Saturday, October 12

What you should know about the types of batteries for your car and their useful life

hacer mantenimiento a tu batería puede prolongar su uso
Maintaining your battery can prolong its use

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors / Courtesy

Klon Perez

For: Klon Perez Updated 19 Apr 2022, 8: 51 am EDT

When it comes to car batteries, there are three types that you should know if you want to have one. These are the AGM, the gel and those known as wet cell batteries.

That is why in this note we will tell you exactly how it is composed each one, its differences, and the life expectancy they can have depending on their use.

AGM Battery

They are made of absorbent fiberglass. They are considered the greatest innovation when it comes to acid-based batteries.

They use a separator that comes with fiberglass. This sits between the sheaths and plates, their job is to successfully hold the electrolytes in place.

These types of batteries are capable of creating “the special bond” using capillary action. The effect is similar to how water can enter a towel that only partially sinks. This action keeps the liquid inside and makes it virtually spill-proof.

No leaks or corrosion anywhere. All you have to do is plug in the battery and you’re good to go.

If the car does not start, many times it will be necessary to check more than the battery.

Wet cell batteries

Currently, they are the most common in the market, vary greatly in terms of size and shape. This is due to its various uses in different industries. Like AGM batteries these also use lead plates and have plate separators as well as a sulfuric acid electrolyte. They are usually not sealed.

These batteries are not capable of combining gases with liquids internally, instead the gases are vented into the surrounding environment. It also uses the same fans to make the acid flow, steam and condensate. These do require regular maintenance.

These types of batteries need water to replenish their electrolytes, if these are not checked they can corrode and fail.

Gel batteries

They look like the AGM because they are also sealed. However, the two batteries are completely different. The gel types use silica, a material that is capable of converting sulfuric acid into a gelatinous material. This same component is used as electrolyte for the battery.

These batteries cannot be exposed to high-grade situations of deterioration because the gelatinous substance could scar the gel inside, forming spaces and bags that will affect its performance.

Should not be used for fast downloading or charging.

arrancador para auto
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Life expectancy

The cycle of a battery can be measured by the number of times it is discharged and charged. AGMs could be downloaded beyond 50 %, but it should only be occasionally. Doing it regularly decreases its lifespan.

The gel ones can be downloaded up to 90 %. If you discharge your battery too often by 04 %, this would reduce its useful life considerably.

Now that you know a little about batteries, It is always important that you do a little research on its maintenance.

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