Car battery in the Philippines: How long it lasts, what are the different types, and what to buy

I. What is a car battery?

One of the most overlooked car components that everyone should be mindful of is a car battery. The main purpose of a car battery is to start your car engine and power your electrical system afterward.

Car batteries convert chemical energy into electrical energy to power up your car. In today’s time, most vehicles are required to be installed with a 12-volt battery. Each battery composes of six cells – each cell comes with 2.1 volts which put up a total of 12.6 volts or even higher.

How A Car Battery Works - basic working principle

The average price of a car battery in the Philippines is around Php 4,000 to Php 6,000. However, there are a few alternatives that reach the Php 13,000 mark – depending on the quality and the manufacturer.

II. How will I know when to replace my car battery?

For starters, most car batteries have a lifespan of three to five years, depending on how they’re utilized. However, there are many factors that can affect car battery lifespans such as extreme cold and hot weather, short trips, corrosion, and excessive use of car accessories like phone charging and radio. Even if your car somehow doesn’t show signs that it needs replacing at year five, it would still be best to get a new one regardless of how much it would cost you.

The sealed car battery was invented in 1971

It is always a good idea to have an idea as to when you should replace your battery. Not only will it reduce the risk of an inconvenience, but also helps you prevent mechanics who could take advantage of you by saying you need to immediately buy a new one.

One of the most obvious symptoms that you need to replace your car battery is when you are experiencing a slow engine crank. However, before jumping to the conclusion and declare that you need replacing, try jumpstarting your car first. Who knows, maybe the battery just got drained when you left your cabin lights on.

Here is the typical Check Battery light 

The ‘check battery’ light is one of the easiest signs to look for when determining if you should replace your car battery or not. The check battery light usually illuminates whenever your car senses that the battery power is already weak.

If you are unsure of your car battery’s current situation, it is best to seek consultation from your trusted mechanics. Of note, car batteries come with a hefty price tag so you might want to be sure before getting yourself a new one.

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III. What are common car battery types in the Philippines?

1. AGM Batteries

AGM, or Absorbed Glass Mat, batteries are new and becoming popular in the modern age. It is basically just like flooded lead-acid batteries, except their electrolyte is absorbed and suspended in glass mats. This makes AGM batteries versatile as they can operate in any position without causing spillage.

One can expect longevity when using an AGM battery. However, expect a hefty price tag also for its high quality and standards. AGM batteries are also used for RVs, boats, ATVs, and more high-end applications.

2. Calcium Batteries

If you are on a budget, then a calcium battery might be the choice for you. It is a low maintenance battery. Some car battery technicians dub this as a basic and standard battery. The calcium battery is designed to produce large power quickly which makes it great for starting, but not ideal for high-end power applications.

With that being said, cold starts are the least of its concerns since, again, it produces large power. However, car battery charging time for this is longer and requires a calcium specific charger to fully restore its capacity.

3. Gel Batteries

As the name suggests, gel batteries contain acids that are turned into a gelled electrolytes instead of being in liquid state thanks to the addition of silica gel. Gel batteries can be used on rough vehicle applications such as off-roading since it is impossible to spill acid.

Gel batteries are resistant to impact, shocks, and vibration. The only downside of this car battery is that it charges slowly to prevent overheating. If gel batteries overheat, the gelled electrolytes will turn into a liquid, causing damage to the cells.

Now, you might wonder which the best car battery in the Philippines is. Let's check this list here!

>>> Related: A driver's guide in choosing the right battery brand in the Philippines 2021

IV. Car battery in the Philippines: 5 best products for 2021

1. Amaron Hi Life Car Battery

For car enthusiasts, Amaron is a renowned brand of car battery in the Philippines. Amaron sells its car batteries in the local market at a competitive price without comprising performance and longevity. In fact, Motoring Journalist James Deakin advertises Amaron by saying he chooses the battery that lasts.

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2. Panasonic Car Battery 80D23L (1SMF) Maintenance Free

Panasonic may not be a popular choice for Filipinos, but it is to the Japanese. If Panasonic car battery Philippines is advertised better here, then one can expect this will be a top choice among car owners. The Panasonic Car Battery 80D23L is a zero maintenance car battery that comes with a 15-month warranty.

3. Motolite Gold Car Battery

If you want to support local, then Motolite is for your choice. It is a car battery made in the Philippines. The Motolite Gold car battery is powered by EGX technology, designed to withstand hot climate especially in the Philippines, and has a 21-month warranty for private vehicles.

4. Quantum Maintenance Free Car Battery

"Underrated" is the best word to describe Quantum car batteries. This car battery gets the job done at a very fair price. Of note, Quantum has Japanese standards so quality and longevity are never the issues.

>>> Related: How to install a car battery safely

5. AC Delco Battery

Quality is probably the last thing you should worry about when buying an AC Delco. However, your pockets shouldn’t be empty as AC Delco's cost is one of the highest car battery price in the Philippines. AC Delco is an American automotive parts brand owned by General Motors, manufacturer of Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC.

V. FAQs about car batteries

Question: How long does it take to get a car battery fully charged?

Answer: If your car battery is charged with a charge amp of 4 to 8 amperes, then it would take about 10 to 24 hours. If your car battery is charged with a charge amp of 40 amperes, then it would take about an hour. However, fast charging can quickly deplete your car battery.

Question: How long should I replace my car battery?

Answer: Three years is the usual lifespan of your car battery. Some even last for 5 years. However, other factors can change the lifespan of your car battery depends on how it is used. Car batteries can deteriorate even after two years.

Question: What factors do I need to consider when choosing a car battery brand?

Answer: Car battery brands don’t matter to an extent as long as the car battery gets the job done. However, if you are looking for a reputable car battery brand Filipinos have been using for years, then Motolite might be a smart choice to start with.

Question: How many volts should a car battery lose overnight?

Answer: The better to question to ask is how many volts your car battery should maintain. Your car battery should maintain between 10 to 12.5 volts at all times. If your car battery dropped below 10 volts, chances are your car won’t start.

Question: What are the signs my car battery is dying?

Answer: The first sign is when your car is having a hard time starting the engine. However, this can be caused by a drained battery only. Another sign is when your lights, whether they are in the interior or exterior, are dimming. Other signs include illuminated Check Engine light, corrosion, and when you’re using an old battery.

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