In order to have a pleasant trip without unpleasant surprises, you need to equip your car with a reliable battery. But what battery will prove to be the optimal solution for a particular vehicle? It is enough to check what model has been used so far, read the manual of the car in question and use the offer of a battery store. It is important to remember that the battery must not fail during severe frosts and hot summers, it must supply electricity to all the car’s equipment. Reading the manual of your vehicle will quickly come up with the answer to the question – how to choose a battery for your car? In it you will find such data as the capacity and size of the battery, the value of the starting current, the type, and based on these parameters you can order the optimal device.
Which battery to buy – serviced or maintenance-free, traditional, AGM or gel battery
Classic batteries are lead-acid models, for which you will pay the least, are durable and work well for starting many vehicles. Currently sold batteries do not require maintenance, they are equipped with a special window that allows you to constantly check the state of its charge. How to choose a battery for a car with a Start Stop system? You can choose from AGM, EFB, AFB, ECM batteries. Another type is a gel battery suitable for motorcycles and powersport vehicles.
What are the characteristics of Start Stop car batteries?
AGM batteries do not contain liquid electrolyte, but have absorbent mats that absorb it. When selecting a battery for engine capacity, it is worth paying attention to this type, since AGM is distinguished by its increased capacity and higher starting current. EFB, AFB, ECM batteries are long-life devices, specially tailored for frequent engine starting and also allowing constant operation of all electrical equipment in the car.
They are ideal for cars with the Start Stop system, allowing you to save fuel by turning off the engine at a short stop and then turning it on in a fraction of a second. So how do you choose a battery for your car? Asking for an expert’s opinion, you are sure to hear that the best choice are batteries from well-known manufacturers that are consistently reliable. Each car has a factory device and it is not recommended to change the battery in terms of these recommendations.
How important is it to match the battery to the engine capacity?
Cars currently on the road are adapted 12V installations, so there will be no problem with matching the battery from this angle. The most important value of the battery is the capacity, that is, the number of ampere hours (Ah) and, more precisely, its current capacity. Therefore, if you have a car with rich electrical equipment, buy a battery with a larger capacity. However, you need to take into account the recommendations of the car manufacturer.
Remember, if you install a battery with too much capacity in your vehicle a problem such as its constant undercharging will arise. Why? Simply because the alternator will not be able to cope with this task. On the other hand, if its capacity is too small, it will not provide power to all your devices, such as heated seats or navigation. Remember when facing the choice of what battery to match the capacity of the engine, always follow the rule of thumb that you can use a device with a capacity of no more than 10% of the factory battery.
How to choose a battery for a car taking into account its starting current?
How much current the battery can generate is also an important factor.This electricity is transferred to the starter. Important! More power or engine capacity argues for a higher value of starting current. What you need to know: cars with gasoline engines need less current, while those with diesel engines need more. In addition, it depends on the type of starter and possible Start Stop system. In this case, it is best to adapt the choice to the suggestions of the car manufacturer.
Do the dimensions of the battery have to match exactly?
Yes, so when answering the question of how to choose a battery for your car in terms of its size, you need to consider its location in the car. Most often the battery is located under the hood or seats, but sometimes it is mounted in the trunk. In each case, the place for the battery has a specific dimension. Before placing an order, check what the car manufacturer recommends.
Does the arrangement of the terminals affect how to select a battery for a car? Yes, before choosing the right model, you need to check whether right or left plus is required. It may happen that the battery comes in both variants. If you make the wrong choice, simply the electrical wires will be too short to reach the location. You can always take the help of specialists selling batteries, who have a lot of experience in matching a particular type and model to a particular car.
