What happens if you put the wrong battery in your car?
The importance of fitting the right battery in your car is often overlooked. It's true that many batteries are interchangeable across the same class of car, but there are some crucial considerations to bear in mind.
Battery specifications
Batteries come with different specifications designed to match those of the car they're made for. This goes beyond simply the amount of power they supply since the more accessories your car is running, the higher the battery specification needed. It may not be imperative to use the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) brand but it's essential to match the recommended size and output.
If you use the wrong size battery, this could cause changes in the flow of electrical currents, resulting in power surges that can damage the onboard computers or other components.
What if the battery is too small?
The first obvious disadvantage in using an under-sized battery is the possibility of ignition problems. If your engine demands more power than the battery can supply, your car could be immobilised before you've even started.
Furthermore, you may find there is not enough energy to run your accessories, especially when the engine is switched off. Even listening to the radio could be enough to drain the wrong battery. The air-conditioning may not function properly and even the headlights may not light up as fully as intended. You may find other equipment fails because of the lack of power needed to perform the car's normal functions.
Remember, too, that operating in low temperatures can easily drain any battery – an under-powered one will be particularly vulnerable.
Short journeys put a lot more pressure on the battery than long ones even in the best of circumstances and an under-sized one simply may not have the opportunity to recharge sufficiently, which could lead the alternator to overheat and cause long term damage.
What if the battery is too large?
Equally, using a battery that is too large has its own implications. For one thing, it simply might not fit into your car's battery compartment. If you do manage to fit it, there is always the possibility that the terminals may touch other metal parts of the bodywork which may cause the battery to short-circuit. Even when safely and successfully accommodated, the wrong battery will present a discrepancy between output and demand which will cause the same problems for the alternator as a battery that is too small.
Talk to Protyre
As you can see the potential problems are numerous and years of experience tell us that it's advisable to seek expert advice. A quick online search for 'car battery near me' will help you find some options, but there's no one better to ask than the qualified technicians at Protyre.
Our tyre professionals also enjoy an enviable reputation for fitting tyres from brands across the price range from Pirelli to Falken and Bridgestone to Sumitomo, but our expertise is much wider. As the local garage on a national scale, we offer friendly, reliable advice to take the hard work out of all aspects of car maintenance. We can check the condition of your current battery and advise you on how long you can expect it to last. If necessary, we can help you select the perfect replacement.
Why not book a free battery check online, or call us today to find out more?
Choosing the Right Tyre Made Easy
When it comes to your car's safety and performance, tyres can play a huge role. That's why we've put together a collection of helpful articles to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect tyres for your ride and maintaining your vehicle in general.
If you're looking for a smoother, more luxurious driving experience, premium car tyres might be the way to go. Or, if you want added security against flats, run flat car tyres could be your best bet. Trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres? We've got you covered there, too.
We also dive into the world of tyre brands, comparing top manufacturers like BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres.
But we don't just stop at helping you choose the right tyres – we also share tips on how to keep them in tip-top shape. From checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres properly inflated to extending their life through regular rotation and balancing, our articles have got you covered.
So, whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking to keep your vehicle safe and reliable, our car help and advice articles are here to help you make informed decisions about your tyres. Check them out and feel confident in your tyre choices!
