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Starting Battery vs Deep Cycle Battery: Differences to Know About

close up of a car battery being changed

Deep cycle batteries and starting batteries have different benefits, and the one you should get depends on how much power you need and how fast you need it. 

The wrong battery could provide insufficient power or fail in extreme temperatures. This means choosing the right battery is extremely important.

Although deep-cycle and starting batteries may look the same on the outside, they’re different on the inside. Here’s what you should know if you want to find out which type of battery will work best for your needs.

 

What’s A Starting Battery?


Starting batteries are designed to deliver short, powerful bursts of energy. This makes them perfect for car engines. Starting batteries are made up of small, thin plates that are porous. The sponge-like plates help increase the surface area for the active material so that the battery can produce instant power for a brief period of time. However, one of the biggest downsides to this type of battery is that it cannot be repeatedly drained and recharged, as this will significantly reduce its lifespan.


Some of the pros of using a starting battery include that it’s:

  • Cheaper

  • Widely available

  • Charges more quickly

  • Can handle extreme temperatures


Starting batteries have very few cons, including that they:

  • Have a shorter lifespan

  • Require more maintenance


What’s A Deep-Cycle Battery?


Deep cycle batteries are designed to provide steady power over an extended period of time. This makes them perfect for RVs, boats, golf carts, mobility devices and solar panels. Deep-cycle batteries are made up of thick, solid lead plates. These heavier plates reduce the starting power of the battery but allow it to cycle constantly. The best part about this type of battery is that it can be repeatedly drained and recharged without damaging or shortening its lifespan.



Some of the major pros of deep-cycle batteries include that they:


  • Can handle higher power demands

  • Require less maintenance

  • Have a longer lifespan

  • Are extremely reliable


However, deep-cycle batteries have a handful of cons, such as the fact that they:

  • Charge slower

  • Are more expensive

 

Get the Batteries You Need in The Prairies

Prairie Battery can supply you with the deep cycle, starting and dual-purpose batteries that you need. If you want the best value for your money, ourin-house brand batteries have been designed with prairie driving conditions in mind. Let us know which type of vehicle you own, and we can help you find the right battery. Contact us today at our Winnipeg, Brandon, Regina or Edmonton location and we’ll be happy to help.

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