The workshop consumables checklist: what to keep on the shelf
Batteries
Deep cycle vs starting batteries: what's the difference?
A common question at RedPoint, and a crucial one. Starting batteries are built for short, sharp bursts of energy to crank an engine. Deep cycle batteries are made to release steady power over longer periods. They look alike from the outside, but the plates inside are built for different jobs.
How they differ inside
A starting battery uses many thin plates to give the biggest possible surface area, which is what delivers hundreds of amps for a few seconds. It expects to be recharged by the alternator straight away and does not tolerate being run flat. A deep cycle battery uses fewer, thicker plates that can be discharged to a large part of their capacity and recharged again and again without shedding material.
Which battery goes where
Match the battery to the job:
- Starting batteries: cars, utes, trucks, motorbikes
- Deep cycle batteries: camping setups, caravans, solar, golf carts
Short version: using the wrong type means shorter life and poor performance. In a dual battery system, pair the right type in the right spot: a starting battery for cranking and a deep cycle battery for running your gear.
