Car Batteries - Everything you need to know

When it comes to cars, there is often a few aspects which we tend to highlight, whether it be to impress others with its pure power, or highlight how well you can handle the corners, sometimes, even giving a special shout out to its fuel efficiency, especially in times where fuel prices can make your eyes water. However, the true hero which we will be talking about today are the cars batteries themselves, the true unsung hero of the motor vehicle world which provides the spark which powers our journeys. 

Whether you own a electric car or not, batteries are an integral part of your vehicle, and with the modern world, they are becoming more and more essential to hold knowledge about as well as understand their ins and outs, afterall, your cars life depends on it. 

Throughout this blog we will drive through the ins and outs of car batteries looking through the different types, their needs, signs of wear and tear and further fundamentals. 

 

The Ins and Outs of Powering Your Car

Car batteries are the functional powerhouse of the vehicle and provide all of the electrical needs which are essential in powering the various systems housed within your vehicle 

• Car batteries provide the initial bout of power which starts the engine, as soon as you turn your car on, the battery sends an electrical signal to the motor to engage the engine in the processes of driving your car 

• The battery maintains a constant stream of energy to be able to keep your normal cars functions powered, such including your radio, the ignition itself, and air conditioning / heating systems

• Your battery can also maintain your vehicles systems when certain functions and systems fail and provide power to keep essential and critical systems running until the issue is able to resolve itself or a stop has been made

• The car battery also maintains a steady stream of energy which supplies a continuous and smooth operation of the cars systems 

• Cars nowadays have been equipped with safety features such as anti-lock braking systems, traction control, electronic stability control and airbag systems. All of these safety features rely on the battery for the constant energy stream that they require to keep the vehicle safe and functioning

• Batteries are exceptionally critical for functioning in colder weather environments, batteries face harsher conditions when it is cold making it harder for the power to be conducted - cold cranking amps (CCAs) are an essential component to start the engine

 

Types of Car Batteries

There are many car batteries on the market which each have their own pros and cons all of which are essential to be taken into account to ensure that you choose the most reliable battery that is the best fit for you

• Lead-Acid Batteries

  • Lead-acid batteries are some of the oldest and most common rechargeable batteries used in many applications, there are two different main types each with their own pros and cons

  • They are reliable and relatively inexpensive for the benefits in which you sow when it powers your motor and have two main types

    • Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries - These require regular maintenance to make sure that fluid levels are upheld 

    • Absorbent Glass Mat Batteries - Stop-start cars and more modern models often have this battery type and are able to deal with the high electrical demands of modern vehicles 

  • As with everything, there are limitations such as the life cycle and maintenance requirements, but with that being said, they are low cost when it comes to comparing to other battery types and have a long history of trusted performance and uses 

• Lithium-Ion Batteries

  • Lithium-ion batteries are gaining momentum within the automotive industry as they have high energy capacity as well as lighter makeup and improved longevity. In both hybrid and electric models they are used due to this energy efficiency with fast charging capacities and the ways in which it is delivered

  • Such batteries are also essentially no-maintenance and extremely user friendly which has contributed to their success and prevalence within the motor vehicle world. 

  • However, disadvantages also arise as they are considered expensive in comparison to lead-acid batteries, but with the increase in prevalence, costs have levelled out.

  • As related battery technologies carry on progressing, advances are expected to continuously be made and lithium-ion batteries will continue to be front-runners within the motor world

• Gel Cell Batteries 

  • Gel cell batteries are often considered to be resistant to leaking and spillages and are maintenance-free with longevity and lifecycles best suited to vehicles 

  • Gel cell batteries are valve-regulated lead acid and this is mixed with additives to be able to thicken the substance within the battery which resists any leakages or spillages no matter the orientation of the battery. Other advantages include their resistance to vibrations which make them shock resistant and can deal with high energy output needs and are therefore often used in vehicles such as RVs and maintain their charge for longer periods of time.

  • Some disadvantages of gel cell batteries are the chances of premature failure when exposed to high temperatures, and also are most suited to vehicles which do not need constant high power bursts. They do tend to be more experience in comparison to the above examples due to their longevity and maintenance free applications.

 

• Deep Cycle Batteries

  • Deep cycle batteries provide a steady flow of sustained power over extended periods of time are typically produced with durability in mind to extend their lifespan. Specific design features prove them highly effective in providing large amounts of energy for mass amounts of time which lends a hand to the increased prevalence.

