Size Matters: Understanding Car Battery Sizes

It's Monday morning.

You're ready for work, ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way during the week. You open the garage and slip into your car, turn the key-

It won't start.

For those of us who own a vehicle, it's more than likely that during that vehicle's lifetime, you'll face the problem of the car not starting. There are dozens of reasons why your car isn't starting, but nine times out of ten, it's due to your battery.

But with tons of different car battery sizes, polarity requirements, volts, amps, terminal connections, you may feel like you've been buried in a world of technical jargon.

There are plenty of handy guides all over the internet about picking out a new car battery, but one critical element of shopping is selecting the right car battery sizes.

But what's the benefit or necessity of different battery sizes? Let's look at a few critical pieces of information that will give you a better understanding of car battery sizes and how this affects your vehicle.

Car Battery Sizes Do Matter

What most people don't realize is that car batteries are not interchangeable and that there are actually quite a few varieties of batteries to choose from, such as dry charged or maintenance-free, along with different sizes.

When it comes to car batteries, size matters. The size of your car battery will make a huge difference in the functionality of your car. 

A small two-door car is much different from a large work truck, and each vehicle requires a different level of power to turn the engine. 

With the correct battery sparking the ignition in that large work truck, your vehicle will start up more efficiently and help your vehicle to operate at its peak performance.

On the other hand, if you install a battery that's too small, your truck won't receive the necessary power it needs to start, and you'll find yourself back at square one once again.

Not only does size affect your vehicle's functionality, choosing a battery that's too small or too large and doesn't properly fit the battery component in your car, you can run into a whole host of problems.

If the battery isn't seated correctly, your car is at risk of scraping the metal hood of your car, potentially causing short circuits, sparks- even vehicle fires. 

So play it safe. Consult the manual for your vehicle to determine your battery group size before you stop at an automotive store.

The Battery Group Size Limits Options

A battery group is an industry-standard regarding battery sizes. There are dozens of battery groups, which helps make your search for new batteries a little easier.

Depending on the battery group size for your car, your options will be limited based on the dimensions and polarity of your battery grouping. But limited options aren't a bad thing. 

By identifying the battery grouping size (typically printed on the labeling on your car battery), shopping for new batteries is a much simpler process. You won't be making any guesses about the size of your battery and thus risking an imperfect fit.

However, there are certain instances when a vehicle can adequately handle a larger battery than was originally installed. If you're interested in running your vehicle at a higher power level, check in with a mechanic or other automotive expert who will be able to tell you whether or not your car has options for larger batteries. 

The Type of Car Determines the Type of Battery

There are three major car types that will help determine what size car battery you need: European, Asian, and American. 

Each type of car typically uses a slightly different battery style. 

Some American cars utilize a side-post connection. Many European car batteries feature what's called a recessed top post battery, where the connection ports are about level with the top of the battery. Asian countries are leading the way with innovative electric car batteries, shaking up the automotive industry from the inside out.

So depending on what type of car you have, and what type of battery that car requires, you may have to do a little hunting within your battery group code. 

Rely on Experts

Replacing your car battery on your own can save you a lot of money, but with all the variations on sizes, power levels, and more, plenty of people may find themselves intimidated by the amount of information they have to consider.

If you find yourself overwhelmed by the concept of car battery sizes, there's no need to suffer alone. Automotive experts can be of great assistance when it comes to selecting the correct battery for your vehicle, ensuring you get the perfect battery for your car size and power needs.

These experts, whether it's a trusted mechanic or an employee at an automotive store, can help you find the right battery without the struggle of browsing dozens of different batteries, or the confusion that can go along with information overload.

At the End of the Day, Don't Stress

Stressing out about finding the right car battery sizes won't do you any good. 

Instead, utilize the information you have at hand. Consult your vehicle's manual. Scope out your current battery for that battery grouping code.

The battery in your car will eventually fail. In fact, battery replacement is one of the most popular car repairs to occur for vehicle owners.

When you eventually do have to replace that battery, make it easy for yourself. Find that battery group number before you head into an automotive shop, and keep the make and model of your car in mind as you browse.

Remember that automotive experts are always available to help you out, including our expert services. Also, they can help you safely install your new battery!

Want to do it yourself? Make sure you review our battery safety precautions first. 

We've been in business for over 25 years, and our high-quality batteries are a great solution for all your battery needs. Don't hesitate; reach out to us today.