An automotive battery is a rechargeable power source that’s used to start the engine and run accessories. Most modern vehicles use 12-volt sealed lead-acid batteries, or SLAs.
Check your owner’s manual or in-store fit guide to make sure you select the right battery for your vehicle. Two key factors to consider are material/technology and warranty.
Lithium-Ion Start-Stop Batteries
Start-stop batteries are specially designed with cutting-edge technology that enables them to power the car’s electrical systems when the motor is not running. They are an excellent choice for vehicles with emission reducing start-stop technologies and electronic driver aids.
They also offer improved battery performance and are eco-friendly, saving fuel and reducing CO2 emissions. In addition, they are extremely lightweight, allowing them to improve the vehicle’s driving range and acceleration.
SSB lithium batteries are an excellent choice for vehicles with advanced start-stop technologies and electronic driver aids. They are an extremely lightweight alternative to traditional lead acid batteries, allowing them to reduce the weight of the vehicle and boost the driving range.
SSB lithium batteries have non-aqueous electrolytes and a sealed container that rigidly excludes moisture from the cells, which prevents corrosion and extends the life of the battery. They are also safer than flooded lead acid batteries, as they do not contain any flammable solvents.
Maintenance-Free Batteries
If you’ve had issues with refilling flooded lead-acid batteries and are tired of worrying about acid spills, maintenance free batteries are your solution. These batteries come sealed with a vent hole for gasses to escape and do not require regular fluid checks or topping up.
These batteries use terminals made of lead and calcium to reduce heat and overcharge (the main cause of hydrogen gas release). This allows for the oxygen and hydrogen released to be recombined into water in a process called the oxygen recombination cycle, eliminating the need to constantly add water to these batteries.
Like any battery, it’s still important to inspect your maintenance free batteries regularly for signs of swelling or leaks. These inspections can be a part of the multi-point inspection that is often performed during routine oil changes. In addition, it’s recommended to disconnect a battery from its cables when not in use and store it in a cool dry place.
Sealed Lead Acid Batteries
Known by the brand name SLA, sealed lead acid batteries are the most common type used in vehicles. They can also be found powering household mechanisms, such as sump pumps, fire and security systems, riding toys and UPS battery backups. However, they can’t deep cycle, so aren’t suitable for applications that require long-term power.
All SLA batteries are designed with a safety valve that activates when internal pressure rises to a predetermined limit. This prevents the build-up of excessive gases inside the battery, which can cause damage or explosion.
Concorde SLA batteries feature larger over the cell partition interconnects, plate compression and proprietary Polyguard separators that increase the internal resistance reduction capability of the grids. This provides a more efficient way to deliver more power and extend battery life. They are maintenance free, meaning no water or acid is needed during use, and the valve-controlled sealing structure prevents electrolyte loss. Their smaller size and weight make them easier to install in tight spaces.
Heavy-Duty Batteries
Heavy-duty batteries are made to power demanding devices that drain a lot of current. They use a different chemistry to alkaline batteries, using zinc chloride rather than potassium hydroxide. This new method increases the surface area for the electrolyte and offers more capacity and power output than older tubular constructions.
Double A batteries are the most common battery and the one everyone thinks of when they hear the term “standard replaceable.” They’re used in clocks, thermometers and a wide range of other small devices that draw moderate current and don’t use up a lot of energy.
22 volt batteries provide the huge voltage needed to power tools that consume a lot of energy, like cordless power drills and self-propelled lawn mowers. These batteries offer exceptional deep-cycle capabilities and can withstand heavy vibrations and extreme temperatures. NAPA commercial batteries are designed to provide starting and auxiliary power to trucks, buses, emergency vehicles and construction equipment. They also feature reserve capability to keep systems powered in the event of alternator failure.