A car battery is a crucial component of any vehicle. However, many car owners tend to overlook it and lack knowledge about which battery type is best suited for their car. As a result, this often leads to frequent battery failures and replacements. Therefore, in order to buy a reliable and durable car battery, it is important to have an understanding of the different types of batteries available on the market and determine which one is perfect for your car.
Apart from learning about different battery types, there are essential factors to consider when purchasing a car battery, such as the climate in which you live and your vehicle’s requirements. The UAE is known for its hot desert climate, with scorching summer temperatures that can take a toll on cars. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a battery that is strong and reliable enough to withstand the extreme heat in the UAE.
In this blog, we will dive into the various types of car batteries available in the UAE market and help you determine the best battery for your car.
Types of Car Batteries
Choosing the right battery for your car is crucial to ensuring excellent performance and long battery life in the UAE’s scorching heat. Each battery type has its advantages and drawbacks, so let’s choose the battery that best suits your vehicle.
Lead Acid Battery
Standard lead-acid batteries are the most widely used type of battery in vehicles because they are cost-effective and readily available. These batteries produce electrical energy through chemical reactions initiated when the car is started. However, they have a shorter lifespan compared to other battery types and require regular maintenance checkups to ensure they function properly.
SLI Battery
SLI batteries, known for Starting, Lighting, and Ignition, are rechargeable batteries commonly used in many vehicles. As the name indicates, they help power the vehicle’s motor and electronic components, including the radio, lights, and air conditioner. However, they provide power with a continuous cycle of charge and discharge, which takes ample time.
Wet Cell/Flooded Battery
Available in two options, serviceable and maintenance-free, wet cell batteries are the cheapest batteries available and are the most affordable. They are popular batteries commonly used by car owners worldwide. Moreover, you can find them in different sizes and shapes. The thick suspended plates are used in these batteries sealed in wide separators. This enables the battery to resist corrosion. However, the downside of these batteries is that they require regular maintenance in serviceable batteries.
Silver Calcium Battery
As the name suggests, this type of battery has calcium alloy on the plates. The advantage of this battery is that it reduces fluid loss, so there is no danger to it. It has a high power voltage, which provides resistance to high temperatures. It is also resistant to corrosion. So, you can get this battery to bear the intense heat. However, it is not suitable for vehicles that require a low voltage range. Additionally, these batteries have a longer lifespan and do not require frequent charging. However, it is important not to overcharge the battery, as this can cause damage.
Valve Regulated Lead Acid Battery (VRLA)
This type of battery is known as a maintenance-free valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery. It is designed to discharge pressure through its valve system and automatically produce water through the recombination of gasses. This means that there is no need to add water to the battery, which eliminates the risk of gas leakage. VRLA batteries are ideal for use in vehicles because they offer optimal performance. However, they cannot be serviced and must be replaced if they become damaged.
AGM Battery
Similar to VRLA batteries, this is also a maintenance-free battery with no need to add water. AGM stands for Absorbed Glass Mat batteries because of the glass mat and electrolyte reaction. This battery produces strong power that helps in automatic engine start applications. Moreover, it is long-lasting, resistant to extreme temperatures, and more reliable than other batteries. However, make sure not to overcharge and damage AGM batteries. The only drawback of this battery is that they are costly.
Lithium Ion Battery
These batteries are specifically designed for electric and high-performance vehicles. They are lightweight due to their high energy density and can be recharged. Additionally, the parts of the battery can be recycled, making them an eco-friendly option. These batteries provide better fuel efficiency and have a lifespan of up to three years. It’s important to note that they are not suitable for fully internal combustion engines.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Battery
As mentioned above, each battery has its pros and cons. However, choosing the one that is best for your vehicle needs is crucial. There are essential factors that you should keep in mind when you go battery hunting. The following are the key factors:
Weather Resistance
When you are looking for a battery, make sure that it is resistant to high temperatures. Since Dubai is a hot weather region, make sure that the battery you get is designed to resist extreme weather conditions. This type of battery will be expensive but will run long in Dubai’s harsh weather.
Battery Size
Each battery comes in various sizes and shapes to fit the requirements of different types of vehicles. Make sure that you find the perfect fit for your car. To find out the exact size of a battery for your vehicle, look into your car’s manual.
Aside from battery size, every vehicle has a specific battery power requirement. In most vehicles, 12-volt batteries are used to start the engine and run lights and infotainment. However, it depends on how much power your vehicle uses. You can find this information in your car’s manual or, better, take professional advice from an auto shop.
Maintenance Demand
Lastly, there are two types of batteries in the market: maintenance-free and service-required batteries. Choose the one that suits your personal preferences. For instance, if you like to take care of your car, it’s best to opt for a battery that requires regular maintenance. These batteries are cheaper, but you need to add water and check fluid levels regularly.
On the other hand, if you have a busy schedule or simply don’t want to deal with battery maintenance, it’s advisable to choose a maintenance-free battery. These batteries are sealed and don’t require regular fluid checks or water additions. However, they are more expensive and don’t last as long as other batteries.
Conclusion
When choosing the correct battery for your vehicle, consider the critical factors mentioned above. We hope that you found this blog insightful and that you’ll be able to make an informed decision to ensure better vehicle performance and healthy battery life.
Also Read: 6 Useful Tips to Maintain Your Car Battery – Dubai