Finding the Right 12-V Battery for Your Vehicle
Most modern vehicles (from motorbikes and cars to trucks and boats) use a 12-Volt battery to start and to run their electrics. However, it is important to make sure that you get the right battery for your vehicle, otherwise you might find yourself facing any one of a wide range of problems. With the huge number of different batteries on the market, you need to choose very carefully when looking for a new one.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a New 12-V Rechargeable Battery?
As noted, there are a wide range of different 12-V rechargeable batteries on the market. They come with various different specifications and in a number of sizes, and each is for use in a specific vehicle or machine. Consider the following:
- Their size - Rechargeable 12-V batteries come in a lot of different sizes. You need to check your vehicle, and make sure that you get one that will fit in the battery slot. Make sure that it has the right rechargeable connections and terminals. For example, a truck takes a much larger battery than something like a motorbike or a snowmobile.
- Their make-up - Rechargeable batteries come in various forms. Li-ion ones are common, while NiMH and NiCd are also commonly used. It is important to get the right ones for your vehicle, otherwise your battery may not have enough cranking capacity or power.
- Their power capacity - Different batteries have different amounts of power. In the same way, various vehicles draw different amounts of power. Make sure that you take this into consideration.
What Problems Could I Run Into if I Choose the Wrong Rechargeable Battery?
If you choose the wrong rechargeable battery for your vehicle, you could run into one of a range of problems. Common problems include:
- Batteries too big or small - If you get a rechargeable 12-V battery that is too big, then it simply won't fit in your vehicle. While it would probably still work, you won't be able to hook it up without a lot of trouble.
- Batteries without enough power - When choosing a rechargeable battery, make sure that you consider the amount of power that your previous battery had. This is extremely important as some vehicles require a certain amount of power to crank their motor. Others draw a lot of power via their various electronics and can quickly run a low powered battery flat.
- Batteries with the wrong terminal - 12-V vehicle batteries come with one of a couple of different types of terminals. While a battery with the wrong terminals will still work, you may find it hard to hook it up to your vehicle.