranking amps to be generated, even in cold conditions where chemical reactions are suppressed. They fall under the broader category of valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries and are a premium choice for vehicles with large audio systems, heated seats and other electronic accessories. They are also maintenance free, requiring no water refills and emitting no gasses during charging.
EFB Batteries
With more sophisticated electronics and features like lane-keep assist, smartphone connectivity and heated seats, modern vehicles have a lot of power demands. Traditional car batteries may struggle to keep up, which is why it’s important to choose the right battery for your vehicle.
With their advanced design, EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) batteries can handle increased power demands and the frequent start-stop driving that many modern vehicles use to save fuel and reduce emissions. Unlike conventional FLA batteries, EFBs can support a high number of engine starts and extended engine off periods with improved charge acceptance and designs that improve thermal stability in engine compartments. They also feature higher cycling resilience, enabling them to reach deeper states of discharge and return more quickly to their normal state of charge after repeated starting. This makes them ideal for vehicles with Start-Stop technology and regenerative braking technologies. Compared to AGM, EFB batteries offer more energy availability and are an excellent choice for drivers of modern vehicles.