Automotive Batteries

The battery is an electrochemical device that stores the electrical energy used to operate the starter motor, and ignition and fuel injection components when the engine is started; powers accessories like the radio when the engine is off; and delivers additional current when the needs of the electrical system exceed what the charging system can provide. Even when the vehicle is not in use, the battery operates the clock and maintains component memory.

Conventional Flooded Lead-Acid (FLA) batteries contain plates immersed in an electrolyte solution of water and sulfuric acid. The positive plates, coated with lead dioxide (PbO2), and the sponge lead (Pb) coated negative plates, together form a cell element, and there are 6 in a 12-volt battery. These batteries require the addition of water to the cells periodically and have been supplanted by FLA Maintenance-Free and Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries.

Although they require less service, FLA Maintenance-Free batteries are prone to acid spillage if the case ruptures. AGM batteries also require no maintenance, but they hold the electrolyte in a sponge-like matting, and if the case cracks, no electrolyte will leak out. AGM batteries have many other advantages including no gassing or water loss, less internal resistance for faster charging, more plate area for greater starting power, shock and vibration resistance making them ideal for off-road use and racing, and long service life. The AGM batteries we offer arrive at your door fully charged and ready to install.

Batteries can also be categorized by size, configuration, and rating. The BCI Group Number indicates the battery’s physical dimensions. The terminals that connect the battery to the electrical system can be post or top, side, or L terminals. Batteries are rated in several ways, but Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) and Reserve Capacity are the most important ones to know. CCA is the amount of current the battery can deliver for 30 seconds at 0ºF without voltage dropping below 7.2V. Reserve Capacity is the length of time that a fully charged battery discharges at 25 amps at 80ºF before voltage falls below 10.5V.

If you live in a very cold area, you need a battery with a high CCA number, and with all of the systems on today’s cars that draw current with the key off, high reserve capacity is also important. The preceding pertains to our starting and deep-cycle batteries, but we also carry batteries and related parts for all of the most popular hybrid vehicles. These batteries are completely remanufactured, upgraded where necessary to improve known problem areas, thoroughly tested, priced competitively, and delivered to your door ready to install. We offer a wide choice of high-performance batteries for cars, trucks and SUVs that will suit for street as well as racing applications. Deep-cycle batteries are known for their ability to be discharged regularly and recharge rapidly. Race car drivers can benefit from lightweight sealed batteries we carry in our store with all the latest safety features.