Taking your car audio performance to the next level can be as easy as switching out your car battery for a lithium one.
The lithium battery is becoming increasingly popular for its advantages. It has a longer lifespan and is lighter than traditional lead-acid batteries.
But do you have any idea; how to run lithium batteries for car audio?
Lithium batteries can be used as a direct replacement for lead-acid batteries. The installation process is almost the same as for AGM batteries. You need to connect the positive and negative terminals to the battery. However, you need to provide thermal protection around the battery.
Do you want to learn the overall steps? Don’t worry! Keep reading this article and learn how to do it without any hassle.
Is It Possible to Run Lithium Batteries for Car Audio?
Yes, it is possible to run a lithium battery for your car’s audio system. The advantages of using a lithium battery are that they are lightweight compared to lead acid batteries, more resilient, and has a longer lifespan.
They’re also more affordable and can charge quicker than regular batteries. However, there are some considerations to be aware of when running lithium batteries for your car audio.
First, you need to make sure you have the right type of battery for your specific car audio setup. Usually, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries work best for car audio systems due to their higher discharge rates and operating temperatures.
After that, you should aim for an appropriate capacity rating. The higher the rating the more power is available from the battery.
And lastly, look out for safety features like over-temperature protection or a low-voltage cut-off. All these factors will help ensure you get the most from your battery’s performance and longevity.
What Kind of Lithium Battery Is Suitable for Car Audio
It is possible to run lithium batteries for car audio, but that doesn’t mean any kind of lithium battery will do.
The best battery for your car audio system depends on the size of the system and the type of vehicle you have.
For instance, if your car’s audio system is small and compact, a LiFePO4 battery would be a good option.
This type of lithium-ion battery is lightweight and offers a high energy output compared to its size, making it great for smaller systems.
On the other hand, some car owners prefer to build battery systems with for their sophisticated car audio systems. This happens especially to a larger car audio system that includes high-powered subwoofers and amplifiers which requires a more powerful battery like LiCoO2.
Not just the size of the system and type of vehicle, but other factors such as installation location and budget should also be considered when selecting the right lithium battery for car audio.
For example, if you are limited on space in your car then you should opt for a smaller battery, so it fits in the designated area. If money is an issue, then go with an economical option like LiFePO4 since they are usually cheaper than other types of lithium batteries.
How to Run Lithium Batteries for Car Audio- Step-by-Step Guideline
Car audio systems have come a long way in recent years, and lithium batteries have become increasingly popular as a power source for these systems. But many people don’t know, how to run lithium batteries for car audio.
Here, we will try to share the step-by-step guideline to do this task easily. So, keep reading!
Park Your Car in a Safe Place and Turn Off Its Engine
Before you dive into the lithium battery installation, it’s important to make sure your car is in a safe place and that its engine is completely turned off.
It’s also crucial to note that you should wear safety goggles during this process. Lithium batteries can have sparks if handled incorrectly, and it’s best to be prepared for any potential accidents.
Pop the Hood & Locate the Battery Terminal
Once you’ve parked your car in a safe place and turned off the engine, it’s time to pop the hood and locate the battery terminal.
Different cars have different types of battery terminals, but they will all be in a similar spot- located near the front of the engine bay. It’s usually labeled with a “+” or “-” sign.
After you have identified the correct terminal, make sure to wear rubber gloves when you are handling any wires and connections.
It is an important safety precaution that will protect you from electric shocks in case of faulty wiring or improper connections. After that, be sure to use protective gear like glasses and long-sleeved clothing to protect yourself from any potential sparks.
Detach the Cables
After you’ve located the battery terminal, it’s time to detach the cables.
First, locate both of the posts on the battery—the positive (marked with a ‘+’ sign) and negative (marked with a ‘-’ sign).
Then, make sure you have a wrench or screwdriver at hand. Disconnecting the cables is as easy as:
- Attaching the wrench or screwdriver to the battery clamp nuts.
- Removing the clamps from their posts.
- Pulling away from both terminals to fully detach them from the battery.
- Undo any other electronics that may be connected to your car’s audio system.
Always remember to take one cable off at a time and make sure that your tools are well-fitted so that you don’t damage either terminal or cable.
Remove the Old Battery
To remove the old battery, you should start by loosening the nut at the top of the cable clamp, also known as a terminal bolt. You can do this with a socket wrench or a flathead screwdriver.
Once you’ve removed the nut and the nut plate, disconnect both cables from the battery terminals. Make sure to note which cable was connected to which terminal. It helps when reconnecting later.
If your car model has plastic battery clamps and supports, you can use either a flathead screwdriver or pliers to loosen them and remove them from their mounts.
Now, you can remove any additional screws that might be holding your old battery in place. And finally, remove the old battery from its mounting bracket by pulling with your hands or using a rubber mallet to get leverage.
Be careful not to drop it! And while removing it, make sure there is no contact between metal objects and other areas of your car as each could cause an electric discharge and cause serious damage to you and your equipment if proper safety precautions are not taken.
Clean the Connectors
Once you’ve removed the old battery and placed your new lithium battery in its place, you’ll need to make sure the connections are clean.
This is an important step. If you don’t do it, you won’t get a good connection, which can cause power issues in your car audio system.
To make sure the connectors are clean, first disconnect the positive and negative terminals of your battery using a wrench. Then, use a cleaning solution and wire brush to clean any corrosion off the terminals.
It’s best to use baking soda or white vinegar solutions as they are less likely to cause damage than other cleaning solutions. Once this is done, let the terminals dry completely before attempting to reconnect them to your lithium battery.
