Is it possible to use a marine battery in your car?
Depending on who you ask, you’ll get a different answer to this question. Some might tell you that it is possible to do so, and others might disagree with you.
But if you need to find the right answer, look no further. Before we can find this out, however, let’s look at the differences between a regular car battery and a marine battery.
What Exactly Is A Marine Battery?
Marine batteries, otherwise known as boat batteries, function as either starting batteries or deep cycle batteries — and in certain circumstances, a combination of both of these types.
In many circles, marine batteries are considered to be hybrid batteries. They can have a function to crank up an engine or perform as a regular house battery.
These batteries can be found in many recreational vessels and are designed to give a steady flow of energy over long periods of time.
In contrast, cranking batteries will provide plenty of power up front.
Marine batteries have the capacity to function as both a cranking battery and more. Because of this, they need to have sufficient power to kickstart the engine of the boat, while also providing energy for any accessories the boat has.
Marine batteries will give plenty of cranking power and lots of energy over a period of time. Marine batteries are also unique in that there are thicker plates on them when compared to your average batteries.
This is also why they will cost significantly more.
What About Car Batteries?
Car batteries have been built to give large amounts of current in order to start the engine of the car. After this objective has been achieved, the battery will stay under the hood and will be recharged continuously by the alternator.
Because of this, batteries in cars often are starter batteries. Every once in a while, these batteries are used to give power for the electric components of the car.
This will include brake lights, headlights, and even the instrument panel. One of the biggest differences of a car battery when compared to a marine battery is that the lead plates are thinner.
This also makes them able to discharge more current upfront in order to crank an engine. The trade-off is that marine batteries are able to withstand more extreme conditions.
Are You Able To Use Marine Batteries For Your Car’s Energy?
The answer to this will depend on a variety of factors.
Firstly, whether you can use a marine battery for your car will depend on the purpose you are intending to use it for. If you want to use your marine battery to kickstart your engine for your car, then this will give you sufficient cranking power to get the engine going.
However, you also need to look at the voltage. If the marine battery is a 12-volt battery, then you can use it for your car. This will enable it to be both a starter and a deep cycle battery.
The size of the marine battery will also be something else to consider.
When looking at using a marine battery for your vehicle, the orientation of the terminals and any dimensions need to be the same as a regular car battery.
You also need to take a look at the fact that cars do not really need a lot of deep cycle power from marine batteries. Cars use starter batteries because these are the batteries that they are most equipped to use.
Marine batteries are probably not recommended to power cars for a long period of time. This is because they would probably shorten the battery’s lifespan.
In fact, they may even lessen the lifespan of your car’s electrical parts.
Whilst marine batteries are indeed better built, if they were really meant to be used for cars this would be a commonly known fact.
Choosing The Right Battery For Your Vehicle
It does make more sense to pick a battery that is specifically designed for your car. This is because batteries are put through a very rigorous process in order to ensure they are of the utmost quality and the most fitting.
Before investing in a battery, you should make sure to take a look at specific factors in order to make the right choice. These are as follows:
Battery Group Size
This term refers to how big the battery is and how accurate it is to fit the dimensions of your car. This is denoted by a series of letters and numbers that are allocated to different group sizes and usually based on the model and make of the car they are meant to go in.
Cold Cranking Amp
This rating will define how well a battery can start a vehicle in chilly temperatures. It refers to how many amps 12-volt batteries are able to generate 0° at least 30 seconds with a minimum of 7.2 V.
Reserve Capacity
This figure will tell you how long batteries that are charged 100% are able to keep generating power for the accessories of a car if the alternator is unable to do so.
So Can You Use A Marine Battery In A Car?
Whilst a marine battery is a viable option to be used in a car, they are not the perfect solution to do do.
Picking the right battery for your car can be somewhat confusing. If you don’t know what type of battery to go for, you should get in touch with us.
With our extensive knowledge of batteries, we can find you the perfect solution.
