How to choose a battery for a car?

Regardless of whether a diesel engine is in the car or a gasoline equivalent, the unit requires enough energy to start it. The modern car uses electricity for more than just the starter motor to turn the flywheel. The on-board system activates many devices and sensors that ensure adequate operation of the fuel system, ignition and other components in the vehicle.

When the car is already started, this current comes from the generator, which uses the engine to generate energy (its drive is connected to the belt or timing chain of the power unit). However, in order to start the internal combustion engine, a separate power source is required, in which there is a sufficient supply of energy to start all systems. A battery is used for this.

Let's consider what are the requirements for battery, as well as what you should pay attention to when you need to buy a new car battery.

Car Battery Requirements

In a car, a battery is needed for the following purposes:

• Apply current to the starter so that it can turn the flywheel (and at the same time activate other systems of the machine, for example, a generator);
• When the machine has additional equipment, but the generator remains standard, when a large number of consumers are turned on, the battery must provide these devices with sufficient energy;
• With the engine off, provide energy to emergency systems, for example, dimensions (why they are needed is described in another review), emergency gang. Also, many motorists use a power source to operate the multimedia system, even when the engine is not running.

There are no strict restrictions on what kind of battery a motorist must use in his transport. However, it should be noted that the automaker has provided some parameters in advance to prevent self-activity on the part of the car owner, which can negatively affect the condition of the car.

Firstly, the place where the battery can be placed has limitations, therefore, when installing a non-standard power source, the car owner will need to carry out some modernization of his vehicle.

Secondly, each type of transport requires its own power or capacity to start the engine and emergency operation of some systems. It makes no sense to install an expensive power source that will not use its resource, but when installing a low-power battery, the driver may not even start the engine of his vehicle.

Here is the basic requirement for the capacity of a car battery, depending on the type of transport:

1. A standard production car with a minimum amount of additional equipment (for example, without an air conditioner and a powerful audio system) is capable of operating on a battery with a capacity of 55 amperes / hour (the engine capacity of such a vehicle should not exceed 1.6 liters);
2. For a more powerful car with additional attachments (for example, a 7-seater minivan, the volume of the internal combustion engine of which does not exceed 2.0 liters), a capacity of 60 Ah is required;
3. Full-fledged SUVs with a powerful power unit (this is a maximum of a 2.3-liter unit) already require the battery to have a capacity of 66 Ah;
4. For a mid-size van (for example, a GAZelle), a capacity of 74 Ah will already be required (the volume of the unit should not exceed 3.2 liters);
5. A full-fledged truck (often diesel) needs a larger battery capacity (90 Ah), since diesel thickens with the onset of cold weather, so it is much more difficult for the starter to crank the engine crankshaft, and the fuel pump will also work under load until the fuel warms up. A similar power source will be required for a machine with a maximum 4.5 liter unit;
6. In vehicles with a displacement of 3.8-10.9 liters, batteries with a capacity of 140 Ah are installed;
7. A tractor with an internal combustion engine volume within 7-12 liters will require a 190 Ah power source;
8. The tractor (the power unit has a volume of 7.5 to 17 liters) needs a battery with a capacity of 200 Ah.

As for which battery to buy to replace the used one, you need to pay attention to the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer, since engineers calculate how much energy the car will require. To choose the right battery modification, it is better to look for an option by car model.

What are the batteries

Details about the existing types of batteries for cars are described in another review... But in short, there are two types of battery:

• Those in need of service;
• Modifications that are not serviced.

We should also pay special attention to the AGM models. Let's consider in more detail about each option.

Serviced (Sb / Ca technology)

These are the most common batteries for all car models. Such a power supply will not be expensive. It has a plastic acid-proof housing, in which there are service holes (distilled water is added there when it evaporates during operation).

It is better to opt for this type of used car owners. Usually, in such vehicles, the charging system begins to work unstably over time. Such batteries are unpretentious to the quality of the generator.

If necessary, the motorist can check the density of the electrolyte. For this, a hydrometer is used. Separately describes how to use the device, there is also a table with different options for hydrometers for all technical fluids that are used in machines.

Maintenance-free (Ca / Ca technology)

This is the same battery as the serviced one, only it is impossible to add distillate to it. If such a power source fails, you need to buy a new one - there is no way to restore it.

This type of battery is recommended to be installed on a new car in which the charging system is working properly. Or, if the car owner is sure that the generator in the car is working properly, then instead of a serviced analog, you can choose this one. Its advantage is that the driver does not need to check the electrolyte level in the cans. Among the disadvantages is the whimsicality to the quality of the charge, and it will also cost like an expensive and high-quality serviced analogue.

AGM batteries

Separately, we indicate AGM-batteries in the list, since they can withstand many charge-discharge cycles (usually three to four times more than a standard analogue). Such modifications can withstand more difficult operating conditions.

Due to these characteristics, such batteries will be better suited for vehicles whose power unit is capable of operating in start / stop mode. Also, it is better to prefer this option to someone who has a power source in the car installed under the seat. Among the disadvantages, such modifications are even more expensive than the models described above. More details about the features of this modification are described here.

