What batteries are used in a Volkswagen Polo car and how they can be replaced, how to remove the battery with your own hands
Content
Any modern car today cannot be imagined without a battery. Long gone are the handles used to turn the engine crankshaft to start it. Today, a storage battery (AKB) must quickly and reliably start a car in any frost. Otherwise, the car owner will have to walk or "light up" the engine from the battery of a neighboring car. Therefore, the battery must always be in working order, with an optimal charge level.
Basic information about the batteries installed in the Volkswagen Polo
The main functions of a modern battery are to:
- start the car engine;
- ensure the operability of all lighting devices, multimedia systems, locks and security systems when the engine is off;
- replenish the missing energy from the generator during periods of peak loads.
For Russian motorists, the issue of starting the engine during a frosty winter is especially relevant. What is a car battery? This is a device that converts the energy of a chemical reaction into electricity, which is required to start the motor, as well as when it is turned off. At this time, the battery is discharging. When the engine is started and starts to work, the reverse process occurs - the battery begins to charge. The electricity generated by the generator is stored in the chemical energy of the battery.
Battery device
A classic battery is a container filled with a liquid electrolyte. Electrodes are immersed in a solution of sulfuric acid: negative (cathode) and positive (anode). The cathode is a thin lead plate with a porous surface. The anode is thin grids into which lead oxide is pressed, which has a porous surface for better contact with the electrolyte. The anode and cathode plates are very close to each other, separated only by a layer of plastic separator.
In a car battery, there are 6 assembled blocks (sections, cans) consisting of alternating cathodes and anodes. Each of them can deliver a current of 2 Volts. Banks are connected in series. Thus, a voltage of 12 volts is generated at the output terminals.
Video: how a lead-acid battery works and works
Varieties of modern batteries
In automobiles, the most common and most cost effective battery is lead acid. They differ in manufacturing technology, the physical state of the electrolyte and are divided into the following types:
- SLI is the most common and classic type. The electrolyte in such batteries is a liquid mixture of distilled water with sulfuric acid. Such batteries are installed in Volkswagen Polo at the factory assembly. The main disadvantages of such batteries are:
- Fear of deep discharge.
- The negative impact of temperature changes.
- Deterioration of performance due to vibration and other mechanical influences.
- EFB is an improved version of SLI. The difference is in thicker plates packed in a special microfiber. The resource and characteristics of such batteries are better than those of classic ones, but they are also more expensive.
- AGM - the space between the plates is filled with glass fiber, which is impregnated with electrolyte. These batteries are no longer afraid of deep discharges, are quickly charged and are capable of delivering a large starting current. Don't be afraid of strong vibrations. VAG installs batteries of this type on cars of the latest generation, equipped with engines with a Start-Stop system. The cost of such batteries is higher than SLI and EFB.
Any of the above types can be installed on VW Polo if its main characteristics coincide with those stated in the service book.
Battery expiration date, maintenance and malfunctions
The service books that come with VW Polo cars do not provide for the replacement of batteries. That is, ideally, the batteries should work throughout the entire service life of the car. It is only recommended to check the battery charge level, as well as to clean and lubricate the terminals with a special conductive compound. These operations must be performed every 2 years of car operation.
In reality, the situation is somewhat different - battery replacement is required after 4-5 years of its operation. This is due to the fact that each battery is designed for a certain number of charge-discharge cycles. During this time, irreversible chemical changes occur, which lead to a loss of battery capacity. In this regard, the main malfunction of all batteries is their inability to start the car engine. The reason for the loss of capacity may be violations of the rules of operation or the exhaustion of battery life.
If it was possible to restore the density of the electrolyte in old batteries by adding distilled water to it, then modern batteries are maintenance-free. They can only show their charge level using indicators. If the container is lost, it cannot be repaired and must be replaced.
If the battery is dead: https://bumper.guru/klassicheskie-modeli-vaz/poleznoe/kak-pravilno-prikurit-avtomobil-ot-drugogo-avtomobilya.html
Replacing the battery in the Volkswagen Polo
A healthy battery should start the engine quickly over a wide temperature range (-30°C to +40°C). If starting is difficult, you need to check the voltage at the terminals using a multimeter. With the ignition off, it should exceed 12 volts. During starter operation, the voltage should not fall below 11 V. If its level is lower, you need to find out the reason for the low battery charge. If the problem is in it, replace it.
The battery is easy to replace. Even a novice motorist can do this. To do this, you need the following tools:
- key on 10;
- head 13 with an extension;
- slotted screwdriver.
Before removing the battery, turn off all electrical appliances in the cabin. If you disconnect the battery, then you will have to reset the clock, and to turn on the radio, you will have to enter the unlock code. If an automatic transmission is present, its settings will return to factory settings, so there may be jerks during gear changes at first. They will disappear after adapting the automatic transmission. It will be necessary to re-adjust the operation of the power windows after replacing the battery. The work is carried out in the following sequence:
- The hood is raised above the engine compartment.
- Using a 10 key, the wire tip is removed from the battery minus terminal.
If you lift the cover over the “+” terminal in frost, it is better to heat it first so that it does not break - The cover is lifted, the tip of the wire on the plus terminal is loosened.
- The latches for fastening the fuse box are retracted to the sides.
- The fuse block, together with the “+” wire tip, is removed from the battery and set aside.
- With a 13 key, the bolt is unscrewed and the battery mounting bracket is removed.
- The battery is removed from the seat.
- A protective rubber cover is removed from the used battery and put on a new battery.
- The new battery is installed in place, secured with a bracket.
- The fuse box returns to its place, the wire ends are fixed in the battery terminals.
In order for the window lifters to restore their work, you need to lower the glass, raise it to the end and hold the key pressed for a couple of seconds.
