Are Car Batteries Universal?
2 Answers
Car batteries are not universal. Due to differences in manufacturers and capacities, car batteries vary in size, the position of positive and negative terminals (which can be reversed or standard, influenced by vehicle wiring harnesses), starting current, and capacity. As long as the voltage is the same, they can be interchangeable. The so-called battery size refers to the battery's capacity. Larger battery specifications mean greater capacity, allowing for longer starting durations and extended use of car electrical equipment after parking, such as listening to the radio for a longer time. Precautions for using car batteries: A battery installed in a car will self-discharge over time when left unused. Many car owners find it difficult to start their cars or even discover a completely dead battery after returning from a business trip or vacation. Therefore, it's best to drive the car at least once a week, preferably for more than 20 minutes, to allow the battery to recharge while driving. The operation of car windows and sunroofs relies on the battery's power, so it's advisable to close all windows before turning off the engine rather than after, or even using the long-press lock button method to close windows after leaving the car.
Not universal, bro. I've driven several cars, and every time I replace the battery, I have to confirm the size and specifications. For example, my sedan and my friend's SUV have completely different battery locations and sizes—you can't even force them in. You also need to check the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA); if the CCA isn't sufficient, the car won't start in winter. Once, I struggled for hours only to find out the ampere-hour rating didn't match, and the car started sluggishly. The key is that the voltage must be 12V; otherwise, the entire vehicle's electronic system could be damaged. I recommend keeping the manual and recording the battery model when you buy a car. When replacing it, measure the dimensions or use an online tool to check compatibility to avoid wasting money. By the way, the large lithium batteries used in electric vehicles are even more specialized—installing the wrong one could cause circuit issues. Regularly check the battery's health during maintenance, and don't take it lightly.