There are also gel batteries. This is an analogue of an AGM battery, only recovery after a deep discharge is faster. But such batteries will cost even more AGM analogue with identical capacity.

How to choose a battery for a car

It is best to choose a battery in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Usually, the instructions for the car indicate the type of battery or which equivalent can be used. You can also look in the manufacturer's catalog, which indicates which option should be used in a particular case.

If neither the first nor the second option is available, you can build on what type of battery was previously used on the vehicle. You should write down the parameters of the old battery, and look for a similar option.

Here are some other important parameters to consider when choosing a new power source for your car.

Емкость

This is a key parameter to check before purchasing a battery. Capacity means the amount of energy available for cold starting the engine (in some cases, the driver tries to crank the starter several times while the engine starts). For cars, batteries with a capacity of 55 to 66 amperes / hour are chosen. Some small car models even come with a 45 Ah battery.

As mentioned above, this parameter depends on the power of the motor. Most gasoline cars are equipped with just such batteries. As for diesel units, they require more capacity, therefore, for light vehicles with such internal combustion engines, batteries with a capacity of up to 90 Ah are already required.

Some motorists deliberately choose more efficient batteries than the manufacturer provides. They are counting on some benefits such as a powerful audio system. In theory, this is logical, but practice shows the opposite.

The standard generator often does not fully charge a battery with an increased capacity. Also, a more capacious battery will have a larger size than the manufacturer of a particular car provided.

Starting current

Amperage is even more important for a car battery. This is the maximum amount of current that the battery can deliver in a relatively short period of time (in the range from 10 to 30 seconds, provided that the air temperature is 18 degrees below zero). To determine this parameter, you should pay attention to the label. The higher this indicator is, the less likely it is that the motorist will drain the battery while starting the engine (this, of course, depends on the state of the power source itself).

On average, a passenger car needs a battery with an inrush current of 255 amps. Diesels need a more powerful battery, since when starting, a much greater compression will be created in the engine than in a gasoline analogue. For this reason, it is better to put on a diesel engine an option with a starting current in the region of 300 amperes.

Winter is a real test for any battery (in a cold engine, the oil thickens, which makes it difficult to start an unheated unit), so if there is a material opportunity, it is better to purchase a power source with a high starting current. Of course, such a model will cost more, but the engine will be more fun to start in the cold.

dimensions

In a passenger car, two types of batteries are usually installed, which will have the following dimensions:

• European standard - 242 * 175 * 190 mm;
• The Asian standard is 232 * 173 * 225 mm.

To determine which standard is suitable for a particular vehicle, look at the battery pad. The manufacturer designs the seat for a specific type of battery, so you won't be able to mix it up. Plus, these parameters are indicated in the vehicle operating manual.

Mounting type

It is not only the size of the power supply that is important, but also the way it is fixed on the site. On some cars, they simply put it on the appropriate platform without any fasteners. In other cases, European and Asian batteries are attached differently:

• The European version is fixed with a pressure plate, which is attached on both sides to the projections on the site;
• The Asian version is fixed on the site using a special frame with pins.

Before going to the store, you should double-check which mount is used in the car in order to find the right battery.

Polarity

Although this parameter does not matter for most motorists, in fact, you should also pay attention to it, since the power wires with which the on-board system is powered are of limited length. For this reason, it is not possible to install a battery with a different polarity.

There are two types of polarity:

• Straight line - the positive contact is located on the left (this modification can be seen on many domestic models);
• The reverse - the positive contact is located on the right (this option is used in foreign cars).

You can determine the type of battery if you put the battery with contacts towards you.

Serviceability

Most of the popular battery models are low maintenance. In such modifications there is a viewing window in which the charge indicator is located (it can be used to approximately determine to what extent the battery is discharged). This power supply has holes in the cans where distillate can be added. With proper operation, they do not need maintenance, except to make up for the lack of working fluid.

Maintenance-free modifications do not require any manipulation by the motorist at all. For the entire service life of such a modification, the electrolyte does not evaporate. There is also a peephole with an indicator on the battery cover. The only thing that a motorist can do when the charge is lost is to charge the battery with a special device. How to do it correctly is described in another article.

Appearance

The purchase of a new automotive power supply must be accompanied by an external inspection of the device. There should be no even minor cracks, chips or other damage on its body. Traces of electrolyte will indicate that the device has been improperly stored or is not suitable for use.

On a new battery, the contacts will have minimal abrasion (may appear when the charge is being checked). However, deep scratches indicate either inaccurate storage, or that the battery has already been used (to avoid sparking and ensure good contact, the terminal must be tightened well, which will definitely leave characteristic marks).

Date of manufacture

Since in stores, batteries are sold already filled with electrolyte, the chemical reaction takes place in them, regardless of when they are put on the car. For this reason, experienced motorists recommend not buying batteries that have a shelf life of more than one year. The working resource is determined not from the beginning of operation on the machine, but by the moment of filling the electrolyte.

Sometimes stores organize various promotions that give you the opportunity to buy a "new" battery for half the price. But this is not the best idea. It is better to focus not on the cost of the product, but on the date of its manufacture. Each manufacturer is obliged to indicate when the device was created, however, they can use different markings for this.

