Car batteries are specially designed to provide a short, sharp burst of power in order to crank over and start the vehicle’s engine.

Only a relatively small portion of the battery’s capacity is used and this is restored by the vehicle’s alternator. Car batteries have thinner lead grids and active material to maximise plate surface area, delivering greater starting power. However, they are not suitable for providing long periods of power.

Deep Cycle batteries are constructed using thicker battery plates and a denser active material, to withstand repeated charge and discharge cycles.

Rather than providing high bursts of power for short periods of time, they are specially designed to deliver sustained power with lower current draw over extended periods of time. Repeated cycling does not cause the same level of damage that a car battery would sustain during the same usage.

How can you tell when your car battery is going bad?

Some clear signs that your car battery is going bad include a slower-than-normal starting engine, a clicking or cranking sound when you turn the key, intermittent sparks that cause your car to backfire.

Are lithium ion batteries deep cycle?

All lithium-ion batteries are deep cycle, which means that they are designed to be deeply discharged over and over again. Similarly, they can provide a steady amount of current over a long period of time.

What is in a lead-acid battery?

A lead-acid battery has a negative electrode made of spongy or porous lead and a positive electrode made of lead oxide. Both negative and positive electrodes are immersed in an electrolytic solution of sulphuric acid and water.

How do lead-acid batteries work?

Lead-acid batteries generate electricity through a double sulfate chemical reaction. Lead and lead dioxide on the negative and positive electrodes of a battery react with sulphuric acid in the electrolyte to form lead sulfate.

How long do lead-acid deep cycle batteries last?

Both car batteries, as well as deep cycle batteries, are lead-acid batteries that function the same way. Generally, the lifespan of lead-acid deep cycle batteries is about four to eight years.

Can You Jumpstart a Car with A Deep Cycle Battery?

A deep cycle battery will do an excellent job in jumpstarting a car most of the time. However, if it is cold or you have engine problems, jumpstarting will be pretty challenging, a low CCA being a contributing factor. It is wise to use a starter battery with a higher CCA in such a case.

Can A Car Alternator Charge a Deep Cycle Battery?

The alternator helps keep batteries charged, but it does not do an excellent job with dead batteries. Considering that most deep cycle batteries get fully discharged before recharging, an alternator won’t properly charge them or completely fail.

How Many Times Can You Recharge a Deep Cycle Battery?

A deep cycle battery can last after over a thousand charging cycles, compared to the standard battery that may fail in the hundreds. The thick plates and dense active paste contribute to this power pack’s sturdiness.