Automotive Batteries

An automotive or car battery is a rechargeable device used to start the internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle. Its primary purpose is to feed electrical energy to the vehicle's starter motor, which starts the engine. Once running, power for the car's electrical systems and electronics is still supplied by the battery, with the alternator charging the battery as demand varies.

Usually, starting uses less than 3% of the capacity of the battery. Because of this, vehicle batteries are made to deliver maximum current but only for a short period of time. They can be described as "SLI" (starting, lighting and ignition) batteries for this reason. They are not designed for deep discharging, which can shorten the battery's lifespan.

Along with starting the engine, an automotive battery provides the extra power needed when the vehicle's electrical requirements are greater than the supply from the charging system.

Car batteries have a limited lifespan and will eventually need to be replaced. Factors such as temperature extremes, frequent short trips, and leaving the lights or other electrical devices on when the engine is not running can all contribute to a shorter battery life.

When choosing a replacement battery, it is essential to consider factors such as its size, capacity, and cold-cranking amps (CCA), which measure the battery's ability to start the engine in cold temperatures. It is also important to ensure that the replacement battery is compatible with the make and model of the vehicle.

We at Pentland Components have partnered with GS Yuasa - “The World’s Leading Battery Manufacturer” - as our primary supplier of car batteries. A true specialist in their field, they offer batteries for automotive, commercial, leisure & marine, garden, motor cycle & powersport and industrial applications. They even supply the batteries on board the International Space Station!

Our focus is, of course, on automotive batteries. Yuasa, an Original Equipment manufacturer to vehicle producers all over the world, provide us with traditional and next-generation batteries in the following categories:

• SMF - sealed, maintenance-free - which are flooded lead acid batteries. These are available in Yuasa’s 5000, 3000 & 1000 series.

• EFB - enhanced flooded battery, also known as AFB (advance flooded battery) or ECM (enhanced cycling mat). These are available in Yuasa’s 7000 series.

• AGM (absorbent glass mat) - one of the most advanced technologies, these are available in Yuasa’s 9000 series.