The most prominent difference between H6 and H5 car batteries is how much they weigh. The H6 battery is significantly heavier than the H5. This then means each battery is used for different models of cars. For example, the H5 is installed in performance-based and racing vehicles, whereas H6 batteries are used in SUVs such as Jeeps. The H6 battery is also better for your car if you’re regularly driving in cold temperatures. Read on to find out more about each type of battery.
H6 Car Battery
This is also known as the group size 48 batteries. You’ll commonly find this particular battery in GM cars, Chevy Tahoe Trucks, and Jeep Wranglers. What we’re starting to see is the most recent cars original equipment is now including batteries that can handle the heavy accessories that the cars have. Here’s a look at the different types of H6 battery.
Traditional Water Style Battery
This is the most common form of battery you will find in production cars. In this battery, an electrolyte is loose and if you shake it, you can hear the water move inside the battery. This is the type of battery you could install inside your Chevy Tahoe, with the specs being about 760 cranking amps. This particular battery is great for starting, but it’s not great for running a movie player or a sound system with a big amp or leaving the car parked for long periods of time. Those active memories on the vehicles will actually devour the battery. The remedy is to purchase a different battery, or to purchase a battery tender if the car is not going to be used for long periods of time.
Important information about this battery
They can require maintenance where you may need to add water as they are not sealed. Because the solution in the battery is free flowing, you can have hydrogen and oxygen escape. This means occasionally, you may need to add water. Also, as a result of the electrolyte solution being free flowing, you need to make sure that the battery is situated upright, so that you don’t have any spills.
Finally, if you’re using this type of battery in situations where you’re going to have a lot of vibration, it could have some damage from that vibration. You could have the negative plates or the positive plates detach from the cell connector, or you can also have some of the active material that’s on these plates fall off. There is actually some space at the bottom of these batteries to allow for that debris to collect. Also, in super severe vibration scenarios, you could have the separator pierced and then short out the circuit by connecting the positive and the negative plates.
These types of batteries are fine for most OEM applications. However, some manufacturers are looking towards Absorbed Glass mat batteries for their added benefits.
AGM Grip Battery
This is the next level up, and has the same footprint as other H6 batteries. The battery has 860 cranking amps, which is higher than the water style battery. If you shake the battery, it has the electrolyte called acid star. The electrolyte is immobilized in between the plates and separator. This battery is superior to the flooded style battery for a few reasons. It charges quicker, it has a lower self-discharge, and has the ability to run the accessories, so it has a little bit of a cycling nature to the battery. This battery is ideal for your Jeep or your Chevy Tahoe.
Important Information about the AGM Battery
This battery was designed for late model domestic performance vehicles, as well as European models. They require a higher capacity and within a very specific battery footprint. The most efficient way of doing this is with a flat plate AGM design. This battery usses 99.99% lead rather than using a lead alloy, which is more efficient and also means the battery will last longer. Another benefit of the AGM separator is that if the battery were to be mounted at an angle, you don’t have to worry about spills.
One of the major design characteristics of this battery is the design of the lead plates. These have a grid design that optimizes electron flow to those plates so that you have efficient flow. The plates used in this battery have a unique construction, where you have an efficient electron flow up to the tabs which are connected to the cast on straps. These cast on straps are solid single pieces for added durability and efficient energy flow versus the tombstone welds used in flooded lead acid batteries.
Full Throttle Series Battery
This is the H6 battery on steroids! This particular battery again has a cranking amp of 1320 the first four seconds. The cycling the ability of it has a 60-amp hour capacity. With this battery you can run your light bar or accessories with the motor turned off.
H5 Car Battery
As previously mentioned, this is a lightweight battery more commonly used in sports performance cars. This is because it does not weigh the car down, allowing the vehicle to accelerate quicker. The H5 battery is commonly known as the group 47 battery, and can also be used in mid-range diesel vehicles. The average cranking amp of a H5 is between 700-750, and the battery weighs between 17-19 kg.
It is typical to find H5 batteries in single battery systems when the battery is required to power other systems when the primary engine is turned off.
Should you purchase a H5 or H6 battery?
Each battery has its own strengths and weaknesses. There are types of H6 battery that will allow you to use other car amenities without hindering the car’s performance. The H6 battery is also more suitable if you live in a colder state. The battery you need to purchase depends on your circumstances. If you’re looking for a battery for a sports car or racing vehicle, the H5 is definitely your best bet.
