Every car and truck, whether it runs on gas, diesel, or alternative fuel, has a battery. The battery is what starts the engine and powers all of the electronics in the vehicle when the engine is not running. Another component, the alternator, is responsible for providing juice when the engine is running.
When should I consider adding a second battery?
In some cases, one battery just isn’t enough. For example, most electric cars have a high-voltage battery that powers the engine and a 12-volt auxiliary battery to run other electronics, like the radio. Other vehicles, like RVs and campers, also typically come with auxiliary batteries to run everything from interior lights to refrigerators.
If you think you could use some extra battery power in your car, whether it’s for a powerful audio system or something else, it’s possible to install a booster battery in almost any car or truck. However, it’s important to understand that there are some problems that you can’t solve by installing a booster battery.
Some situations where an auxiliary battery can help are: