A battery is one of the most important parts of a car. Without a working battery your car is just a large paperweight. By having the correct battery you can know that your car is going to start up when you turn the key. You ask, “what if I find a battery from another car? Are car batteries universal?”
Battery Styles
Car batteries are not universal. There is a difference in design, power and more. Battery posts are the metal contact pieces that you connect your terminals to. Some batteries are designed with the posts on top. Others have side posts. Depending on the year make and model of your car the battery style that you car requires is different.
Battery Sizes
There are different sizes of batteries. Some are larger with more cranking power. Others are smaller and more compact so they don’t take up that much space. Usually your battery fits into a battery tray. If you try to install a battery that is not designed for your vehicle it might not fit in the tray.
If the battery is too large you may not be able to tighten it down and secure it properly. You don’t want a 30lb battery moving around in your engine bay while you’re driving.
Battery Strength
Are car batteries universal? Well lets take a look at the power that batteries produce. Most car batteries are 12 volt. This is the amount of voltage that the battery makes. Most of your accessories are able to run off 12 volts. An the other hand The battery amperage can vary.
The CCA or Cold Cranking Amps is a term that defines how long the battery can provide a certain amount of power over a period of time. Depending on the size of the vehicle, for instance a truck, it requires a much higher CCA rating compared to a small four cylinder Honda Civic. It’s true that the both of the vehicles are able to run off of 12 volts but you will cause strain on your battery if it is under-powered.
Conclusion
Are car batteries universal? No they aren’t. You should to your best to find a battery that is specifically designed for your vehicle. This will give you the peace of mind knowing that your car is going to start up every time. If you are looking to save money on a battery you can check out Parts Geek. Get 75% off dealer prices! Leave us a note below!