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Are Car Batteries Universal?

Car batteries are a confusing topic for many, and that is mostly because people don’t often replace them. Even when they do, they look for a quality battery replacement service instead of doing it on their own. And that is completely normal.

However, there are still some drivers who think that car batteries are universal and that they can just go to their local car parts store and pick one for their vehicle. Others would think that the cost of every car battery is the same, which is why they are getting ripped when they are offered different prices for different models of their vehicle. Now, both of these are universal misconceptions that are far from the truth.

In reality, car batteries are different in multiple ways. Each car battery is designed to suit a specific vehicle and its specifications, and those are generally the year it was manufactured, the make, and the model.

anatomy car battery
The anatomy of a car battery.

Is There One Similarity That All Car Batteries Share?

If you are wondering what’s similar in every car battery, it has to be the design, but even that has changed over the years. So, perhaps one of the biggest similarities is the way a car battery works. Now, the majority of the car batteries used in the UAE are called starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) batteries, which are used to start the car and provide the power necessary to run the vehicle’s electronic systems (radio, lights, windows, rear view mirrors, wipers, and many other electrical components).

Still, not all batteries are of the SLI type. Hybrid vehicles, for instance, may have a lithium-ion battery which has much more energy compared to a traditional SLI battery. The lithium-ion batteries are much lighter too, but won’t last as long as their counterparts. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, are also equipped with lithium-ion batteries, which are of greater capacity and inaccessible to many consumers.

Is There A Universally Sized Car Battery?

Again, there is no universal size for a car battery. What you should choose to fit your car will take into account a couple of factors, officially known as battery group sizes. However, unlike the actual length and width of a battery, its group size can be found in the car’s owner’s manual.

It is also worth noting that some vehicle models require car batteries that have different types and configurations. For those of you who don’t know, terminals connect the battery to the car, and the most common ones include the following:

  • SAE terminals: These are cylindrical in shape, and the positive post is larger than the negative one.
  • JIS terminals: Smaller and thinner, these are also known as “pencil posts” and have a larger positive post with a smaller negative one.
  • L terminals: Lastly, the L-terminals are mostly found in European car makes and look like L-shaped brackets. Their vertical end typically has a hole in the middle where the battery cables can be attached.
toyota car battery

Why Is Choosing The Right Car Battery Important?

There are many reasons why you should choose a car battery that is suited for your specific vehicle. If you try to purchase an alternative that is not recommended for your car, the first problem you might see is that it probably won’t fit into the battery tray.

With modern cars, there are plenty of electronics that go into the functioning of the vehicle. So, if you choose a car battery that is not right for your car, you will certainly get a warning signal on your dashboard.

Having the right battery also means a longer lifespan, which is why we always recommend using an appropriate battery for your vehicle. Now, if you need help choosing a battery for your car, you can check our Car Battery Replacement page for more details.

How Do I Pick The Best Battery For My Car?

If you are looking for the best car battery in the UAE, you are in the right place. You can always contact us, and we’ll help you choose the right battery for your needs. If your car battery is empty and you are left on the side of the road, you can also check out our Mobile Battery Service and rely on our professionals to get you back on the road safely in no time.

You can also shop for car batteries in our online store and choose the right model for your needs. If you need more help, we are always available at 800 255 89737!

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