It’s hard to believe that a battery powers something as powerful as a vehicle, but that’s precisely what automotive batteries do. However, they have a finite life span, and at some point, whatever you drive, from cars to all-terrain vehicles, yours will need replacing. There are a variety of batteries on the market, so here’s a guide to the most common and the types of vehicles they’re suitable for.

Your Guide to Automotive Batteries

1. Starting, Lighting, and Ignition (SLI) Batteries

Most car batteries are SLI batteries because they work the most efficiently across the automotive industry. They have a shallow charge cycle, which means they discharge a burst of power when you use them – or start your car – and then recharges while your vehicle is running, which is why drivers are told to take their car out for a spin immediately after jump-starting a flat battery. If your SLI battery drains completely, it takes up to 24 hours to recharge.

2. Value-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) Batteries

VRLA batteries are disposable. They’re used in motorcycles, military vehicles, golf carts, and all-terrain vehicles because they’re sealed, meaning they can’t spill if jolted around, and you can place them at any angle without worrying about battery fluid leaking. They’re designed to be low maintenance, often requiring testing and not much else, and are used in the uninterruptible power supply because their low acid and gas output makes them safe for indoor use. 

3. Wet Cell or Flooded Batteries

Wet Cell batteries are rechargeable, and many people choose to use them as automotive batteries. However, their application reaches across a multitude of industries, including aviation, cellphone towers, energy storage, and electric utilities. They’re a cheaper alternative to other batteries because they don’t offer the same cycle life or convenience, and you have to replace the lost electrolytes regularly.

4. Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) Batteries

Hybrids and electric cars use Li-ion batteries, although they’re incompatible in most other automobiles. They’re incredibly lightweight and store significant amounts of energy. However, their lifespan is only around two to three years or 300-500 charge cycles, whichever is soonest.

5. Deep Cycle Batteries

Deep-cycle batteries are the opposite of SLIs in that they provide constant, sustained power over an extended period. They work best when discharged to around 50% of the battery before being recharged, which makes them ideal for golf carts and marine use, such as small vessels and fishing boats.

When you need to replace automotive batteries, speak to Victory Battery in Covington, KY. Since 1957, this specialist team has focused on one thing: to meet the battery needs of the residents of Kenton County. With a full inventory of car, wheelchair, scooter, ride-on toy, and standard handheld batteries, they truly are the one-stop shop anytime you need to power a device. And they offer a range of services too, including testing and installation, and rebuilding starters and alternators. Call today on (859) 581-0343 or go online to find out more.