And finally, use a rag or cloth with some rubbing alcohol on it to wipe off any residue from around the connectors. This will help ensure that there’s no foreign material present that could interfere with your connections or potentially cause a short-circuit down the line.
Place the New Lithium Battery
After disconnecting the cables from the old battery, you can place your new lithium battery into the bay.
Position it carefully and make sure that all the connectors are properly in line with the terminals. Secure them tightly and make sure nothing is loose.
Also, if the weather is really hot, consider wearing gloves to protect your hands from any potential shocks.
If you bought a Lithium Jump Starter pack with a BIM (Battery Isolation Monitor) unit for safety reasons, it is time to install it now.
Simply mount it on top of your battery and connect its wires according to the instructions provided in your starter kit’s manual.
And finally, put a protective layer over your new lithium battery to protect it from dust and other particles that can reduce its life expectancy. And then proceed on to test the system before heading out on the road!
Install the BIM & Protective Layers
Now, it’s time to install the Battery Isolation Manager (BIM) and protective layers. This is an essential component to protect both the battery and your car audio system in case of any power surge or failure.
The BIM device should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You may also need to install additional protective layers such as a fuse and circuit breaker to ensure optimal protection. Once everything is in place and connected, you can go ahead and test the system.
To wrap up installation, it’s important to make sure that all electrical connections are made with corrosion-resistant terminal hardware. Corrosion can be an issue when you are dealing with lithium batteries because it can weaken connections over time.
So, make sure everything is secured properly before testing your car audio system with the new battery.
Test the System
So, we’re now to the final step. It’s time to test the system before you give your car the final start.
Make sure that all cables and nuts are firmly attached and double-check the BIM. And finally, slowly attach the negative cable first, then connect the positive cable. After that, make sure that no cables are loose and start your car up.
You’ll want to monitor your lithium battery for a few minutes to ensure it is connected correctly and not overheating. If any of these occurs, you should proceed to remove it carefully and check for any short circuits or loose connections.
Also, keep in mind that despite lithium batteries’ low self-discharge rate, you should still recharge them once every few months if your car isn’t being used much.
Once everything looks good, you can now enjoy a powerful car audio experience.
How to Pick the Right Lithium Battery for Car Audio
Car audio systems have become an essential part of our daily commute, making our driving experience more enjoyable. But the question is, how to select the best lithium battery for a car audio system?
Don’t worry! We guide you through the process of selecting the right lithium battery for your car audio system.
Determine your Power Requirements
The first step in choosing the right lithium battery for your car audio system is to determine your power requirements. You need to calculate the total power consumption of your car audio system, including the amplifiers, speakers, and other components. This will give you an idea of how much power you need to supply to your system.
Consider the Battery Capacity
Once you have determined your power requirements, you need to consider the battery capacity. The capacity of a battery is measured in ampere-hours (Ah) and represents the amount of charge the battery can store.
The higher the capacity, the longer the battery will last. Therefore, you need to choose a lithium battery with a capacity that can meet your power requirements and provide enough backup time.
Look for the Right Voltage
The next thing to consider when selecting a lithium battery for your car audio system is the voltage. Most car audio systems operate on a 12-volt electrical system, and therefore, you need to choose a lithium battery with a voltage of 12 volts.
However, if you have a high-performance car audio system that requires more power, you may need to consider a lithium battery with a higher voltage.
Check the Dimensions and Weight
When selecting a lithium battery for your car audio system, you need to check the dimensions and weight of the battery. Lithium batteries are known for their lightweight and compact size, which makes them an excellent choice for car audio systems.
However, you need to ensure that the battery can fit in your car’s battery compartment and is not too heavy for your car’s suspension.
Look for Safety Features
And finally, you need to look for safety features when selecting a lithium battery for your car audio system. Lithium batteries can be dangerous if they are not handled correctly.
Therefore, you need to choose a battery that has safety features such as overcharge protection, over-discharge protection, short-circuit protection, and thermal protection.
Choosing the right lithium battery for your car audio system is essential to ensure reliable and efficient performance. By following these tips, you can be able to choose the right lithium battery.
Alternatives to Using Lithium Batteries for Car Audio
You may be wondering if there are alternatives to using lithium batteries for car audio. Well, you have a few options.
Lead Acid Batteries
The most common type of car battery is the lead acid battery, which is still one of the most affordable and popular options in the market. Lead acid batteries are best used for vehicles that don’t require frequent starting and recharging.
They also tend to last a long time—up to 5 years or more. But, they are quite heavy and not as powerful as lithium batteries.
AGM Batteries (Absorbed-Glass Mat)
AGM batteries are modern versions of lead-acid batteries. The main difference between them and lead acid batteries is that AGM models use an absorbent glass mat separator inside the battery instead of an electrolyte liquid.
It makes them much less prone to spills, and they also have higher power output than lead acid models, making them a great choice for running car audio systems.
Gel Cell Batteries
Gel cell batteries are essentially modified versions of lead acid batteries with the addition of silica gel, which can absorb the sulfuric acid in the electrolyte liquid to form a gel-like mass that prevents it from spilling or leaking out of the battery.
This makes them great for installations where vibration or movement may be common since they can take much more abuse than traditional lead acid models without any risk of leaks or spills. They also tend to last longer than conventional lead acid models, so you get more bang for your buck.
Final Thought
Running lithium batteries for car audio is a manageable process that you can do yourself with a few simple tools and supplies. In this article, we try to share the guideline on how to run lithium batteries for car audio.
Hopefully, this small effort will be much helpful for all of you. If you have any other questions; then feel free to comment on us. Thank you all.