A good car battery means what kind of battery?

Without a battery, no car will be able to start. It is an indispensable accessory for any vehicle. It is used to power all electrical devices when the internal combustion engine is turned off. The electricity it generates is needed to start the engine. Once the engine is fired up and the vehicle is in motion, the battery is charged by the alternator, thus replenishing the energy used during stopping and starting. When choosing a battery for your car, you want to buy the best possible device that will work for a long time and without fail. There are several types of car batteries available on the market, which we will introduce you to in today’s post!

What are the types of car batteries?

Continuous advances in technology and automotive development have made today’s car batteries very different from those produced in the early 20th century. Today’s batteries have to meet the much higher electricity demands of modern cars, so they are constantly being improved. Here are the basic types of batteries that are designed for different types of cars:

1. lead-acid battery

This is a classic lead-acid battery that has been on the market since the 1950s. It comes in both serviceable and maintenance-free versions. The former is characterized by the fact that two plugs are clearly visible on the top of the casing, which allow the electrolyte to be added to the cells. This is because periodically checking its level and topping it up is necessary for its proper operation. The maintenance-free version does not require topping up the electrolyte, so it is devoid of plugs. It is characterized by high resistance to deep discharge. If it occurs, it is enough to recharge it to regain its original parameters. They are suitable for older cars (manufactured before 2005), which do not have much electronics.

2. gel batteries

They resemble lead-acid batteries, but the liquid electrolyte in them has been replaced by gel, to which they owe their name. This technological solution has made them (unlike conventional batteries) resistant to changes in position, vibration and shock. They are characterized by long life (more than 12 years) and a large number of charge and discharge cycles. They are not usually used in automobiles because they have too low power. They work well as starter batteries, as well as auxiliary batteries in caravans and off-road vehicles.

3. EFB/AFB/EMC batteries

These are upgraded lead-acid batteries with a long service life. They feature a larger electrolyte container and plates manufactured from an alloy of lead, calcium and tin. They last for twice as many engine starts as traditional batteries and are resistant to cyclic operation, so they are ideal for modern cars with extensive electrical systems and “Start-Stop” systems. These are excellent batteries for many cars manufactured after 2012!

4. AGM batteries

The separators of these batteries are made of glass or polymer microfibers, which completely absorb the electrolyte. This innovative technological solution makes them excellent batteries for cars equipped with “Start-Stop” and energy recovery systems (primarily for hybrids). They are characterized by high durability, high efficiency and resistance to shock and vibration, so they are also an ideal choice for cars that are heavily used.