Any modern car is equipped with a battery (battery). Such a rule has virtually no exceptions for gasoline, diesel and especially electric motors. Careful selection of the battery by car brand will need to be done, after specifying all the necessary characteristics of the car.

More experienced drivers already know what data of this electric element will be needed for purchase, and young people often even take the entire battery with them to the store in order not to lose sight of any trifle. There is no need for such efforts, it is enough to write data from the case or from the passport of the products, as well as to conduct a preliminary visual assessment.

Content

• 1 Selection via the Internet
• 2 Replacement time and signs of poor battery
• 3 Criteria for the selection of the battery in the car
  • 3.1 Battery capacity
  • 3.2 Overall characteristics
  • 3.3 Forward and reverse battery polarity
  • 3.4 Starting current
• 4 Classification of operated modern battery
• 5 The most popular car battery brands
  • 5.1 Bosch batteries
  • 5.2 Varta batteries
  • 5.3 Mutlu batteries
  • 5.4 Russian batteries

Online choice

Some sites offer to pick up the battery for the brand of car without leaving home. For such an operation, you need to fill in a table with the data of the car, where you usually enter:

• car make;
• model;
• year of issue;
• producing country;
• engine's type.

Through this algorithm, site owners are trying to impose certain types of batteries of one of the well-known brands. Rarely the result of such a search is a list of several possible options. Therefore, such methods of almost “blind” selection can be called “recommendatory”, and not “final”. It is no secret that such sites can work with one or several selling companiesthat will financially stimulate the “right choice”.

Most often in this list are more expensive brands. Also, the choice of battery by brand of car in this case can be carried out from those batteries that are in the online store at this time in stock, sometimes removing from the list more acceptable options, but which are not currently in stock.

Final decision must be made deliberatelywithout shifting it to imperfect algorithms, even if they picked up the right element for the correct parameters. After all, the correct choice depends on the operation of all auto systems from ignition to lighting and air conditioner operation. In addition to stable long-term performance, the quality of electrical appliances directly affects safety. In such a situation, thoughtless buying can be costly.

Replacement time and signs of poor quality battery

Exact preventive battery replacement periods are unlikely to be observed by any driver. Usually they begin to pay attention to this part only after the capacity is reduced and frequent external recharging is required. Obvious signs are the difficulties during the morning start of the engine after the weekend or already daily problems with starting from the garage or from the parking lot.

On the instrument panel there is an indicative light signaling a low battery charge. Such situations begin to arise. after frequent short trips. During this time, the full charge does not happen, it often happens in winter.

However, before you pick up the battery by car brand, you need to check the tension of the belt on the generator. The reason for poor charging may lie in the fact that the belt on the pulley slips, charging does not occur, although the battery is quite good.

You need to know that the average life of a car battery is 4-5 years.

A clear sign of malfunction is damage to the case. Often there are even cracks or smudges on the sides. Damage occurs due to a non-rigid fixation of the battery or some kind of shock or other mechanical impact on the case. In this situation, do not delay with the replacement.

See also: How to revive a car battery

Criteria for the selection of the battery in the car

Visually, car batteries for passenger cars are similar to each other. All of them have the shape of a parallelepiped, in the upper part there are two terminals for connection. Between the contacts of some batteries can be several plugs for topping up the liquid. But even with this similarity, there are important differences, the main ones being the exact overall dimensions, maximum electrical capacitance and terminal position.

Battery capacity

This value can be read on the battery case or in the vehicle operating book. If the label is erased, but there is no book, then the data on the battery are listed on the official websites of car companies. For an average sedan, as a rule, a charge capacity of 55-60 Ah is required.. In the labeling of the product such data appear, for example, in the form of 6CT-55 and 6CT-60. For the operation of an SUV requires up to 70 Ah.

You need to know that automakers set the range of electrical capacitance values ​​for batteries used in a vehicle.

It is necessary to adhere to this parameter to avoid breakages and short circuits. In the case of installing a battery of significantly greater capacity, a regular generator may not always be able to fully charge. Such operation does not contribute to long-term effective operation of the device, reducing the service life up to two or three times.

When installing a known low battery capacity, it can also fail, but due to the constant supply of voltage to the terminals. If the electronics do not provide for automatic disconnection from charging after a complete set, then the battery will also quickly develop.

