How to choose a battery for cars

The battery is one of the most important nodes in the device of a modern car, without which its full functioning is impossible. It is used both to start the engine, and to power auxiliary equipment and various electronic units with which the machine is equipped, and their performance directly depends on how high quality the battery is, how it shows itself in extreme operating conditions and how well it can hold a charge .

Top Battery Manufacturers

In order for the battery to serve the time stated by the manufacturer and failed at the most inopportune moment, preference should be given to products of world-famous concerns:

1. Bosch;

2. Varta;

3. Baren;

4. Topla;

5. Exide;

The products of these concerns are sold in the largest retail chains, and also supplied by many manufacturers to the conveyor. Choosing a specific model from the catalogs of a particular company, you need to get acquainted with customer reviews that relate to performance and technical nuances, as well as strengths and weaknesses. You can find them on the Internet, on thematic sites and in social networks.

The principle of operation of the battery

A car battery is a source of electricity produced as a result of the chemical reaction of plates made of lead, placed in an electrolyte, which is almost always sulfuric acid. A side element of the reaction is the sulfates released by the plates, which lead to a decrease in the density of the electrolyte and the natural aging of the battery as a result.

Types of batteries on sale

Under the general name hides a great many different models, differing in the principle of operation and, accordingly, their characteristics. Allocate the following classes of battery.

Classic serviced batteries

Equipped with six banks, each of which gives 2 volts of voltage. As the material for the manufacture of plates used antimony lead. The top battery cover has six covers for the ability to measure the density of the electrolyte and replace it if necessary.

Virtues

• Inexpensive;

• Long term work with proper operation;

• Allow the replacement of the electrolyte, if necessary;

disadvantages

• Emit gases during operation;

• Sulfuric acid is used as the electrolyte;

Low antimony batteries

In the manufacture of plates of such a battery uses a special lead with a minimum content of antimony, which has increased the service life and performance, as well as reduce the frequency of monitoring and maintenance.

Virtues

• Small self-discharge;

• Inexpensive;

• Stability to voltage drops in the onboard network;

• Low frequency of service;

disadvantages

• Not suitable for modern cars with a large number of electronic components;

• Harmful fumes still present;

Calcium batteries

They belong to the non-serviced class - they must be disposed of when a resource is developed. They are characterized by low self-discharge and extended service life. The evaporation of water from the electrolyte during operation is at its minimum.

Virtues

• High efficiency;

• Increased service life;

• Water practically does not evaporate;

• Minimum self-discharge;

disadvantages

• When developing a resource to be disposed of;

• Charging requires a voltage of about 15-16 volts;

• They are afraid of a full discharge;

AGM and GEL batteries

As a working substance, a gel-like polymer mass impregnated with electrolyte is used. With the passage of a chemical reaction, the released carbon and hydrogen are filtered with a gel, due to which evaporation is practically absent, and the efficiency and resource increase.

Virtues

• High efficiency;

• Great for cars with a lot of accessories;

• No evaporation;

• Self-discharge is almost completely absent;

• Increased resource;

disadvantages

• Expensive;

• They are afraid of excessively low negative temperatures;

EFB Batteries

Similar to the design principle described above batteries, different from them considerable thickness of the plates, placed in a special gel composition. Thanks to this design, the minimum charging time is achieved and the resource is significantly increased.

Virtues

• Fast charging;

• Significant starting current;

• Operating temperature range from -50 to +50;

• Minimum fire hazard;

• Long service life;

disadvantages

• High price;

• They are afraid of a deep discharge;

Battery selection options

In addition to the type of device, there are a large number of criteria that need attention.

The geometric dimensions of the battery and the location of the terminals

1. The battery installed on the vehicle must fit the seat and allow installation in the standard slot of the vehicle. It should be remembered that the higher the capacity - the greater the geometric dimensions of the battery;

2. The location of the battery terminals should correspond to that of the battery that is installed on the car. Some manufacturers deliberately swap the positive and negative terminals, with the result that the length of the wires is not enough for the correct installation of the battery;

3. It should be remembered that many cars assume that the battery is installed in the trunk, where a special niche is allocated for it, and therefore the battery, which is larger than the parameters of the compartment, does not fit.

Battery rated power

A parameter that reflects the amount of electricity consumed within 20 hours of a fully charged car battery.

1. Most gasoline-powered cars require a battery with a capacity of 40 to 80 ampere-hours;

2. Diesel cars require an increased capacity battery for proper operation - from 80 to 120 ampere-hours;

3. Trucks that run on heavy fuel and have a large engine size require a powerful battery, whose capacity can reach 150-200 ampere-hours;

4. It is not recommended to exceed the power recommended by the manufacturer. To charge a more capacious battery, the generator will operate in peak mode, but the battery will not be able to fully charge. As a result of undercharging, its resource will be reduced by several times.

Starting current

The parameter directly affecting the ability of the battery to make a revolution of the crankshaft.Reflects the peak current that the battery can generate at -20 degrees for 10 seconds.

1. Low-power cars do not require a large current. 300-350 Ampere is enough for them;

2. Cars with engines of 3-4 liters are supposed to install a battery with a starting current of 400-600 Amps;

3. Cars with diesel engines require a more powerful battery. Batteries with a capacity of 750-850 amps are sufficient in most cases;

4. Trucks for a full start may require a battery with a starting current of 1000-1200 Amps.

---

Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.