Many do not know how to choose a battery for a car. There are many reasons to look for a new battery (for example, it bothers you to constantly recharge the battery or it is completely worn out). Before buying a new model, you need to consider some parameters.
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How to choose the right car battery
Before choosing a car battery, you should decide on the varieties of these devices.
The following are distinguished:
- Lead acid. Such batteries were created first. This option is the easiest. It consists of 6 cans, in which lead plates are in a liquid with sulfuric acid. Similar serviced models are cheap. Another advantage is that the electrolyte can be replaced, so the device will work again. But there are also maintenance-free batteries in which it will not be possible to get corks from cans. They can be recharged.But you need to remember that if the elements are heavily discharged, then the capacity may be lost or the plate will collapse.
- Gel. They differ in that a thick filler is used instead of a liquid. The battery has a longer service life, and it is also sealed, due to which it is able to continue to function at any inclination. These devices are the most expensive.
- Created using AGM technology. This is a combined version that combines parts from a standard battery and a gel one. That is, an electrolyte in the form of a solution is used to impregnate the filler located between the plates. Such a device is resistant to vibration, can work with a strong inclination. But at the same time, the battery is sensitive not only to strong discharge, but also to recharging.
For old Russian domestic cars, a cheap option is also suitable, i.e. lead acid batteries. AGM devices are recommended for new light-duty branded automotive batteries. They have a high starting current and quickly restore the charge. Gel (due to their high cost) are rarely used.
What options to choose
Before choosing a battery for a car, it is necessary to evaluate various parameters.
Engine volume
Diesel-powered vehicles need a battery that has a higher capacity than gasoline-powered vehicles. Moreover, their volumes will be the same.
For example, if a gasoline engine has a capacity of 1.5 liters, then it is best to use a battery with 45-55 Ah. If the engine is diesel, then a 65 Ah battery is required.For devices with a volume of up to 2.5 liters, an even larger capacity is needed - about 65 Ah for a gasoline device and 100 Ah for a diesel one.
More accurate indicators depend on vehicles, additionally installed devices (air conditioning, heating, etc.).
Manufacturing firm
Be sure to pay attention to the manufacturers of batteries. The following relationship is not always traced: a popular car battery company - high quality devices with a long service life. In many ways, the last parameter is influenced by operating conditions, as well as the correctly selected model of the device for the vehicle. There are many cases when average-priced batteries worked for 7 years, and expensive models failed after 6 months.
The optimum battery life is about 4 years under standard conditions. That is, it affects whether the mileage will be 45-50 or only 10 thousand kilometers per year, and the ambient temperature in winter will drop to -30 ° C or only to -10 ° C. The battery life is determined by the number of cases when the device was completely discharged, and the duration of the period (i.e. how long it stood in this state).
It must be remembered that the warranty from the manufacturer is given only for 2 years (for most batteries).
dimensions
When choosing a battery, you need to consider its dimensions: height, width, length of the device. It should easily fit into the allocated place and be fixed.
Positive contact location
Be sure to take into account the voltage at the terminals, as well as the location of the positive contact. For example, if it is located on the right side in the car, then the length of the wire is not enough to attach the terminal to the model in which the contact is located on the left.
And it will not work to deploy it and install it in any other way, since most batteries do not have such an opportunity.
The picture below shows the forward and reverse polarity of the battery.
Release date
When purchasing a device, you should always follow the release date. Sometimes it happens that the purchased unit is not new. For example, it was stored at the factory for a long time, then it was transported to a warehouse, changed its place, and only after the battery went on sale. That is, a newly purchased battery can be made a couple of years ago.
An example of the battery date in the picture above:
1 - production line number
011 - individual batch code
8 is the last digit of the year - 2018
2 - half a year
2 - serial number of the month in the half year:
First half of the year: 1 - January, 2 - February, 3 - March, 4 - April, 5 - May, 6 - June
Second half: 1 - July, 2 - August, 3 - September, 4 - October, 5 - November, 6 - December
02 - day (day of the month)
7 - brigade number (2 digits are possible).
It turns out that this battery has a production date of 08/02/2018.
auto battery rating
The rating of battery manufacturers must be studied before choosing a model. It is necessary to take into account the starting current, including at low temperatures, the speed of charging, etc.
Top batteries for cars with a capacity of 55 ampere hours:
- Mutlu Silver Evolution 55 (450). This is the best lead-acid type unit. Thanks to a special production technology (the battery is manufactured in Turkey), the device's discharge rate has been reduced. But the latter is not serviceable, so there is no approval for electrolyte fill plugs. The capacity is 55 Ah.
- Aktekh (AT) 55A3.This is an Irkutsk unit. It works well not only in standard conditions, but also in severe frost. Thanks to this, the battery is suitable for those who live in northern regions with harsh winters. As for the disadvantages of such a device, it gives off a large current, the capacity is quickly exhausted. If the generator is broken, then the car may simply not have time to get to the car service. However, the battery is serviceable, so you can get plugs.
- The Beast (ZV) 55A3. It has a fairly modern appearance, there is a comfortable handle. The capacity is 55 Ah. Works well in extreme conditions. The device is serviceable. The disadvantage is the high cost, in addition, the unit is not as stable as the previous ones.
- TYUMEN BATTERY STANDARD. Batteries of this series are produced in Tyumen, so the devices are suitable for the northern regions. But the disadvantage is the high sensitivity to full discharge. Because of this, the battery cannot work for a long time.
- Tornado. The capacity is 55 Ah. Differs in cheapness, quickly sits down in winter time because of additional loading. In addition, it is too sensitive to full discharge.
- Tudor. Created using AGM technology. For a short period of time can give a large current. It charges quickly, due to the increased load, the capacity decreases.
- Optima Yellow Top. This is one of the best gel aggregates. The capacity is 55 Ah. Made in America, compact, lighter than others. Resistant to vibration, overload. The only drawback is the high cost.
These are the best car batteries in all respects.
Low temperature conditions
All battery specifications are based on an approximate temperature of 27°C. At very low temperatures (for example, down to -25 ° C), the capacity of the battery decreases by 2 times. Because of this, in the northern regions, it is recommended to install devices with a larger capacity. For example, if 55 Ah is suitable, then it is better to use devices with 65 Ah.
But don't overdo it too much. The capacity of the battery must match the power of the vehicle's alternator. The battery should not be allowed to be too high. Otherwise, the generator will not be able to cope with charging. This will be an increased load, due to which the device may overheat or even break. It is allowed to select a battery with a capacity only 20% higher than the standard one.
Things to Remember
Before purchasing a battery, it is necessary to check its case so that there are no cracks, chips or other surface defects. They indicate that the device fell, hit. That is, if the case is not sealed, there may be damage inside.
Before purchasing a battery in which the electrolyte is contained inside, it is necessary to remove the plugs and check for the presence of a filler. The plates must be completely covered with liquid.
It is not recommended to allow the battery to fully discharge. Each time because of this, its service life is reduced. It is best not to drain the battery so much that the warning lights on the vehicle dashboard do not even light up. In many modern cars, this situation is not allowed, because the battery is simply disconnected.
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