Overall characteristics

Before buying, you need to measure the installation frame in which the battery case is attached. Too big a new device may not be in a regular place. It should not be fixed there with the help of additional belts or clamps, since after vibrations of the motor or on an uneven road, it will simply fly off from its place and may damage adjacent units or parts.

In this case, the possible closure and failure of the wiring. At distortions during installation, electrolyte may spill out through the filling holes. Therefore, you need to choose the size of the body in such a way that the installation was strictly horizontal.

Forward and reverse battery polarity

Even if two batteries are the same in size and capacity, they can have differently located terminals “plus” and “minus”. When the positive terminal is on the left when the battery is positioned by the contacts to itself, such a battery is called with direct polarity, and when the “plus” on the right is called reverse.

Colored plastic caps that cover the contacts on new products will help pay attention to this factor. It is important to understand that it is correct to buy a battery of the polarity that came from the factory, because otherwise you will not always be able to reach the necessary terminals with the wires of the car.

You need to know that incorrect polarity can destroy all the electrical consumers of the car or melt the insulation on the wires, which will make them dangerous to use.

Starting current

When operating the vehicle in different climatic zones or with large temperature fluctuations, the ability to output the battery power must be taken into account. For the reference temperature of work taken to take +25C. In this mode, the maximum (return to 100%) performance of electricians is obtained. However, at negative temperatures, this figure may decrease to 50% of the nominal value.

This means that in the cold season it will be more efficient to use a battery from the upper permissible range of capacity.

See also: Tensioner belt alternator

Classification of operated modern battery

Even if the dimensions, capacitance and poles are the same, the batteries in another parameter may differ. They are divided into serviced, low-maintenance and maintenance-free products.

1. Serviced batteries are the earliest type of battery. They are visually distinguished by several screw caps located in a row between the terminals. Due to this design provides access to the cavities cans. In case of a short circuit between the plates, you can replace them and continue to use this battery. The positive quality of this type is relatively low cost. The disadvantages include regular monitoring of the electrolyte level inside the tanks. With significant boiling of the liquid, it can become unusable. Also the design of this type is short-lived. The oxide of the plates and their physical wear reduce the lifetime. Typically, a biennial copy can only give half the installed capacity.

1. Less "capricious" in operation shows itself low maintenance battery. Although she needs to add electrolyte, but not as often as in the first case. It is based on lead-low antimony compounds. Due to this material, the battery can work more efficiently for up to three years. However, after that the working output parameters fall sharply.
2. The most popular type of modern batteries are maintenance-free lead-calcium products. Electrolyte tanks are not available for maintenance, the mouths of the cans are sealed. This design does not require any topping up. In addition to charge control, which can be determined by the built-in "eye", there is no need to take care of any other parameters. Serve products up to 5 years. As a disadvantage, there is a higher price in comparison with the previous types.

The most popular car battery brands

When choosing a battery for your car, you can use the reviews of car owners who have already experienced the advantages and disadvantages of various brands. In Russia, there are three main brands with a large market share: Bosch, Varta and Mutlu.

Bosch batteries

Products of the German company occupies the price segment "above average". However, the cost is offset reliability and high quality. Более чем столетняя история компании говорит о том, что собственники дорожат своими клиентами. Bosch batteries характеризуются высоким пусковым током, долговечной эксплуатацией, надежностью. Пластины покрыты серебряным напылением, что позволяет увеличить их ресурс. Хотя большие партии выпускаются на предприятиях, расположенных в Азии, но это не снижает качество.

Varta batteries

Another company with German roots. Its products are manufactured at plants in Europe and Asia, including Russia. On our shelves come across and Czech copies of the battery. Motorists love this product for Excellent value for money and quality. Acceptable price does not reduce product performance. There is a cheaper analogue of this company ISTA, produced under a German license in Ukraine.

Mutlu batteries

The Turkish company has been supplying its batteries to the Russian market for 20 years. During this time, they have been tested in all regions and have shown reliable performance in harsh freezing winters. Price per copy available for any motorist.

Russian batteries

As a budget option, you can use the Russian battery Tyumen and Titan. They are popular because of their affordability. Basically, these batteries can be found in the serviced version of the configuration. Drivers with great experience precisely for this make the choice in their favor.