Batteries come in different sizes, and the shape and size of batteries for cars, trucks, and transportation vehicles vary, so it is important to choose a battery that matches the vehicle for it to work properly. If the wrong size battery is used, it can lead to changes in current flow and damage the electrical equipment in the vehicle. There are two main categories of batteries that use the wrong group capacity, one is the use of too large capacity batteries and the other is the use of too small capacity batteries.
1. What happens when using too large a battery capacity?
1.1 Batteries don’t fit in the battery compartment
The larger the capacity of the battery means that the size of the battery will increase, the use of too large a battery may not fit into the battery compartment of the car, even if the battery is modified to fit into the battery compartment, may cause the terminals to contact with other metal parts, resulting in a short circuit of the battery.
1.2 Excessive voltage
If we unintentionally use a large capacity battery, it will generate too high a voltage, which can damage fuses or loads, and in severe cases can affect the alternator.
2. What happens when using too small capacity battery?
2.1 Battery overcharge
If the installed battery capacity is too small e.g. less than 12V, the alternator will charge the battery after we start the vehicle, which will lead to overcharging of the battery, affecting the service life of the battery and reducing the performance of the vehicle’s electronic equipment, and in severe cases, causing permanent damage to the electrical system.
2.2 Vehicle cannot start
If the capacity of the battery is too small, the power of the battery will be insufficient, which may put extra pressure on the starter motor. If we often drive the vehicle for short distances, we need to start the vehicle frequently, and the battery will run out of power, which will eventually cause the vehicle to fail to start.
2.3 Damage to the vehicle
The small capacity of the battery means that the battery is small in size, when installing a smaller battery, it will not be possible to fix it with the battery fixing equipment, the inability to fix it will lead to the battery moving and damaging the vehicle, and in serious cases, it will lead to the battery’s electrolyte leaking, causing major safety issues.
2.4 Alternator Damage
Batteries with too small a capacity can cause the alternator to overheat and cause long term damage, mainly because the alternator will quickly fill up a small capacity battery and the alternator will remain in operation.
Conclusion
The capacity of the battery should not be too large or too small, you need to choose the best battery according to the battery specifications and parameters required by the equipment used, in order to maximize the protection of the battery itself and the safety of the vehicle.
FAQ
1.1 If you have the owner’s manual of your vehicle, you can check the battery section, which will tell you which size battery to use.
1.2 Go to your local auto repair store and ask a professional what size battery is appropriate for your vehicle
1.3 Open the hood of the vehicle to check the size of the battery size that was previously used
1.4 You can use a smart lookup device to find the right battery for our vehicle based on your car’s year, make, model or vehicle identification number.
2.1 The battery is not working and needs to be replaced.
2.2 Battery sulfation, this will appear on top of the lead-acid battery, you need to send to the repair store, determine whether it is reversible or irreparable sulfation, and then repair or replacement.
2.3 The battery connection harness is broken or fractured, which needs to be repaired by a service person.
2.4 Battery electrolyte leakage, need to properly deal with the leaking electrolyte, the use of alcohol cleaner or other chemical cleaning agents, the leakage of electrolyte treatment, and then send the battery to the maintenance personnel, can maximize the protection of personal life and health safety and environmental safety.
2.5 The battery is in a protective state, this type of battery is mainly lithium batteries, batteries within the battery management system, when there is undervoltage, overvoltage, abnormal temperature, current abnormalities, the battery will stop running, you need to contact the maintenance staff to deal with.
