What is the purpose of the vehicle’s battery?

The primary function of a vehicle's battery is to provide the electrical power needed to start the engine and to power various electrical systems within the vehicle. When the ignition is turned on, the battery delivers a burst of electrical energy to the starter motor, which then initiates the engine's operation. In addition to starting the engine, the battery also supplies power to other electrical components, such as the radio, dashboard lights, and ignition system, when the engine is not running.

The other options fall outside the battery's role. While the headlights and taillights do operate with electrical power, they are merely one aspect of the broader function of the battery. The air conditioning system and maintaining tire pressure involve different components, such as the vehicle's compressor and monitoring systems, rather than being directly powered by the battery itself.