Here are examples of how individual manufacturers indicate the date of manufacture:

• Duo Extra uses 4 characters. The two digits indicated at the beginning indicate the month, the rest - the year;
• Batbear uses 6 characters. The first two, put at the beginning, indicate the month, the rest - the year;
• Titan indicates 5 characters. The week is indicated by the second and third characters (for example, the 32nd), and the year is indicated by the fourth character, which is indicated by a Latin letter;

The hardest part to determine the production date is for Bosch models. This company uses only the letter code. To determine when the battery was created, the buyer needs to know the definition of each letter.

Here is a table to help you with that:

Year / month

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

11

12

2019

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

A

B

C

D

E

F

2020

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

2021

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

A

B

C

D

2022

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

2023

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

A

B

2024

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

2025

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

One letter is used to identify the date of manufacture of the power supply. For example, the model with the letter G was created in January 2020. The next time this letter will appear in the marking only in March 2022.

When buying a battery, you should pay attention to the condition of the label. The inscriptions on it should not be erased, as this makes it possible to change the marking. On many models, instead of an inscription, a stamp is put on the case itself. In this case, it is impossible to counterfeit the product (except how to replace it with an inappropriate label).

Brand and store

As is the case with any auto parts, when buying a car battery, it is better to give preference to well-known brands than to be tempted by the attractive price of a product whose brand is little known.

If the motorist is still poorly versed in brands, he can be advised by someone who has been using a car for a long time. The feedback from the majority of motorists shows that the products of Bosch and Varta have proven themselves well, but today there are other models that pose serious competition to them. Although these products are more expensive than little-known counterparts, they will serve the entire resource declared by the manufacturer (if the car owner uses the product correctly).

As for which store to buy products from, it is also best to choose outlets that are known to be honest with the customer. For example, in some small auto parts stores, batteries can change the inscription on the label, deliberately spoiling the place with the code in order to mislead the motorist and provide false information.

It is better to bypass such stores, even if you need to buy some kind of spare part. A store worthy of respect provides a product warranty. This is more convincing that the original product is being bought than the words of the seller.

Checking upon purchase

Also, in a reliable store, the seller will help you check the battery using a load plug or a tester. A reading on the gauge between 12,5 and 12,7 volts indicates that the product is in good condition and can be installed on the machine. If the charge is less than 12.5V, then the battery needs to be recharged, but if possible, choose another option.

The load on the device is also checked. When the reading is from 150 to 180 amperes / hour (the impact is on for 10 seconds), the voltage in a working power source will not fall below 11 volts. If the device cannot withstand this load, it should not be purchased.

Car battery brands

As we have already noticed, it is better to select a battery for the technical parameters of a particular car model. Although the seller in the store will be able to recommend the best option from what is in the range, it is better to pay attention to the feedback of experienced specialists who periodically test such products in order to identify the most effective and high-quality models.

One of such publications is the Internet magazine "Za Rulem". A test report for popular batteries used in cars is presented to users annually. Here is the battery rating as of the end of 2019:

1. medialist;
2. Pricelist
3. Tyumen Battery Premium;
4. Vartha;
5. Gather;
6. Bosch;
7. Much;
8. Premium Exide.

The products have been tested in different operating conditions and on different vehicles. Of course, this is not the ultimate truth. In some cases, popular batteries may be ineffective compared to budget counterparts, although the opposite is more common.

Decoding of battery marking

Many motorists rely on the professionalism of the seller, so they say what car they have and listen to the recommendations of the store employee. But, understanding the battery labeling, the vehicle owner will be able to independently choose an option for his car.

All the necessary parameters are indicated on the label of each product. The illustration shows an example of symbols that may be indicated by the manufacturer:

1. 6 elements;
2. Starter;
3. Rated capacity;
4. General cover;
5. Flooded;
6. Improved;
7. Rated capacity;
8. Discharge current at -18 degrees Celsius (European standard);
9. Manufacturing technology;
10. Rated voltage;
11. Warranty;
12. Certificate;
13. Manufacturer's address;
14. Barcode for the scanner;
15. Battery weight;
16. Compliance with standards, technical conditions of production;
17. Purpose of the battery.

Most modern batteries are out of service.

Results

The selection of a new battery is associated with many pitfalls, which, unfortunately, are not mentioned by most sellers. The main thing that you need to immediately pay attention to is the date of manufacture, since this parameter determines how long the power source will last. As for how to maintain car batteries, you can read about it here.

In addition to the above, we offer a short video on how to properly charge the battery:

DO NOT CHARGE the battery until you watch this video! The most RIGHT car battery charge.

Questions and answers:

Which company is better to buy a car battery? List of battery brands in descending order of popularity: Bosch, Varta, Exide, Fiamm, Mutlu, Moratti, Formula, Grom. It all depends more on the operating conditions and the car model.

What's the best battery? Better is one that does not require a special charger, and is inexpensive, so that, if necessary, you can quickly replace it with a new one. The best option is lead acid.

What is the starting current for the battery? For a middle class passenger car, this parameter should be in the range of 250-270 A. If the engine is diesel, then the starting current should be more than 300A.