A car battery is usually a 12-volt lead-acid battery. In most everyday gas-powered cars, that means either a flooded lead-acid battery or an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery.

Quick Scoop

Most car batteries are designed to start the engine and power basic electrical systems, which is why they’re often called SLI batteries : starting, lighting, and ignition.

If you have a newer vehicle with higher electrical demands, it may use an AGM battery , while some electric vehicles use lithium-ion batteries instead.

Common Types

  • Flooded lead-acid battery: The classic, most common traditional car battery type.
  • AGM battery: A sealed lead-acid battery that is more durable and better for modern vehicles with more electronics.
  • Gel battery: Another sealed lead-acid type, less common in regular cars.
  • Lithium-ion battery: More common in electric vehicles than in standard gasoline cars.

In Plain English

If someone says “car battery” with no extra details, they usually mean a lead-acid starter battery.

For the exact type your car needs, it’s best to check the owner’s manual or the battery label already in the vehicle.

If you want, I can also explain the difference between AGM vs flooded in one minute.