Alternator and Battery compatibility

[chiekot]

What will happen if I will replace my car battery with a higher rating (higher Ampere), will it make my alternator run harder?

My Liteace runs on a 45Amp battery and I want to replace it with a 60amp battery, will it shorten the life of my alternator?

[userfriendly]

It should be ok as long as the new battery will fit in your car. The following is taken from www.motolite.com

Some say that "bigger is better" as far as batteries are concerned. How true is this?
Since today's vehicles are equipped with numerous advanced electrical gadgets, choosing the right battery can be a tough task. Original Equipment batteries are rated at the minimum required rating, since they are designed for cars with all the Original Electrical Equipment in place. But once you start putting additional accessories like high-powered stereos, amplifiers and so on, it will certainly have an effect on the electrical system/battery requirements of your car.

As suggested earlier, it is best to install a battery of HIGHER CAPACITY (AH, CCA or CA, RC) if you have installed additional electrical accessories. This is to ensure a margin of safety and better battery performance. Should you decide to install a bigger and more powerful battery, please note the following tips when carrying out the installation:

1. Fit the battery first. Does the battery have a height clearance or fitting problem? If yes, do not proceed with the installation. Does the acid tray fit? If not, purchase a tray that will fit the battery. This is to protect your undertray from acid corrosion Does the battery hold down fit? If not, purchase a hold-down that will fasten the battery to the vehicle.

2. Check if the new battery's gas exhaust vents directly face your car's electronic module. Some designs have their exhaust gas vents located on different sides of the cover (for MF-sealed batteries). Vents with direct exhaust may damage your vehicle's electronic control module.

3. Always consult a battery expert or technician first before attempting to install a battery.

How do I determine the correct battery and power requirements for my automobile?
The best way is to consult your vehicle owner's manual. Your car dealer may also assist you in your car's minimum battery/power requirement. The OMMC's outlets and dealers are furnished with battery replacement manuals that specify the vehicle make, model and year along with the recommended OMMC battery size and capacity rating.

Note: Never use a battery with a capacity rating LOWER than that which the vehicle manufacturer/Original Equipment recommends. It is better to use a battery of higher capacity or a battery with both higher capacity and the next bigger size. This generally provides greater starting ease and longer life, and is especially true for old vehicles. We suggest that you (or a technician) try fitting the battery first to see if it will fit easily into the battery compartment without any clearance or interference with other parts.

It is important to select a battery type that is consistent with your vehicle, its application, and your driving requirements or patterns. OMMC distributors will gladly help you make the right choice.

[chiekot]

Wow!

That was quick and very informative.

Thanks Sir!

[JiggeR671]

sir chiekot, your alternator will not run harder nor will its life be shorter, because the battery is meant for just starting the car, thats why batteries have cranking amp(CA) ratings. it is there to just crank up your engine. and when your engine is already running it is your alternator providing power to your car and not the battery.
what you will probably gain if you upgrade your battery, is a higher reserve capacity(RC) this is the batteries ability to sustain a minimum electrical load in the event of a charging system failure.. having a higher RC is also good if you if you always run auxiliary stuff in your car without turning on the engine e.g. sounds.. dvd..inverter..tv..

[viper2lt]

AFAIK, masisira lang naman ang alternator kung masusunog dahil sira na voltage regulator. mas makakasira ng battery ang alternator instead of the other way around. syempre kung mali ako, paki correct na rin para alam ko rin.