- Lead: Lead is the primary material used in car batteries, accounting for about 70% of their weight. It is used to create the battery's plates and grids.
- Sulfuric acid: Sulfuric acid is a corrosive liquid that serves as the electrolyte in car batteries. It reacts with the lead plates to produce electricity.
- Water: Water is added to the sulfuric acid to dilute it and prevent it from becoming too corrosive.
- Antimony: Antimony is a metal that is added to the lead plates to strengthen them and improve their durability.
- Calcium: Calcium is another metal that is sometimes added to lead plates to improve their performance and reduce water loss.
- Carbon black: Carbon black is a fine powder that is added to the negative plates to increase their surface area and improve their conductivity.
- Polyethylene: Polyethylene is a plastic material that is used to make the battery's case and cover.
- Rubber: Rubber is used to seal the battery's case and prevent leaks.
- Terminals: The battery's terminals are made of lead or a lead alloy and are used to connect the battery to the vehicle's electrical system.
