Flooded Lead Acid Battery
The flooded lead acid battery is the oldest car battery type, and its very common and affordable. Its also called the SLI battery, which stands for Starting, Lighting, Ignition.
The flooded battery is a wet cell battery. Its typically made of 6 cells with a liquid electrolyte solution of sulfuric acid and water and supplies a voltage of 12.6V at full charge.
Its a reliable battery for starting engines and provides enough electrical energy to power standard vehicle accessories. However, the electrolyte solution needs to be topped off periodically, and it must be installed vertically to prevent spillage.
This wet cell battery also experiences a substantial reduction in battery life if its discharged below 50% of its depth-of-discharge .
Consider The Size Of The Power Cell You Are Going To Purchase
To be able to select the right battery for your boat and your needs, you also have to make sure that you determine the right size of battery you need. We mentioned earlier that size of battery you are going to purchase would have to depend on how much power your boat needs. It means, the larger your boat is and the larger its electrical load it has, the larger size of power cell it needs to keep up with its demand. To guide you on this aspect, you can refer to the battery size section of this article above.
Choosing An Electric Car
Buying a new EV can be a big decision. Fortunately, the type of battery it uses doesnt need to play too much of a role in your choice. Most automakers use lithium-ion batteries, although some hybrids, like the Toyota Prius, have a nickel-metal hydride battery instead.
The main factors to consider are what the warranty covers and whether the batterys capacity will be enough for your driving habits. Having that information available will make it easier to determine which electric vehicle is right for you.
Nick Versaw
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Additional Car Battery Tips
- Your car’s battery may be covered by your vehicle’s warranty Check on this before purchasing a new battery from a retailer other than your car dealer.
- If your car is no longer under warranty, dealerships will likely charge more than other battery retailers for products and labor.
- Installing used car batteries can be dangerous. Buy new batteries whenever possible.
- If your battery begins to fail, start searching for a replacement immediately. You are more likely to find a good deal if you shop around than if you become stranded and need to buy a battery at the first retailer you come across.
- A new car will normally need a battery change after 3 to 4 years.
- Car batteries are not maintenance-free. You must check your battery regularly to keep it in good shape. Keep the terminals, cables, and connectors clean and free of corrosion. Use a wire brush and a baking soda/water mixture to scrub away any accumulated whitish, greenish, or bluish material on the battery terminals.
- Check your battery connections frequently. Make sure that the cables and posts are securely connected.
- Consider keeping a portable battery charger inside your car for emergency use.
- Jump-starting a dying battery can be helpful if you are stranded, but do not attempt this without first researching the correct procedure. Incorrect wiring connections could cause damage to your engine.
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How to Choose the Correct Battery for Your Car
Choosing the right battery for your car is imperative for a reliable and long lasting ride. Without a healthy battery, proper vehicle operation is impossible as your battery is the key component in helping to start the engine and keep all electronics running. It also allows you to charge your phone, run safety accessories and play your music â even when the engine is turned off.
Replacing the vehicle’s battery is something we all have to do throughout the life of your car. It’s normal for the batter to gradually lose power over time, and driving conditions and cold weather can be especially hard on its life. Ideally, you should have your battery tested at a local dealership to determine which is best for your vehicle and driving needs. If you need to replace the battery yourself though, here’s a few essential tips to choose the right one:
1. Understand the Essentials
Choosing a car battery that’s too small capacity wise usually means you’ll end up replacing the battery sooner than normal. On the other hand, if you buy one with too much capacity you’ll end up spending unnecessary money. Hence why it’s absolutely vital to understand car battery essentials first.
Battery SpecificationsThere is already a battery designed for the make and model of your vehicle. Before you go out and purchase a new one, make sure to consult the owner’s manual to determine the specifications for what battery fits best with your vehicle.
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What Kind Of Battery Goes In A Nissan Altima
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When the time comes to replace the battery in your Nissan Altima, you want to choose the right one. There are a lot of different factors that can influence your choice.
Here, well take a look at how you can choose the right battery for your car. Well also look at some common reasons that your battery is dying and what you can do about it.
Contents
What Customers Are Saying
Over 1,000 Amazon customers rated this product, giving it an average of 4.4 stars out of 5. Eight-six percent of reviewers rated the product four or more stars.
Customers liked how much cheaper it was to order this battery through Amazon instead of through a local auto shop. Several customers also mentioned that they were repeat customers who had previously owned a RedTop and purchased another one because it lasted more than five years.
“Great batteries, good power, very lightweight. Arguably the best features are no maintenance and NO CORROSION, ever.”
– J. Pittman via Amazon
However, the product got mixed reviews on its warranty. Some customers said Optima handled the warranty, and some said Amazon did. Others said that they had issues getting either company to give them a replacement.
“Beware, I’m trying to get an Optima battery replaced within the warranty period. Amazon will not help with this and Optima keeps referring me back to Amazon.”
– James Broadhurst via Amazon
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What Is A Car Battery Group Number
The group number, for example Group 24, is an industry standard that defines the battery’s physical size, its hold down configuration, and the type of terminals and their location. Selecting a battery with the same group number as the original equipment battery will ensure a secure fit, adequate clearance, and no cable/terminal issues. It will also allow for proper reinstallation of the important battery heat shield, if your vehicle has one. Some imported vehicles use batteries that conform to European or Asian battery standards. In many cases, a standard group number battery will fit with minor or no modifications, but pay special attention to ensure that the installation does not pose any problems. Refer to the application guide available where you purchase the battery. If you prefer, trust aAAA car battery service tech to install the correct part.
In a limited number of cars, the vehicle design makes a factory replacement battery the only possible option.
What Is A Car Battery Size
The automobile battery size refers to the physical dimensions of the battery. While this seems straightforward, its important to remember that the size doesnt necessarily mean anything more than the height, length, and width. A larger battery, for instance, isnt automatically more powerful than a smaller battery. Much the same way a small leather hiking boot could be stronger than a large sandal, there are other factors involved.
The group sizes are standardized by the Battery Council International, who provide each batterys dimensions in both inches and millimeters. The group numbers are generally two digits and may be followed by a letter. 24F, for instance, is a common battery size that fits many Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Acura vehicles.
If you have an old battery for your automobile, it should have the group size listed on it. You can also look it up by checking your service manual or searching for the information on the internet. Once you have the BCI group size, you can move on to the other details.
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Think About The Warranties Included
You also have to think about the included warranties when purchasing the power cell. Aside from it can keep you from buying incompetent batteries that wont be able to keep up with your needs. It will also help you save a lot of money in the future because it can reduce the maintenance cost and then it can provide a lot of benefits like manufacturers support, free repairs, and even replacements.
Following this guide will help you come up with a smart decision and pick an excellent investment for your boating needs. It will make sure the battery you are going to purchase can keep up with the demands of your boat as well as its applications. It will also make sure that you are going to get the best suitable power cell for your boat which you can consider as an excellent investment. So keep these significant aspects in mind because it will help you a lot if you are going to look for a new power cell for your boat or fishing vessel.
What Happens If You Install The Wrong Sized Battery
If you install the wrong size battery, then you clearly never read through this article.
However, if you did happen to purchase the wrong size, its likely that it wont fit correctly in place. If it does fit, that doesnt mean youre out of the woods.
Using an American standard as an example. If you use one in a vehicle built for a recessed top, the ports may end up being too close to the hood of the car. This can create a spark, cause an electrical short, or even lead to a fire.
Why take the risk in the first place? Instead, take the time to consult your owner manual and determine which battery size group your car was made for.
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Car Battery Buyers Guide
In need of a new car battery? Don’t worry, this guide can show you what’s what when it comes to watts!
If your car won’t start, then there may be a problem with your car battery. This crucial component is responsible for a lot of functions within your car, so you’ll need to keep your car battery in good shape. Our buyer’s guide will not only help you to find a replacement battery if yours has reached the end of its life, but also help you to make your current battery last as long as possible!
If you already know all about car batteries and just need to see which one your car needs, then use our handy car battery lookup tool.
Where You Live Affects Your Car Battery
Heat facilitates the chemical reaction car batteries use to generate electricity, but it also increases the rate of battery degradation. In cooler northern climates, a battery may last five years or longer, but in hot southern locales, a car battery will typically last approximately three years.
Batteries reside in a harsh under-the-hood environment where temperatures can easily exceed 200 degrees Fahrenheit in hot weather. To combat this heat, automakers may mount the battery in an isolated area, install a heat shield over the battery, or relocate the battery outside the engine compartment, often under the back seat or trunk floor.
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Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries
Nickel-metal hydride batteries are found in many hybrid-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids , but theyre less common in battery electric vehicles . They have a higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries and last longer. But, they also have a few disadvantages, including the fact that they produce more heat.
NiMH batteries can be fully drained without damaging the battery, but they dont charge as quickly and have a high self-discharge rate. This means they lose a small portion of their charge even when they arent in use.
Acdelco Advantage Agm Automotive Bci Group 51 Battery
This ACDelco battery was specifically designed for a Toyota Prius. The placement of the terminals and vent holes work with several Prius models, making it the go-to battery for owners of this type of car.
This battery is sealed, which means it is maintenance-free, and it is resistant to both vibration and corrosion.
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Battery Brands By Manufacturer
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Interstate |
Ideally, you should buy whichever battery brand is specified in your vehicle owner’s manual. If you find that the recommended brand is too expensive and you want to do some cost-cutting, be sure to choose only batteries whose specifications meet the requirements outlined in your owner’s manual.
You may be tempted to buy the cheapest brand available, but this is usually not advisable. Cheap batteries are often rife with defects and tend to perform poorly in the long term. Purchasing a cheap battery may save you money now, but in the long run, maintenance and replacement will likely cost you more than you saved in the first place.
Optima Batteries Redtop Starting Battery
Lots of cranking power and great packaging are what buyers of this Optima battery appreciate most. It even comes with a special plastic holder to change the height for different vehicles. Buyers like this one on Amazon really appreciate the noticeable power upgrade this battery gives their starter motor:
This battery far exceeds the standard factory battery, and I noticed it the second I started the car. The starter sounded like it was turbocharged in comparison. Now I just have to wait and see how well it performs over the next few years. I am pretty confident that it will be fine though. Even the way it was packaged told me a lot about the company. I would definitely recommend buying this!!
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The 8 Car Battery Types
Before we get into the different types, its important to note why there are so many types in the first place.
Its largely down to power.
Remember, modern cars have varying power needs.
As such, car batteries also differ to suit those needs.
Now, lets go over the 8 most common types of car batteries available today:
Malfunctioning Charging System Reduces Car Battery Life
While less common than the aforementioned factors, a malfunctioning charging system will also reduce battery life. Persistent under- or over-charging accelerates battery aging. Some newer cars withabsorbent glass mat batteries require careful control of charging rates for maximum battery life, and the automaker may even alter the charging strategy as the battery ages. Finally, allowing any car battery to go completely dead will take a big chunk out of its lifespan, even if you can recharge and put the dead battery back in service.
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Different Sizes Of Car Battery
As well as the type of battery, you also need to choose the right size. Car battery sizes are described in terms of a battery group size. So, what does battery group size mean? It is an industry-standard that describes the height, width and length of the battery. It also describes the location of the positive and negative battery posts which is called the polarity. Because batteries are standard sizes, it makes it easier for vehicle manufacturers to design the engine compartments.
The battery group size is a simple industry standard so it will be easier for you to find the right battery when you need to replace it. You donât have to get your measuring tape out to find out your battery group size, it will be printed on the label of the battery and will be stated in the ownerâs manual. You can also use a car battery group size chart which is readily available online. The battery group is specific to the year, make and model of your car. The most common battery group sizes are 24, 24F, 25, 34, 35, 51, 51R, 52, 58, 58R, 59, and 65.
Determine Your Car Battery Group Size: What Size Car Battery Do I Need
We’ve all been there: you try to start your car, and when you turn the key nothing happens. Maybe you left your lights on or ran the battery too long without starting the engine. One thing is guaranteed, though: without a properly working battery, you’re not going anywhere.
It’s not just the occasional energy deficit you have to worry about, either. Over time, batteries die. It’s a simple fact that’s simple enough to fix, but there are many different kinds of batteries. In fact, each car has one group size, and one group size alone, that works for it. You need to find the right size, or you open yourself up to a world of annoyance, aggravation, and possibly serious internal damage.
So then, how do you determine car battery group size? What size car battery do I need?
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