Video: removing the battery from a Volkswagen Polo car
What batteries can be installed on the Volkswagen Polo
Batteries are suitable for cars based on the types and power of engines installed on them. Dimensions are also critical for selection. Below are the characteristics and dimensions by which you can choose a battery for any of the Volkswagen Polo modifications.
Read also about the VAZ 2107 battery device: https://bumper.guru/klassicheskie-modeli-vaz/elektrooborudovanie/kakoy-akkumulyator-luchshe-dlya-avtomobilya-vaz-2107.html
Basic battery parameters for VW Polo
To crank the crankshaft of a cold engine, a significant effort is required through the starter. Therefore, the starting current in batteries capable of starting the Volkswagen Polo family of gasoline engines must be at least 480 amperes. This is the starting current for batteries installed at the plant in Kaluga. When it comes time to replace, it is better to purchase a battery with a starting current of 480 to 540 amps.
Batteries must have an impressive reserve of capacity so as not to be discharged after several unsuccessful starts made in a row in frosty weather. The battery capacity for gasoline engines ranges from 60 to 65 a / h. Powerful petrol and diesel engines require a lot of effort to start. Therefore, for such power units, batteries in the same capacity range, but with a starting current of 500 to 600 amperes, are better suited. For each modification of the car, a battery is used, the parameters of which are indicated in the service book.
In addition to these characteristics, the battery is also selected according to other parameters:
- Dimensions - the Volkswagen Polo must be equipped with a European standard battery, 24.2 cm long, 17.5 cm wide, 19 cm high.
- The location of the terminals - there must be a right "+", that is, a battery with reverse polarity.
- Edge at the base - it is necessary so that the battery can be fixed.
There are quite a few batteries on sale that are suitable for the VW Polo. When choosing, you need to choose a battery that has the closest performance to those recommended in the VAG service book. You can install a more powerful battery, but the generator will not be able to fully charge it. At the same time, a weaker battery will be quickly discharged, due to this, its resource will end faster. Below are inexpensive Russian and foreign-made batteries that are on sale for the Volkswagen Polo with diesel and gasoline engines.
Table: batteries for gasoline engines, volume from 1.2 to 2 liters
| Battery brand | Capacity Ah | Starting current, a | Manufacturer country | price, rub. |
| Cougar Energy | 60 | 480 | Russia | 3000 – 3200 Feet |
| Cougar | 55 | 480 | Russia | 3250 – 3400 Feet |
| Viper | 60 | 480 | Russia | 3250 – 3400 Feet |
| Mega Start 6 CT-60 | 60 | 480 | Russia | 3350 – 3500 Feet |
| V | 60 | 540 | Ukraine | 3600 – 3800 Feet |
| Afa Plus AF-H5 | 60 | 540 | Czech Republic | 3850 – 4000 Feet |
| Bosch S3 | 56 | 480 | Germany | 4100 – 4300 Feet |
| Varta Black dynamic C14 | 56 | 480 | Germany | 4100 – 4300 Feet |
Table: batteries for diesel engines, volume 1.4 and 1.9 l
| Battery brand | Capacity Ah | Starting current, a | Manufacturer country | price, rub. |
| Cougar | 60 | 520 | Russia | 3400 – 3600 Feet |
| V | 60 | 540 | Ukraine | 3600 – 3800 Feet |
| Tyumen Batbear | 60 | 500 | Russia | 3600 – 3800 Feet |
| Tudor Starter | 60 | 500 | Spain | 3750 – 3900 Feet |
| Afa Plus AF-H5 | 60 | 540 | Czech Republic | 3850 – 4000 Feet |
| Silver Star | 60 | 580 | Russia | 4200 – 4400 Feet |
| Silver Star Hybrid | 65 | 630 | Russia | 4500 – 4600 Feet |
| Bosch Silver S4 005 | 60 | 540 | Germany | 4700 – 4900 Feet |
Read about the history of Volkswagen Polo: https://bumper.guru/zarubezhnye-avto/volkswagen/test-drayv-folksvagen-polo.html
Reviews about Russian batteries
Most Russian motorists speak positively about all of the above brands of batteries. But among the reviews there are also negative opinions. Russian batteries are good for their moderate price, they do not give in to frost, they confidently hold a charge. Batteries from other manufacturing countries also perform well, but are more expensive. Below are some of the reviews of car owners.
Cougar car battery. Pros: inexpensive. Disadvantages: frozen at minus 20 °C. I bought the battery in November 2015 on the recommendation of the seller and with the onset of winter I really regretted it. I came under warranty to where I bought it, and they tell me that the battery is just put in the trash. Paid 300 more. for charging me. Before buying, it is better to consult with friends, and not listen to stupid sellers.
The Cougar car battery is a great battery. I liked this battery. It is very reliable, and most importantly - very powerful. I've been using it for 2 months now, I really like it.
VAZ 2112 - when I bought the Mega Start battery, I thought that for 1 year, and then I will sell the car and at least the grass does not grow. But I never sold the car, and the battery has already survived 2 winters.
The Silverstar Hybrid 60 Ah, 580 Ah battery is a proven and reliable battery. Advantages: easy start of the engine in cold weather. Cons: There are no cons so far. Well, winter has come, frosts. The start-up test of the battery went well, given that the start-up took place at minus 19 degrees. Of course, I would like to check its degrees below minus 30, but so far the frost is rather weak and I can only judge by the results obtained. The temperature outside is -28 ° C, it started up immediately.
It turns out that a good battery for a modern car is no less important than the engine, so batteries require periodic checks and little maintenance. If the car is left in the garage for a long period, it is better to disconnect the wire from the "minus" terminal so that the battery does not run out during this time. In addition, deep discharge is contraindicated for lead-acid batteries. To fully charge the battery in the garage or at home, you can purchase universal chargers with adjustable charge current.
