Automotive batteries act as a power reserve for automobiles. These are lead-acid batteries, consisting of lead and lead dioxide plates that are surrounded by a solution of electrolytes made from sulfuric acid and water. Some of the older forms of these batteries required the addition of water to the solution in order to make up for water loss during use. These older batteries typically were not sealed inside plastic cases, but the newer batteries are sealed and are often referred to as being maintenance-free. To find the best battery for your automotive needs, you need to learn about the kinds of batteries there, their different functions and the best uses for each.
There are a couple of different types of automotive batteries. The most frequently used type is the flooded battery, which means that the electrolyte solution surrounding the lead plates is a liquid. The absorbed glass mat type of automotive battery, often referred to as an AGM battery, uses fiberglass to help the electrolyte stay put. Each type is intended for
Your own automotive needs will help you decide what kind of automotive battery you require and your budget. Absorbed glass mat batteries tend to be more expensive but are known for their superior performance. They tend to lose only a little of their charge every month, and they are constructed to guard against battery wear and tear so they will last longer than a flooded battery.
AGM batteries do, however, have the capacity to ruin an alternator if the car's charging system is not set up for running at maximum power for long periods of time. The flooded cell batteries are easier to find, suitable for a variety of vehicles, and often relatively inexpensive. If you do not have a high-end luxury vehicle or a lot of electronics in your car, you might find that a flooded cell battery is your best choice.