Many people do not know how to choose a battery for the car. There are many reasons to look for a new battery (for example, tired of constantly recharging 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 battery for the car
Before you choose a car battery, you should decide on the varieties of these devices.
There are the following:
- Lead-acid. Such batteries were created first. This option is the simplest. Represents 6 cans, in which the plates of lead are in a liquid with sulfuric acid. Such 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 where you can't get the plugs out of the cans. They can be recharged. But it must be remembered that if the cells are severely discharged, the capacity may be lost or the plate may be destroyed.
- Gel. They differ in the fact that instead of liquid, a thick filler is used. The battery has a longer service life, as well as it is sealed, due to which it is able to continue to function at any inclination. Such devices are the most expensive.
- Those made with AGM technology. This is a combined version, which combines parts from a standard battery and a gel battery. That is, an electrolyte in the form of a solution is used to impregnate the filler located between the plates. Such a device is characterized by resistance to vibration, can work with a strong inclination. But the battery is sensitive not only to strong discharge, but also to overcharging.
For older Russian domestic cars will do and cheap option, i.e., lead-acid batteries. For newer branded car batteries, AGM units are recommended. They have a high starting current and recover quickly. The gel type (due to its high cost) is rarely used.
What parameters to choose
Before choosing a battery for the car, it is necessary to evaluate various parameters.
Engine capacity
Cars that run on diesel, need a battery that has a higher capacity than vehicles on gasoline. Moreover, their volumes will be the same.
For example, if a gasoline engine has a capacity of 1.5 liters, it is best to use a battery with 45-55 Ah. If the engine is diesel, a 65 Ah battery is required. For devices with a capacity of up to 2.5 liters, even more capacity is needed - about 65 Ah for a gasoline unit and 100 Ah for a diesel unit.
More exact figures depend on the vehicles, additionally installed devices (air conditioning, heating, etc.).
Manufacturer
It is obligatory to pay attention to the manufacturers of battery batteries. Not always there is the following correlation: a popular company of car batteries - high quality devices with a long service life. To a large extent, the latter parameter is influenced by operating conditions, as well as the correctly selected model of the device for the vehicle. There are many cases where the average-priced battery worked for 7 years, while the expensive models were already breaking down after 6 months.
The optimal 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 a 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 times the device has been completely discharged and the length of the period (i.e. how long it has been standing in such a state).
Remember that the manufacturer's warranty is 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 in the allocated place and be fixed.
Location of the plus contact
It is mandatory to consider the voltage on the terminals, as well as the location of the plus contact. For example, if it is on the right side of the car, there is not enough wire length to hook the terminal to the model in which the contact is located on the left.
And you can't turn it around and install it any other way, because most batteries don't have that option.
The picture below shows the forward and reverse polarity of the battery.
The date of manufacture
When you buy a device, you should always pay attention to the date of manufacture. Sometimes it happens that the unit you bought is not new. For example, it was stored at the factory for a long time, then it was moved to a warehouse, changed location, and only then the battery went on sale. That is, the battery you just bought may have been manufactured a couple of years ago.
An example of the date of the battery in the picture above:
1 - production line number
011 - individual batch code
8 - last digit of the year - 2018
2 - half year
2 - sequential number of the month in the half year:
First semester: 1 - January, 2 - February, 3 - March, 4 - April, 5 - May, 6 - June
Second half of the year: 1 - July, 2 - August, 3 - September, 4 - October, 5 - November, 6 - December
02 - day (day of month)
7 - brigade number (two digits are possible).
It turns out this battery has a production date of 02.08.2018.
Rating of auto batteries
Rating of battery manufacturers is a must to study before choosing a model. It is necessary to consider the starting current, including. and at low temperatures, fast charging times, etc.
Top auto batteries with 55 amp hour capacity:
- Mutlu Silver Evolution 55 (450). This is the best unit of the lead-acid type. Thanks to a special production technology (the manufacturer of the battery is Turkey), the rate of discharge of the device is reduced. But the latter is not serviceable, so there is no access to the plugs for filling the electrolyte. The capacity is 55 Ah.
- Akteh (AT) 55A3. This is an Irkutsk unit. Works well not only in standard conditions, but also in severe frost. Due to this 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, the car may simply not have time to reach the car service. At the same time, the battery is serviceable, so you can get the plugs.
- Beast (ZV) 55A3. It has a fairly modern appearance, has a handy handle. The capacity is 55 Ah. Works well in extreme conditions. The device is serviceable. The disadvantage is the high cost, besides the unit is not as stable as the previous ones.
- TYUMEN BATTERY STANDARD. The 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 complete discharge. Because of this, the battery can not work for a long time.
- Tornado. The capacity is 55 Ah. It is characterized by cheapness, quickly sits down in the winter time because of the additional load. In addition, it is too sensitive to complete discharge.
- Tudor. It is created with AGM technology. In a short period of time can give high current. It charges quickly, but because of the higher load it reduces the capacity.
- Optima Yellow Top. This is one of the best gel aggregates. Capacity is 55 Ah. Built in America, compact, lighter than others. Resistant to vibration, overload. The only drawback - the high cost.
These are the best car batteries considering all the parameters.
Low temperature conditions.
All the specifications that are specified for batteries are designed for an approximate temperature of 27°C. At very low temperatures (e.g. down to -25°C), the battery capacity is reduced by a factor of 2. Because of this, it is recommended to install devices with higher capacity in northern regions. For example, if 55 Ah is suitable, it is better to use devices with 65 Ah.
But you should not exceed the figure too much. The capacity of the battery must also correspond to the capacity of the generator of the vehicle. You should not allow the battery indicator to be too high. Otherwise, the generator will not be able to cope with charging. This will be an increased load, which can cause the device to overheat or even break down. It is allowed to choose a battery with a capacity only 20% higher than the standard one.
What you should keep in mind
Before you buy 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 has been dropped or hit. That is, if the case is leaky, there may be damage inside.
Before you buy a battery that has electrolyte inside, you should remove the plugs and check for filler. The plates should be completely covered with fluid.
It is not advisable to allow the battery to be completely discharged. Each time this causes a reduction in the life of the battery. It is best not to let the battery discharge to the point where the warning lights on the vehicle's dashboard don't even come on. In many modern vehicles this situation is not allowed, because. the battery just shuts down.
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