• Flooded Lead-Acid (FLA) Deep Cycle Batteries

  • These are the original lead-acid batteries which have specific design features which highlight their sustainable power output and timeline longevity. As a result of this, they are often the battery of choice in vehicles requiring frequent discharge cycles 

  • There are the multiple cells contained within FLA batteries which allow them to be more robust compared to other start-up batteries, as well as this they maintain long periods of capacity and therefore are more affordable, often with higher availability rates 

  • Certain disadvantages are often present as with everything, the most prevalent include regular maintenance being required to uphold their benefits and the fact that the batteries are typically larger and more heavy than other batteries, requiring professional installation.

  • Automotive vehicles such as RVs, boats, golf carts and off-grid systems are those which favour FLA deep cycle batteries

• Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Deep Cycle Batteries

  • Durability and performance over extended periods of time are favoured when it comes to AGM batteries

  • They are uniquely designed with fibreglass mats which absorb shock and reduces the chance of damage and leakage, additionally, this reduces the risk of needing to change and continuously replace the battery. Their spill-proof design aids in keeping them low maintenance and have a long life cycle in comparison to other batteries which are drained by constant discharge demand and deliver their high output.

  • Because of their advantages, they are used most often within the automotive and marine world where the power output and maintenance free characteristics compliment their application. 

  • Due to such advantages, they are often more costly than FLA batteries, and are sensitive to exceeding temperatures which can cause a chemically triggered fail of the battery - With this being said, they are extremely reliable and convenient and are a choice that can be made with confidence.

• Gel Cell Deep Cycle Batteries

  • Gel cell deep cycle batteries are valve-regulated lead acid batteries which are designed to provide a power output upholding longevity necessities and are also durable and reliable

  • As with AGM deep cell batteries, they are within durable casings which facilitate the maintenance free aspects of the battery as well as spill-proof designs. Further advantages include the ability to withstand repeated start-stop cycles as well as maintain and withstand high temperatures and long life cycle with their sustained discharges

  • Gel cell deep cycle batteries are of preference to the automotive and marine sectors due to their sustainability and reliability. Unfortunately, such advantages come hand in hand with disadvantages, such as the higher costs in comparison FLA batteries as well as the larger weight and size distribution. 

 

• Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB)

  • The presence of EFBs are a presentation of advances which have been made within battery technology in the lead-acid battery sector. They are particularly successful and helpful when it comes to current vehicles which are equipped with start-stop systems. Their longevity and durability has been upgraded due to the thickening of the walls and installation of features reducing leakage possibilities 

  • Cycling capacities have been improved within these batteries which is why they are so well suited to stop-start engines as they are able to meet the demands required, additionally, they are further increased through their ability to charge through the vehicle being operated. Durability is also of focus as they are more reliable with modified designs which are able to absorb more of the shock and vibrations of unsteady roads, along with the ability to uphold higher temperatures. Ultimately, this all leads to the low maintenance aspect of such battery and proves the cost-effectiveness of EFBs

  • EFBs are used often in stop-start vehicles as mentioned prior, however, they are also of choice in hybrid and mild-hybrid vehicles  - essentially, any vehicle which has an engine frequently stopping and starting can majorly benefit from such battery being installed 

  • Maintenance is required to ensure that the longevity of the battery can be capitalised on as well as ensuring that ventilation systems are managed to reduce premature failure and overheating 

 

Battery Management Systems (BMS)

If you have a more modern vehicle which is battery powered, including fully electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, the battery management system plays an important part in the monitoring and control of the overal performance, safety and longevity of the battery which is fit within your vehicle. The BMS will be consistently checking important parameters surrounding your batteries life and safety to prevent and detect any faults or issues which are present, as well as this, it will also provide estimations of how much power is left within your battery and the distance and ranges in which it will be able to carry on motoring through - this provides both peace of mind as well as safekeeping of the battery pack. The monitoring which is provides also checks the temperature through management systems which regulate such factors and work towards keeping the battery within desirable parameters. BMS will also distribute energy needs across the areas of the battery as each may potentially be delivering different amounts of power and may be able to compensate for some areas of the pack which are lacking in energy or require more to be able to correspond to the load being placed upon it. This system can also provide its own maintenance on the battery by reducing the hazards which it is being exposed to through the utilisation of data which is being computerised constantly through the vehicles usage, it minimises the damage whihc is caused to the battery, keeping you and your vehicle safe, and ultimately reducing the costly repairs and damage which could otherwise be subjected to the battery

