Types Of Car Batteries
Car batteries power all of the electrical systems within your car, and are also necessary to start your vehicle. Though they all work to perform the same function, there are four main types of car batteries, each of which has a different set of advantages and drawbacks. Understanding the differences between the available types of car batteries can help you choose the one that best fits your needs.
Wet Cell Batteries
The most common type of car battery, and what most vehicles will have already installed when they are purchased, wet cell batteries provide fast discharges that allow you to start your vehicle as quickly as possible. They do not need to have their battery acid replaced or refilled as they are used, and will not vent any dangerous gases as long as they remain undamaged. However, the main draw of wet cell batteries is the price, as they are the most affordable type of car battery available.
VRLA Batteries
VRLA (valve regulated lead acid) batteries contain pressurized safety valves that prevent fluid or gases from escaping from the battery. VRLA batteries can either have silicon mixed in with the acid (GEL batteries) or glass mat (AGM batteries). GEL batteries provide a longer battery life, but come at the price of a lower discharge, making them less effective at starting your vehicle. AGM batteries provide a high rate of discharge, making them ideal for starting your vehicle, and tend to be much smaller than their wet cell counterparts. However, both types of VRLA batteries will be slightly more expensive when compared to wet cell batteries.
Deep Cycle Batteries
Deep cycle batteries are most commonly used in electric vehicles, and are designed to provide power over an extremely long period of time. However, deep cycle batteries will also discharge energy fairly quickly while not in use, which means that if you don't use your vehicle for a significant period of time, you may find your battery dead when you try to start your car. Furthermore, deep cycle batteries tend to be more expensive than either wet cell or VRLA batteries.
Lithium Ion Batteries
Lithium ion batteries are high capacity, high performance and lightweight batteries. Their light weight translates into greater fuel efficiency, while their high capacity and performance means that they will not need to be jumped or replaced often, if at all. Of course, the benefits that lithium ion batteries bring come at a high price tag, which means that lithium ion batteries are often only used in luxury vehicles. Contact a business, such as 195 Auto Parts, for more information.
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