In the know: Different battery types for your car

car battery

Your car’s electrical components — such as the starter, the lights, and the infotainment system — are powered by a battery. Your vehicle’s battery is recharged by the engine on the vehicle but over time it will have to be replaced.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • What are the most common battery types for your car?

    The most common battery car types are SLI, lead-acid, and lithium-ion batteries.
  • What is the usual lifespan of car batteries?

    Car batteries usually last for around six to 10 years depending on the type.
  • If you’re in the market for a new battery then we suggest you give this article a read. Because today, we’re checking out various battery types for your car.

    SLI batteries

    Short for starting, lighting, and ignition, SLI batteries are one of the most common battery types found on today’s cars. Apart from starting your car, an SLI battery is designed to power your vehicle’s lights and electronic components.

    SLI batteries can provide up to 12 volts of power thanks to its six galvanic cells that have been arranged in a series format. Because it’s an open battery, SLI batteries can be serviced to prolong their overall lifespan.

    Car owners who use SLI batteries report that these types last for a fair amount of time, somewhere around three to six years.

    Lead-acid batteries

    Lead-acid batteries are older than SLIs. They were designed for older cars that did not have advanced infotainment systems or other modern technological amenities.

    Unlike SLI batteries, lead-acid batteries are sealed. This means that a lead-acid battery needs to be replaced with a new one should it bite the bullet. However, this also means that because lead-acid batteries are sealed, owners are less likely to worry about maintaining the battery making it a downright low-maintenance power source for your vehicle.

    Even with very minimal maintenance, these types of batteries can last for about five to six years.

    Lithium-ion batteries

    Li-ion batteries are often used on hybrids and EVs. Compared to lead-acids and SLIs, li-ion batteries hold more power, are lighter, and last longer. That said, they’re also more expensive and may require more maintenance.

    Owners of lithium-ion battery-equipped vehicles report that these types usually last somewhere around five to 10 years.

    Photo from  ZigWheels

    Also read: 

    In the know: Understanding the alphabet of brake tech

    In the know: Carburetors vs. fuel injectors

    In the know: How the Philippines became a left-hand-drive country

    Read All

    Featured Articles

    Recommended Articles For You

    Read All

    Featured Cars

    • Upcoming

    Car Articles From Zigwheels

    • News
    • Article Feature
    • Advisory Stories
    • Road Test
    • Toyota endorses 2nd ELV dismantling facility for insured vehicles
      Toyota endorses 2nd ELV dismantling facility for insured vehicles
      Ruben Manahan IV . Today
    • Volvo PH launches updated XC60, XC90 PHEV
      Volvo PH launches updated XC60, XC90 PHEV
      Cesar Miguel . Today
    • Honda Cars PH strengthens aftersales with insurance conference
      Honda Cars PH strengthens aftersales with insurance conference
      Cesar Miguel . Today
    • Volvo PH May 2025 MoM sales up by 550%
      Volvo PH May 2025 MoM sales up by 550%
      Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 01, 2025
    • Mitsubishi Motors PH launches 'Prepaid Maintenance Parts package'
      Mitsubishi Motors PH launches 'Prepaid Maintenance Parts package'
      Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 01, 2025
    • Zigwheels PH Wrapup: Local vehicle launches in H1 2025
      Zigwheels PH Wrapup: Local vehicle launches in H1 2025
      Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 02, 2025
    • Let’s inspect the Omoda E5’s interior
      Let’s inspect the Omoda E5’s interior
      Cesar Miguel . Jul 02, 2025
    • Check out the MG Marvel R’s strengths, weaknesses
      Check out the MG Marvel R’s strengths, weaknesses
      Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
    • Here is a quick look at Suzuki XL7 Hybrid sole option in PH
      Here is a quick look at Suzuki XL7 Hybrid sole option in PH
      Paulo Papa . Jun 30, 2025
    • Toyota RAV4 vs. other hybrid crossovers
      Toyota RAV4 vs. other hybrid crossovers
      Paulo Papa . Jun 30, 2025
    • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
      Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
      Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
    • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
      What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
      Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
    • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
      Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
      Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
    • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
      Number coding 2025: what you need to know
      Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
    • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
      EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
      Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
    • First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
      First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
      Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
    • BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
      BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
      Paulo Papa . Jun 18, 2025
    • Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
      Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
      Paulo Papa . Jun 05, 2025
    • ELECTRIA: 2025 BYD Atto 3 - updates done right
      ELECTRIA: 2025 BYD Atto 3 - updates done right
      Cesar Miguel . Jun 05, 2025
    • Dongfeng Nammi: Stylish all-rounder
      Dongfeng Nammi: Stylish all-rounder
      Cesar Miguel . May 21, 2025