What Does An Automotive Battery Do?
Batteries are used to start your car and run electricity to the major components. Starting a car typically only uses 3% of the battery capacity. Hence, most automotive batteries focus on delivering maximum electric current for the short time it takes to start your engine, illuminate the lighting and to fire your ignition. This is why they are sometimes referred to as SLI (Starting, Lighting, Ignition) batteries.
Starting your car isn’t the only job of an automotive battery. They supply extra power and stabilize any potential damage from voltage spikes. As an engine runs, most of the power comes from the alternator, which regulates the voltage. For most gasoline-powered vehicles, lead-acid batteries are the standard choice.
Electric vehicles run on a slew of different battery technologies like Lithium-Ion Batteries (sometimes called Li-Ion batteries) and solid-state batteries initially developed for consumer electronic applications.
What Kind Of Car Battery Do I Need?
Choosing the correct type of battery for your car can dramatically improve your vehicle’s performance. To fully optimize your driving experience, it’s important to know about the different car battery types, the service life of a typical battery and how much they cost. In addition, a brief understanding of battery chemistry will put you ahead of the curve and ensure that you have the best battery solution for your car.
Vehicle Battery Types:
Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-Acid Batteries are the original rechargeable battery technology. They have a low energy density but high surge currents with considerable power to weight ratio. They are modestly priced and make sense in cars with high-drain electrical starters.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
These are the go-to electric vehicle battery. They have the best energy density and a slow loss of charge in storage. They also feature top-of-the-line discharge rates. However, there are some safety concerns with potentially flammable electrolyte vapors that many car manufacturers are working diligently to solve.
Solid-State Battery Systems
Some outside thinking has led to next-generation energy storage solutions that bypass traditional liquid electrolytes for solid-state technology. These new arrivals are some of the most advanced EV batteries on the market and are found as part of the array of batteries in the newest electric vehicles.
How Long Does A Car Battery Last?
Unfortunately, car batteries don’t last forever, and we can only speculate on the shelf life of a given battery. Still, there are a few known factors that will negatively impact your battery life.
- Insufficient Recharge TimeWith every charge and discharge cycle, a battery loses a little power. If it isn’t fully recharged while driving, the active materials can continue to degrade and speed the demise of your battery.
- Hot WeatherThe more heat your battery is exposed to, the sooner battery degradation will set in. You can expect a 3-year shelf life in a warm climate, whereas batteries often have a more reasonable 5-year shelf life in the cooler north.
- VibrationsShaking can cause a battery to come apart internally, so if you use a traditional battery, ensure it is secured firmly in the engine casing.
What Are Signs Of A Bad Car Battery?
A bad car battery is pretty easy to identify. If you have a dim headlight, trouble starting the engine or are seeing a ‘check engine’ light, you may require a new battery.
How Much Is A New Car Battery?
The pricing on a new car battery depends on the types of batteries you choose to purchase. Most traditional lead-acid batteries start at around $100, while state-of-the-art AGM batteries clock in around $300.
Looking for the best car battery?
You must know the make and model of your car to make the correct purchase. It also helps to know your battery’s BCI number. Car batteries come in different sizes, construction types, CCA (cold cranking amps) and amp-hour ratings. You want the battery replacement to match the original battery as closely as possible. At Groovy Lube we carry Super Start branded batteries.
Groovy Lube offers car replacement batteries for a wide range of makes and models. If you have any questions, reach out to our team of experts!
