Five Types of Car Batteries You Must Know

Cars need electricity. Without electrical current, your car's lights won't turn on, the AC won't function, and your car won't start, let alone move. In the ignition process, cars require a battery as a power source. The battery stores electrical energy in the form of chemical energy. You should know that generally, batteries consist of five types. These five types certainly have different specifications, advantages, disadvantages, and market prices. Now, the explanation below is about the five types of car batteries that you must know. Read on!

Wet Battery

A wet battery is the most common and easiest to find. It is called a wet battery because it contains an electrolyte solution or battery acid in the form of sulfuric acid. The wet battery acid contains antimony lead, which will deplete quickly due to high evaporation potential. This battery is sold at a lower price compared to other types of batteries. Additionally, many workshops will definitely sell it or provide maintenance services for wet batteries. However, wet batteries require regular maintenance. The evaporation that occurs can cause the battery fluid to deplete quickly. If not properly maintained, the battery fluid can spill and damage other components.

Dry Battery

Although its name is dry battery, it does not mean that this type of battery does not contain electrolyte fluid. The dry battery—often referred to as Maintenance Free—uses an electrolyte fluid that contains calcium lead. Compared to antimony lead in wet batteries, calcium lead is more efficient in the evaporation process. Moreover, dry batteries do not need to be maintained as frequently as wet batteries because they do not require electrolyte fluid refills. Dry batteries are sealed tightly so that the electrolyte fluid inside is not prone to spilling. However, because the quality of dry batteries is better than wet batteries, this type of battery is sold at a higher price. The strong sealing also has certain implications, my friend. When you perform maintenance on a dry battery, you automatically have to replace the dry battery components because the seal cannot be opened.

Calcium Battery

Unlike the previous two types of batteries, the terminals of this battery are made of calcium material. Calcium batteries have a lower evaporation rate than conventional batteries. Additionally, the durability of calcium batteries is excellent in conducting electricity. Unfortunately, calcium batteries are still less popular in Indonesia. This battery will be rarely found in stores. Even if available, the stock will be limited and the price is also significant.

Hybrid Battery

As the name suggests, hybrid means a combination; this type of battery is a result of combining a regular battery with a calcium battery. This battery also has a very low evaporation rate and does not require too much routine maintenance. However, like calcium batteries, hybrid batteries are rarely found in stores. Moreover, the electrolyte fluid inside is corrosive and dangerous for human skin.

Gel Battery

This is the most advanced battery known as a high-tech battery. Instead of using electrolyte fluid, this type of battery uses gel. Of course, gel has a lower likelihood of spilling. If the gel spills, you also don't need to worry because this battery does not use corrosive or dangerous electrolyte fluid. Gel batteries are almost free from any form of maintenance. The lifespan of gel batteries is even longer than other types of batteries. Undoubtedly, gel batteries are sold at a very high price. Additionally, this type of battery will not be easily found in your favorite workshops or stores.

After knowing the five types of car batteries, now you know which type of battery is suitable for your car. Not only the car needs to match the battery criteria, but your budget also needs to be adjusted, and maintenance time should be considered. Each type has its advantages, disadvantages, and varying levels of attention required. So, which type of battery is most suitable for you?