 

 

Battery Maintenance Tips and Tricks

• Regular inspections of the battery allow you to check for any damage which has occurred to the battery. Important damage to look for are cracks or terminals which are corroded - alongside general wear and tear. As well as looking at the battery itself, make sure that you check out any connecting cables or wires which lead to and from the battery as they are also susceptible to damage and corrosion - if there are any loose connections or damaged cables, it is important that these are replaced as prolonging the batteries connection to such damage can lead to terminal failure

• While conducting such checks, testing the batteries health through the use of battery testers and amp checkers can identify issues before they come into fruition

• Along with making sure the terminal isn't corroded, through the inspection process, this is the perfect time to clean the terminal which also facilitates the prevention of damage to the terminal

  • Terminal cleaners are available as well as home mixtures of baking soda and water can work away corrosion 

• In FLA batteries, they often have removable caps which allow easy access to checking the electrolyte levels of the battery. Keeping a check of these levels ensyres that the performance and lifespan of the battery can be maintained, as well as the uphold of its reliability. Regular checks keep all of the optimal benefits in check

• When doing the routine checks, it is important to make sure that the battery is secure and mounted in the correct position to reduce the damage produced from vibrations and resultant movements 

• Hot and cold temperatures can be equally detrimental to the life of your battery so trying to make sure that you can keep your car in shaded areas or away from areas of extreme heat can make the battery less susceptible to the potentially damaging conditions. Another thing to consider would be to buy insulated battery blankets if you like in exceptionally cold conditions - these can be found at most hardware stores and auto stores

• As much as it can be guaranteed that you dont want to be caught short with an uncharged battery, it can be equally as essential to ensure that you do not overcharge the battery as this can lead to the battery becoming damaged and losing essential electrolyte concentrations. Using calibrated charging points will allow peace of mind that overcharging is not occurring. 

• Keep records of when you bought your battery and make sure that you are not keeping a battery within your vehicle that is old and showing signs of damage or reduced performance, tell tale warning signs include dimming lights and the engine stopping and starting and slower increments - keeping an eye on this and maintaining the rotation of the battery itself will help avoid the breakdown of the battery and vehicle itself. 

 

How to Know When to Change Your Battery 

There are various tell tale signs which can indicate that your battery is nearing the end of its life 

Such symptoms include 

• Difficulty starting the engine 

  • This is one of the first,most common, and easiest to notice signs

  • If you notice your engine starting to struggle to start up or progressively taking longer to crank up, it may be the indicated of your battery dying and losing its ability to hold its charge 

• Dim Lights

  • If you notice that either your interior lights or headlights are becoming progressively dimmer, or other electrical components are working to less effect - this indicates that the voltage of the battery is falling below the desired levels 

• Electrical Difficulties

  • When the battery is losing voltage and power, it will cause the electrical systems within the car to misbehave - essentially leading to symptoms such as flickering lights and dashboard display and malfunctioning electrical accessories. It should not just be assumed that this is due to your battery dying so a voltage check should be conducted

• Engine Light 

  • The check engine light may be triggered to be turned on when the battery is beginning to fail. This is a push to have a diagnostics test done on your vehicle

• Physical Damage

  • If you notice during your maintenance checks that that the casing in which the battery is housed in is beginning to bulge, this can be a sign that there is internal damage within the battery such as a circuit shorting. It is essential that once this is noted a technician is contacted to review your battery and its health

  • As well as bulging, a build up of corroded battery terminals can indicate that there is an acid leak in progress, this can lead to interference along the electrical conducting systems and lead to improper conducting through the wiring. This is something that should be addressed instantly as it can cause havoc when starting up your vehicle 

• Ageing Batteries 

  • Batteries are often noted to have a lifespan of around 3 to 5 years, this number can be either lessened or prolonged depending on environmental factors and the maintenance that is delivered to the battery. 

If you are noticing any of these signs or symptoms or even have the slightest inkling that you may need to have your battery assessed, it is essential that you contact a technician to be able to identify its condition and diagnose the fault or preventive measure to be conducted. 

 

Testing Your Battery

If you are looking at checking your battery yourself before contacting a technician to give a comprehensive service of your battery, there are a few ways to conduct these tests efficiently and effectively. 

