Every driver is periodically faced with the issue of replacing the battery in his car. The flour selection of the battery, like the epic purchase of new rubber, usually lasts a considerable period of time. Polled local experts, cost specialized shops, read numerous reviews on the Internet.
As is often the case in various aspects of life, any simple matter can easily be made quite complicated. Let’s systematize information on how to choose a car battery. What characteristics of such equipment are key and what to pay attention to.
Choosing a car battery according to six main criteria
From the consumer’s point of view, that is, the most important parameters of batteries are:
1. Capacity.
Perhaps the most important, basic and understandable parameter. The capacity is measured in ampere-hours and indicated on the battery case as a number and letters Ah. The value of this characteristic depends on the model of the car, in particular on the engine volume. For passenger vehicles, the most common capacity is 60Ah. It is important to maintain this parameter according to the recommendations of the car manufacturer. After all, if the capacity is insufficient, you may at the most inopportune moment simply not start. If, on the contrary, the value is too high, the standard generator will not fully charge the battery. Which will lead to its premature wear and tear.
2. Starting current.
Specifies the maximum current that the battery can emit over a short period of time. The higher this value, the easier it will be to start the engine. This is especially important in winter at low temperatures. Average value for petrol cars is within 255 amperes, for diesel – up to 300 amperes.
3. Size and mount.
There are two types of battery sizes: European (low and wide) and Asian (narrower and higher). The most correct option for most motorists is before buying a new measure the size of the old battery and focus on them. Note also the mounting structure! For some machines (mainly Europeans) for this purpose usually use downplates that cling to special protrusions at the bottom of the battery. But on the Asian autos such projections at the bottom is not, so the batteries are attached with the use of pressure frames or bars.
4. Polarity.
This is all clear. Care must be taken to ensure that the location of the positive and negative terminals coincides with the location of the corresponding cables under the hood.
5. Servicing capacity.
To date, served batteries are almost not found, because are obsolete technology. In stores presents a large variety of models of little-serviced or completely maintenance-free batteries. The first type is characterized by more affordable cost. At the same time from time to time it is desirable to monitor the level of the electrolyte and, if necessary, add distilled water.
6. Date of manufacture.
Given that the useful life of the battery begins from the moment of its refilling electrolyte, the later is the date of manufacture of the battery, the longer it will last. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to this characteristic, so as not to buy what is called stale goods. Another thing is that it is not always easy to determine the date of manufacture, because different manufacturers use different code system. However, if you want this issue will not be difficult to understand. The main thing is to understand what you need to pay attention on.
