In order for the car to start moving, it must be started. This requires a high voltage current, which the vehicle generator cannot produce. A battery is used to generate a spark. He is able to systematically accumulate energy and give it to the generator, after which the car starts moving, and the battery is recharged.
But not all batteries are created equal. In frost, it is not uncommon for the battery to emit 2-3 weak shocks and stop showing signs of life. Therefore, the relevance of the question of which battery is better for a car is not in doubt. In the review of popular models below, different types of batteries are considered and presented.
Factors affecting the choice of battery
The durability and stability of the device is determined by several characteristics. Below they are discussed in detail.
- Battery capacity.
The key criterion to be followed. The capacity indicates the amount of energy that the device can accumulate and store. It is measured in ampere hours (A*h). The value of the indicator depends on the engine size.
Information about the indicator can be found on the label. For example, a 6ST-55 battery has a maximum capacity of 55 Ah. Batteries with this capacity are common in small vehicles with an engine capacity of up to 1.6 liters. The greater the power and volume, the higher the battery capacity should be.
- Location and type of terminal connection.
Battery dimensions and terminal positions are standardized. For some, the “+” and “-” poles are not located the way the car owner is used to seeing them on his vehicle. An example is Korean cars. When choosing, it is important to clearly know the location of the terminals on a regular battery. If you take a battery with a minus on the other side, the length of the wire may not be enough to connect, and if connected incorrectly, there is a risk of burning the battery and some of the energy consumers.
- starting current.
The parameter is important for vehicles operated at extremely low temperatures. The standard battery is designed to operate in the range from -16 to +27 degrees. When going beyond the specified limits, the battery loses up to 60% of its power, and the likelihood of starting the engine is reduced.
The starting current is usually related to the capacity of the battery. The higher it is, the better the vehicle will start in the cold.
- Battery dimensions.
Another standardized parameter. The dimensions of the selected battery must strictly correspond to the place for the battery inside the car.
Types of batteries
The simplest and most popular type of battery is lead acid. They are cheap, are serviced and unattended, but are disabled by repeated deep discharge. Inside them are lead plates immersed in a liquid electrolyte.
Gel batteries use thick acid instead of liquid acid. This allows them to work at any angle of inclination. Batteries are sealed, durable, work with deep discharge, but it is impossible to classify them as budget ones. In addition, devices are demanding on charging conditions.
AGM-batteries occupy an intermediate position in characteristics between acid and gel. They work at any tilt (except for turning over 180 degrees), are resistant to vibrations, and also occupy an intermediate position at a price. The minus of the models is high sensitivity to overcharging and deep discharge.
For any, you can choose a battery from the listed types. The following are the best batteries for cars.
Lead Acid Battery Rating
Tyumen Battery
The first place in the list is occupied by a domestic representative. Inexpensive batteries of the Standart and Premium series are produced in Siberia. The first group is suitable for machines that do not "eat up" the charge out of operation.
Brand advantages:
- inexpensive models (3000-4000 rubles - for Standard, Premium - 15-20% more expensive);
- high starting current;
- confident work in winter;
- long-term operation without capacity reduction (at least 3 years with continuous operation).
The disadvantages of the battery are sensitivity to deep discharge and current drop when driving at high speed.
AKTEH 6ST-64
Another Russian brand from Irkutsk. More expensive than Tuymen Premium, although the starting current is 10% lower (540 A versus 590 A). According to consumer reviews, the battery can withstand operation for several years without obvious signs of capacity degradation. Another plus is its weight - 17 kg. This is a sure application for a long resource. The only drawback is the lack of central ventilation.
55 A3 ("The Beast")
Model 55 A3 has got into the rating of car batteries due to its confident operation at extremely low temperatures. Ideal batteries for residents of Siberia, the Far East and the northern regions of the country. The device is serviced (if necessary, plugs are removed and electrolyte is added), it has a built-in hydrometer to determine the density of the working fluid. The capacity is 55 A * h, the starter current is 467 A. The disadvantage is the high price (about 8-9 thousand rubles).
The best AGM batteries
Varta Silver Dynamic AGM
A special development for vehicles that, during operation, have to give large impulse currents and quickly replenish the charge. Therefore, for city trips, it is considered optimal. It is also good due to the fast current transfer.
The main parameters are:
- high starting current (680 A);
- capacity 60 Ah;
- weight 17.6 kg.
The combination of the first two characteristics gives a record combination of starting current and capacity for machines, and an impressive weight is the key to the durability of the device.
Varta Blue Dynamic AGM
The second representative of the German manufacturer, popular in the Russian market. It serves about 7 years, has a low level of self-discharge, and a built-in filter prevents accidental ignition. The rest of the layout is similar to the Varta Silver. It is difficult to call an inexpensive battery, but the resource fully justifies the investment. Its cost varies from 6000 rubles from different suppliers.
Tudor AGM
A feature of the battery is the rapid replenishment of capacity and the return of a large impulse charge in a short time. However, when used on small cars (up to 1.6 liters), its merits cannot be assessed. The downside is the rapid drop in capacity under load, which is typical of most representatives of the AGM series. Another drawback is the price, the minimum threshold is 8000 rubles.
Banner Running Bull
Representative from Austria with a starting current of 640 A and a capacity of 60 Ah. The first indicator is superior to that of most AGM batteries, and in terms of current output it is similar to gel ones. Alas, the capabilities of the device are not so effective in the cold, which is not included in his asset. One of the heaviest batteries in the series, the perfect combination with diesel cars. A noticeable drawback is the cost of 16 thousand rubles. In many ways, this is why buyers choose a battery for a car among other brands.
The best gel batteries
Optima Yellow Top 55 Ah
The Optima concern from the USA is the world leader in the field of gel batteries for the passenger car. In the manufacture of devices, a spiral stacking of plates is used; this explains their compactness and the presence of several round jars.
The starting current reaches 765 A, fast charge return, compatibility with the most powerful audio systems, low weight, and stability make the Yellow Optima popular in the Russian market.
The only drawback is the price, which exceeds the best battery for a car from the AGM group. At "Optima Yellow" the price tag starts from 17 thousand rubles.
Moll AGM Start-Stop 70R 760A
This representative has the following characteristics:
- dimensions 276x190x175 (compact);
- starting current 760 A and capacity 70 Ah (power);
- reverse polarity (compatibility with most vehicles);
- cost from 14 thousand rubles.
In sum, the indicators give the user benefits, such as quick engine start all year round, durability with small dimensions, indispensability in the cold season, long-term operation without recharging. The best option for a consumer wondering which brand of battery is considered the best (from the gel series).
- for vehicles with an engine capacity of more than 1.8 liters, Tudor will be the best choice;
- residents of the northern regions of the country should take a closer look at domestic manufacturers AKTEH and Tyumen Battery;
- Optima Yellow is a universal option for owners of budget vehicles, as well as for those who plan to acquire a powerful speaker system;
- Varta is a good battery for cars operated mainly in urban areas.
The battery is an important element of the car. Its low quality is a prerequisite for constant failures in the operation of equipment and starting the machine in extreme conditions. The considered material gives an exhaustive answer to the question of which battery is best for a car, and helps vehicle owners make the right choice.
