Choosing a battery is something like a big lottery. Despite the fact that there is a huge variety of models on the market, and sellers have been working with them for a long time and can recommend the best, one cannot be completely sure that the purchased battery will last long enough. Why? Since now there is a huge number of fakes. And also the reason is the mass of low-quality batteries that are available from manufacturers such as Bosh or Varta. It is difficult to determine why this is happening. Those who live in a big city are much easier. It is enough to read reviews of other motorists about batteries that are sold in stores in the city. In addition, it is worth acquiring some theoretical knowledge, then in a conversation with the seller you will not make a negative impression. It is worth knowing which battery to buy, for which it is generally needed. And it is needed for the following: starting the engine, stabilizing the voltage drops in the car’s electrical network, taking part of the load while the engine is idling.
How to choose a battery
Low-maintenance and maintenance-free batteries exist. In the former, it is necessary to periodically add electrolyte, and in the latter, nothing needs to be added. In addition, the former are divided into dry-charged ones, which are stored for a long time, however, before use, they must be filled with electrolyte on their own; as well as flooded in production conditions. It is generally accepted that the latter species is much better, since the water in the plants is cleaner, and the technology is observed there as strictly as possible. However, flooded batteries will not be stored for more than a year. It’s best to buy a device that was released no more than two months ago. Understanding the question of how to choose a battery, it is important to know what is written in the technical passport of your car. You should see if the car manufacturer recommends a specific brand of battery, as well as the amount of inrush current needed to start the car engine .
How to choose a battery: important points
Battery capacity is the second important parameter after the inrush current. Capacity is the ability of a device to support the operation of electrical appliances in a vehicle offline. Automobile reference books usually contain information about capacity depending on the engine power and the type of fuel used by the car - diesel or gasoline, as well as the type of feed - injection or carburetor. A passenger car has enough capacity in the range of 55-56 ampere-hours. The battery cost also depends on the capacity; the higher it is, the higher the price. A competent seller will make sure that you do not take a battery with an over or under capacity.
If we talk about picking up the battery according to the make of the car, then it is difficult to navigate even at a cost. For patriots, the best option is the batteries of Tyumen production, their actual capacity is usually 15-20% higher than that stated in the technical documentation.
Let's figure out why it’s not worth overpaying at all:
- For marking "potassium". Manufacturers say that water boils off more slowly in them, so the electrolyte needs to be poured into them less often, but in practice it turns out that such batteries hiss during sudden changes, while there is abundant gas evolution.
- For the marking "silver". It seems that the addition of such a metal makes them more durable, however, this is true for machines operated a couple of times a year. With daily driving, there is no difference at all.
If you have already made your choice, then you should take a last look at the battery to see the indelible production time, the address of the factory and the country of manufacture. The findings must be lubricated with glue, and also closed with a technical cap. Now you know how to choose a battery.