Some are one-time fill, others are serviceable. A typical flooded battery has caps on the top for the water. When installing a battery in the trunk, a firewall must be installed to protect the passengers the battery box must also be vented to the exterior of the vehicle. While charging a lead acid battery, through electrolysis, the battery generates oxygen and hydrogen gas, which can be explosive, which is why batteries are typically mounted under the hood, where they dissipate and do not become condensed. This why batteries freeze during the winter, which can cause the lead plates to touch (short-circuit), effectively destroying the battery. As the battery discharges, the lead electrodes become lead sulfate, and the electrolyte dissolves into water. Each of these plate groups is called a cell a group of individual cells is called a “battery”. All lead acid batteries use the same overall concept – lead plates (one is lead, the other is lead oxide) are submerged in an electrolyte solution of sulfuric acid. The main types are flooded, gel and AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat).

While most batteries are of the same age-old lead acid (LA) design, there are many ways to put them together. The other side of the label tells you the type of battery and usually features a purchase date selection used for warranty purposes. A battery with 150 amp hours rating would provide 15 amps for 10 hours, 10 amps for 15 hours or 150 amps for 1 hour. Amp Hour (AH) – typically used for deep-cycle batteries, this illustrates the amperage capacity.This is used on both starting and deep cycle batteries. Reserve Capacity (RC) – measured in minutes, this is how long the battery will provide 25 amps until the battery voltage drops to 10.5 volts.This is the most important measure of a battery, and is the typical rating used for selecting the appropriate battery for a vehicle. Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) – the amperage rating the battery can provide at 0-degrees F for 30 seconds without dropping below 7.2 volts.Cranking Amps (CA) – the rating of cranking amperage measured at 32 degrees F.This tells you how much power the battery is capable of providing. Amperage Ratings Every battery posts the amperage ratings on the top label. You will learn which one to grab and which ones to leave on the shelf.

This automotive battery guide is here to help you on your next trip to pick up a battery. Additionally, a properly functioning battery means your alternator doesn’t have to work as hard, and getting the best performance from your charging system is always good bet, especially if you have upgraded electronics. While the type of battery under the hood is not likely to give you any horsepower gains, it will save you from having to get jump started in the middle of the night at the gas station. One of the most overlooked upgrades is your vehicle’s battery.

What is reserve battery level