How to choose a diesel car battery?

A diesel battery works a little differently than a gasoline engine. If we have a diesel car, especially for the first time, it is worth figuring out which battery is better to choose.

The increase in the number of electronic devices in modern cars affects the faster battery drain. The role of the power source in cars with internal combustion engines takes on a car battery. Which one to choose for a model with a gasoline engine, and which one for a diesel engine? What brand of battery should I buy? This is very important, especially if you have an extensive audio system.

What role does the battery play?

With the exception of electric vehicles, the rest of the models available on the market have a battery. It feeds the car's ignition system and generates the energy needed to warm up the glow plugs, later this function is taken over by the rectifier. The battery also powers the essential components of the car that use the electrical voltage. While driving, even the best battery is discharged, so it must be powered by a generator.

Which battery brand should I choose? 

When buying the right equipment, it is quite important what brand of battery you want to put in the car. There are solutions on the market from well-known manufacturers that provide a guarantee for their accessories for several years. You can also use cheaper parts from little-known companies, but their durability and quality may leave much to be desired. In addition to the brand, battery parameters are also important. One chooses a petrol engine and the other a diesel. Why?

Car battery - which one to choose for a diesel?

Why are there no standardized power devices in this segment? Several factors influence this. Diesel car batteries must be adapted to the specific way the unit is started. The glow plugs they use must release heat in a short time to heat up the combustion chamber so that the fuel can ignite. This requires a large capacity of the battery itself and a large supply current. In some cases, this value may fluctuate around 700 A and even more!

Car diesel battery - what to look for? 

The electrical charge storage capacity inside a battery is measured in amp-hours (Ah). Pay special attention to this parameter in a car with a diesel engine. A common solution is a 74 Ah diesel battery. Expanding the abbreviation, we can conclude that this cell is capable of delivering a current of 1 A for 74 hours. In practice, it is important that you install a battery in your vehicle that slightly exceeds the manufacturer's recommendations for capacity, preferably by about 10%.

Once the glow plug warm-up process is complete, the battery should no longer supply so much current to the device. The ignition process is automatic, and the thermal regime that has developed in the cylinders allows you to burn a dose of diesel fuel without the use of candles. Therefore, at a later stage of diesel operation, a battery is needed to support electrical devices and electronic systems.

Diesel battery vs gasoline battery

The situation is somewhat different with "gasoline". Here, the start-up takes place with the participation of fuel-metering nozzles and spark plugs. Current flows from the battery to the coil and high voltage wires to the spark plugs. A good diesel car battery has a much higher capacity than that used in gasoline cars. In addition, a car with a gasoline engine does not require such a maximum starting current. It fluctuates between 400-500 A.

However, cells in gasoline vehicles are subject to constant wear and tear. Every 4-stroke cycle requires a spark. Therefore, it should not be missing from any cylinder at any time. Its absence during the operation of the unit is called a misfire. This can be caused by worn spark plugs, a broken wire connection, or a bad coil. All this is related to the current generated by the battery.

What battery for 1.9 TDI?

One of the most popular diesel engines on the Polish market is the 1.9 liter four-cylinder unit. It was installed on a huge number of VAG cars. The first copies appeared in the 90s of the last century and offered power from 90 hp. up to even 150 hp in the ARL engine. In this case, a 74 Ah battery for a 1.9 TDI diesel is suitable. It is recommended to install cells with parameters in the range of 74 Ah-82 Ah. The maximum current must be at least 700 A.

Batteries for diesel cars - what else do you need to know?

Lead-acid batteries are the most popular solutions installed in diesel vehicles. However, it must be borne in mind that they may be serviceable. Therefore, they need to control the level of electrolyte and, if necessary, add it. Be sure to test it before you buy it in order to properly use the battery. A battery for a diesel vehicle with an extensive audio system may require an AGM cell. They are up to 3 times more efficient than traditional versions, but require installation away from heat sources. Therefore, it is best to place such a battery in the trunk.

Diesel car battery - price 

At a cost, diesel car batteries are slightly more expensive than gasoline ones:

• base models for smaller 1.4 TDI units can cost less than 30 euros.
• more efficient branded batteries for larger engines such as 1.9, 2.4, 2.5 and more cost more than 300 or even 40 euros. 

Some vehicles also use auxiliary batteries to maintain voltage when the main power supply is disconnected.

It may seem that the choice of a diesel battery is a common thing. However, this is of great importance, especially in vehicles with diesel engines. Therefore, before making a choice, make sure which diesel battery will be optimal for your car. We enjoy your shopping!