Here's why:
* Lead is a relatively inexpensive and abundant metal. This makes it cost-effective for mass production of batteries.
* Lead has a high density and good electrical conductivity. This makes it suitable for use in the electrodes, which need to carry a large current.
* Lead forms lead oxides, which are crucial for the chemical reactions that occur within the battery. These reactions produce electricity.
While lead is the most common material for electrodes in car batteries, other metals like calcium and antimony are often added in small amounts to improve performance and longevity.