Before you even think about which tool you use to conduct your tests, here are the first steps which you need to take

• Make sure that you have turned your vehicle off and have let it cool down so you dont cause any damage to yourself whilst conducting these tests - PPE is also of great consideration to further reduce risk of injury

• If you have just been driving your vehicle, you should leave your vehicle turned off for at least an hour as this will ensure that you are getting the resting charge measurement as most healthy vehicles will give a reading higher than reality when tested too soon after use. The best bet is to leave your vehicle overnight before testing the battery

• Using a multimeter is a simple method and basically the only thing you have to do is locate the battery and its terminals and attach the leads 

• Batteries can usually be easily located as soon as you open the hood as they are often in the engine bay adjacent to the engine itself - if this is not the case you can consult your owners manual to locate the battery. Plastic covers are a feature of modern cars which are simply unclipped or unhinged to gain access to the batteries. The positive terminal may also be cased by a small cover

• Remember that any metal that touches the terminal once its covering has been removed will cause a short - so make sure that you don’t use the battery to rest any of your tools

Checking Your Battery with a Multimeter

• When you first connect your multimeter to the battery, you want to connect the positive terminal with your red probe - the positive terminal is often in red too which helps, if not, it will be marked with a + symbol. You also will want to connect the black probe to the black terminal, the negative terminal - again, if the colours aren’t present it will be denoted with a - symbol

• The first test to conduct will be testing the DC voltage, this is denoted by a V with a dash above it, you want to set this dial to 20 so that you can measure the voltage between 0 and 20V

• When you’re testing this with the probes attached to the correct terminals, it will come up with a reading such as 13.4, if you have the probes the wrong way round it will come up as -13.4, just put your probes on the correctly matching terminals to sort this out

• The resting voltage should come up with a reading of 12.6V or above, if the reading is 12.2V then it indicates a battery with only 50% charge and anything below 12V is classified as discharged

• If you do see a reading of less than 12.6V charge the battery up and let it rest overnight - not connected to the car. If you notice that it holds charge whilst it is away from the car then there is an electrical issue within he vehicle which is causing a speedier drainage, this could be something as simple as the clock display

Checking Your Battery with a Battery Tester

• The first and most important step is to make sure you hvae conducted the safety steps which were previously discussed, as well as this, make sure that you have collected all of your essential equipment 

• Battery testers are specific pieces of equipment which work by testing the voltage which is expelled by the battery - throughout the test the voltage response of the battery will be monitored. If the battery is charged, there will be a reaction through the ink and the current which traverses the gauge, the higher the level of current left in the battery is indicated via a higher temperature and therefore displays a change in colour of the ink

• Car battery testers are used specifically for lead-acid batteries which can test the battery health, its condition and the voltage which it conducts. When you are buying a battery tester, it is essential that you check that it is suitable for car batteries, especially which type it is compatible with 

• Each battery tester will come with an instruction manual, as well as the guidelines enforced by each individual manufacturer. Remember that this is all general information and taking into consideration the specific instructions which are within the manuals that come with the tester. 

•  Place the battery into the tester with the positive and negative terminals placed on the according points on the tester and secure the battery in place ready to take the reading

• Battery testers have different formats which can be read in different ways, however, the general rule of thumb is that if the battery is displaying in the green zone or is pointing to the upper end of the scale, this would indicate that the battery is working to sufficient standards - If the reader is in the middle regions it will only be suitable for low power outage needs and will definitely require close maintenance and to be charged up or replaced. Finally, the scenario you don't want to face is seeing the reader in the red section or pointing to the lowest end of the scale, this will mean that your battery needs to be recharged or completely changed - these will be highly likely to not be expelling much power

 

Special Considerations to Make When Choosing a Battery

Car Battery Type

• When it comes to battery type, your car may be determined to be receptive to certain types of batteries and not work well with others. Your owners manuals and manufacturer recommendations will denote what battery is best fit for your vehicle, this can be determined by the size, make, model and specific features in which each battery type expressed 

• Each type comes with their own maintenance requirements and corresponding characteristics 

Climate Conditions 

• The climate and the conditions in which you will frequent are considerations which should be made when you choose a battery type, such as cold climates meaning that you will need a battery that is accustomed to the conditions, such as cold conditions being best suited to batteries with cold cranking amps of higher power. When it comes to hotter climates, it is essential to have a battery which is able to correspond to such climate and be able to withstand the heat which it will be exposed to

Chemistry

• As each battery holds different chemical directions in which they use to be able to power the vehicle in which they are fit within, it is important to be able to enhance the vehicle with the battery which you choose for the motor. Each has their own advantages and limitations when it comes to their specifications, requirements and benefits which they express.

