Understanding Battery Types: Wet Cell vs. VRLA

Wet Cell Car Batteries

Wet cell batteries, also known as flooded batteries, are the OG lead-acid batteries made for cars. Why stick with them? They’re tough and budget-friendly, lasting a good while if properly maintained. And by maintenance, it just means checking in on them every few weeks.

What to check? The water level. Wet cell batteries rely on liquid to generate power, and they lose some water during charge cycles. Just pop off a cap and add distilled water when needed—easy peasy. But if maintenance isn’t the vibe, sealed wet cell batteries, often called semi-solid, are a solid choice.

There are two main types of wet cell batteries: SLI and deep cycle. SLI stands for Starting, Lighting, and Ignition. These are the ones that give your ride a quick jolt to start up and power the lights. Then, the alternator takes over.

On the flip side, deep cycle batteries (sometimes called marine batteries) are built for long-term power. They can be drained down to 80% and still bounce back for more.

VRLA Car Batteries

Next up, we have VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead-Acid) batteries. These bad boys are sealed tight, meaning no gases or liquids can sneak in or out. The upside? They’re maintenance-free. The downside? If something goes wrong, it’s a straight-up replacement.

VRLA batteries ditch the liquid electrolytes for gel or AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) options. Gel batteries are tough cookies, handling impacts, heat, and vibrations like champs. AGM batteries keep electrolytes in glass mats, preventing spills and offering solid performance.

Finding the Right Fit: Battery Group Sizes

Now, here’s where group sizes come into play. Each vehicle is designed for a specific battery size, which is detailed in the owner’s manual. Sticking to the recommended size means less hassle with cold cranking amps (CCA) and reserve capacity (RC).

Battery group sizes indicate the dimensions and terminal positions of the battery. Instead of measuring everything, just check the label on the battery itself. Common sizes include:

• 24
• 24F
• 25
• 34
• 35
• 51
• 51R
• 52
• 58R
• 59
• 65

Some brands, like General Motors, have their favorites, often using side-post batteries with group numbers like 70, 74, 75, and 78. The group number tells not just the size but also the configuration—think side-post versus top-post setups.

Thanks to this system, finding the right battery is as simple as checking the group number and swapping it for a matching one. Always double-check the owner’s manual, though—someone might’ve thrown in the wrong battery before.

The Risks of Installing the Wrong Battery Size

So, what happens if the wrong-sized battery gets tossed in? It might not fit right, and if it does, that’s not a win. For example, if an American standard battery is put in a car designed for a recessed top, the ports could end up too close to the hood. This could spark trouble, leading to shorts or even fires.

Why take that gamble? Always check the owner’s manual to find out what battery size is meant for the ride. Better safe than sorry!