Cycles 

• If your car is going to be needed purely for its starting powers then you will be best off with a starting battery which primarily is produced to deliver high energy outputs for shorter periods of time in contrast to deep cycle batteries which are used for longer energy outbursts. It is essential once again to choose a battery based on your personalised needs and desires out of your vehicle and battery 

Maintenance 

• If you are able to uphold the maintenance requirements which certain batteries require then buying such battery will hold no issue, such as FLA batteries which require checks of electrolyte levels and general maintenance. However, if you want a battery where you can essentially install it and forget about it, then a maintenance free battery should be your choice, such as gel cell batteries which are more reliable and require less thought and checks

Compatibility 

• As modern vehicles are becoming more electronically advanced, your vehicle might have certain specifications which need to be met to be able to conduct their power needs and the electrical components and systems in which they will be powering. It is imperative that you do check the battery type that is recommended for your vehicle to reduce any issues or damage which incorrect types may cause 

Lifetime Guarantee

• Peace of mind comes with different batteries and the warranty and expected lifespans which they individually project

Pricing 

• As much as batteries come at a cost and it may seem like the easy option to just go cheap and cheerful, thinking about all of the above criteria will help aid your choice and potentially going for a battery with a higher monetary commitment may give you extra years of a working battery and provide you with greater benefits - providing longer term cost benefits 

 

Making the Most Out of Your Battery

To make sure you can get the most out of your battery, it is important for you to think of the components which it comes with to be able to enhance its performance, lifetime, and overall safety

• It is important that you know and understand the type of battery that is installed within your vehicle as this will allow you to know the certain features which it will provide to your motor, as well as the maintenance which it requires you to uphold

• Being knowledgeable and vigilant about the climate in which you drive in and the impact it consequently has on your battery will help you know the type of battery you may need and whether switching batteries would benefit you and your motor the most, as stated above, colder climates require cold cranking amp batteries which aid with reducing the degradation of battery life which comes with overworking batteries not accustomed to colder weather 

• As much as you rely on your battery, your battery also relies on you to be able to uphold maintenance requirements which each individual battery needs. Such maintenance may include, but is not limited to or designated to (as each battery type holds differing maintenance requirements), checking the electrolyte levels, cleaning the battery terminals, ensuring that all connection of the cables and wirings are secure as well as closely monitoring the health of the battery through either battery testers or multimeter usage 

• When conducting maintenance checks, it is important to make sure that the charging system of the battery and the alternator and voltage regulator systems are functioning to the proper standards as if these are malfunctioning it can result in damage and ultimate premature death of the battery 

• The electrical load which you are placing on your battery is also something to be mindful of as all electrical features of the vehicle are operated through the battery. Using too many too frequently, such as the lights and airconditioning will shorten the life of the battery - this is of particular concern in vehicles which rely on electricity for general functioning, including stop start vehicles and those which are hybrid or electrically powered

• Understanding your driving habits and usage levels are important aspects when it comes to choosing the right battery for you and your patterns as it is of great important to make sure that your selection will be capable of handling your needs

• Make sure that when you do install the battery or have the battery installed that it is installed correctly and secured within the battery tray, as well as making sure that the cables providing the connections are held tightly within place and keeping the routine cables away from any sources of heat which they may be exposed to, as well as parts which may cause damage to them. If the battery isnt installed properly and the components are not secure, it will lead to electrical faults, safety hazards and ultimately damage 

• Keeping an eye on how old your battery is and being vigilant of the warning signs which come with aging batteries is essential as this will allow you to replace it before an emergency situation arises where you have to deal with costly rescue and mechanical assistance

 

Ultimately your car battery has powered all of the miles behind you and will continue to drive you through all of the miles ahead, keeping your essential components running to give you a safe and comfortable drive (cause we all want the heater on when we’re waiting for the ice to scrape off the windscreen). Hopefully here you have seen how crucial they are and how important your role of selecting the appropriate battery to fit your vehicle is. Following maintenance tips and keeping all of the varying components in mind will help keeping your vehicle reliable and moving you along your journey.

 

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