Car batteries (ACB) in our market are traditionally positioned as a seasonal product, the demand for which increases markedly with the onset of cold weather. This year is no exception, and now dozens of a wide variety of batteries are presented in abundance on the shelves of car dealerships. And to make it easier for the driver to navigate the choice, we offer the results of tests of batteries belonging to the so-called European group.
We have already acquainted the readers of the AvtoVzglyad portal with the results of a similar test, during which power supplies were tested, the design and electrical parameters of which are determined by the Japanese JIS standard. Such batteries are designed for Japanese, Korean and Chinese cars, including those assembled in our country.
This time, our test editors, together with the experts of the AvtoParad portal, organized a comparative test of seven car batteries designed for European cars. And since this group of batteries captures the bulk of the Russian market and is in demand by many motorists, such a test was all the more interesting.
In our test, the European group is represented by starter batteries of such well-known foreign brands as Varta (Germany), TAB (Slovenia), Mutlu (Turkey), AFA (South Korea), as well as similar products of our production, manufactured under the brands AKOM, Zver and Titan. The capacity ratings for most samples are 60 Ah, with the exception of Varta and AKOM batteries - for them this figure is 61 and 62 Ah, respectively. The declared values of cold scrolling current (TCP) are also different - there are denominations of 520, and 540, and 600 A. All products have reverse polarity terminals.
Batteries were tested in the service center of one of the metropolitan companies specializing in the supply of auto electronics. During the test, battery parameters such as the level of charge at the time of delivery, as well as starting properties at low temperatures (from -18C to -24C) were evaluated and compared. Already on the basis of a comparison of indicators, the experts set out to determine how much the capacity and declared values of the TC of batteries affect the actual starting capabilities.
The first stage of research was the measurement of the residual capacity of the battery. We wanted to find out if there were any thoroughly discharged batteries among the purchased samples. Note that the assessment of the charge level of all batteries was carried out immediately after they were delivered to the laboratory. The result of the tests is generally good - the level of charge of all the batteries submitted for the test turned out to be quite working. It, depending on the model, ranged from 80 to 95%.
After measurements, all batteries were put on charge. The process continued until a level corresponding to 100% of the battery capacity was recorded in each sample. And in order for all samples to be in equal conditions, only the same type of chargers of the Smart Power SP-8N series were used to replenish their capacity. Note that with the help of these devices, all the batteries again had to be charged for several hours in a row after each series of start-up tests.
Now about the main stage of testing, during which the “starter” properties of batteries were studied at low temperatures. To do this, our experts proposed a methodology, the meaning of which is to estimate the number of conditional starts that a particular battery can make in the cold. Each conditional start represented a 12-second discharge with a powerful current of several hundred amperes. The more such starts a battery can make, the higher its efficiency.
During this stage, the experts performed two types of "start-discharge" studies. One test was done after a 24-hour stay of the battery in the freezer at a temperature of -18 degrees. Then, each sample was taken out of the chamber and cyclically (with an interval of a minute) was subjected to a 12-second discharge with a current of 360 A (scheme: 12 seconds - discharge, 48 seconds - pause, etc.). The number of such conditional starts was limited to the cycle in which the voltage at the battery terminals dropped to a value of 8.5 V.
The second type of testing was similar in meaning to the first, but more stringent in terms of the conditions. Firstly, the battery freezing time has been increased to two days. It was carried out according to the following scheme: the first day the chamber worked in the super-freeze mode with a gradual decrease in temperature to -30 degrees, then it was smoothly brought to a temperature of -24 degrees, which was maintained until the end of the second day. Next, each battery was subjected to the same cyclic 12-second discharge, but with a current of 400 A. The number of such starts was limited to the cycle in which the voltage at the terminals of the unloaded battery was below 12.3 V. What did these studies show?
So, after a day of idleness in 18-degree frost, the most conditional starts with a current of 360 A were made by batteries of the Varta brands (10 starts), as well as Titan and TAB (both 9 starts each).
A similar picture emerges based on the results of testing conducted after a two-day battery freeze at -24 C. Varta, Titan and TAB again made up the “three” brands that provided the largest (5-6) conditional starts with a discharge current of 400 A.
The conducted studies of starting properties were supplemented by analytics of average retail prices of batteries, which was reflected in the complex indicator "efficiency-price". The relative (in%) value of such an indicator for each specific sample was determined as the ratio of the number of conditional launches performed to its price, expressed in thousand rubles. As it turned out, the comparison of test results, taking into account the complex indicator, significantly changed the positioning of brands, which was recorded above.
In particular, from the line graphs below, it can be seen that the Slovenian TAB battery demonstrates the best “efficiency-price” indicator with the maximum possible value of 100%, followed by the Russian Titan (83-91%) and only then the German Varta (69-75%). However, this should hardly be surprising, since the sample from Varta is the most expensive of all the participants in our tests, while the “brother” from TAB turned out to be almost among their own kind.
Summing up, we note one interesting and important point from the point of view of choosing a battery: all batteries that showed the best results in terms of the number of conditional starts and took a leading position according to the test results have the highest (among other samples) values of the declared cold scrolling current, namely 600 A. As for the capacity values, then its slight excess noted in Varta and ACOM batteries, judging by the data obtained, did not affect the final results of testing these samples.
The final results of the comparative tests of starter batteries of the European group are reflected in the summary table, which we bring to your attention. It also indicates the rating places that each brand took according to the results of a comparison of results made on the basis of a complex indicator "efficiency-price". We believe that this information, as well as other test results, will help car owners to take a more balanced approach to choosing an on-board power source.
And finally, we bring to your attention a couple of interesting videos (you can watch another “movie” in which we cut the battery and then start the car with it). The fact is that, completing the tests, our experts decided to conduct another one, but more extreme, for the test winner - the TAB battery. water immersion and ice block freezing test. This test was divided into two stages. The first is an “underwater” engine start. You can see below how the water testing process took place.`
This video clearly demonstrates the excellent starting capabilities of Polar TAB starter batteries. During the experiment, it is clearly shown how a battery completely submerged in water, in which the terminals are completely hidden under water, starts a 2.5-liter Nissan X-Trail SUV engine with half a turn.
However, as they say, this was only the beginning. Extreme was marked during the second stage of testing, which turned out to be much tougher than the first. Judge for yourself: the battery was first placed in a plastic container that was inside the freezer, then it was almost completely filled with water and left to freeze for a day at a temperature of -24 degrees. And after that they connected it to the car's on-board network. How it all happened, you can see in the video.
It would seem that there is nothing special in such tests, especially since in reality there can’t seem to be any water under the hood, and there is practically no ice there. But why doesn't it happen? Suffice it to recall the various weather disasters of recent years that occur regularly in different parts of Russia, when not only cars are flooded - sometimes entire areas and even regions are hidden under water. So such extreme tests in some way can be considered from a practical point of view.
(3
voice(s), middle: 3,33
out of 5)
In the past, batteries without recharging died before our eyes. What about modern ones? Our research provides the answer.
Our last year's examination of batteries received an unexpected continuation (ЗР, 2015, No. 10). Specialists NIITSATZ Central Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense of Russia who were doing the research at that time suggested, for the sake of mutual interest, to leave the whole dozen batteries with them for another four months. For what? To conduct tests that we have never taken before. The idea is to evaluate the battery life of European size batteries (242x175x190 mm) after many months of storage in an unheated room.
The winners of the examinations "Behind the wheel"
2016:
Tyumen Battery Premium, Exide Premium, Varta
2015:
Tyumen Battery Premium, Topla, Exide Premium
2014:
Varta, Banner, Bosch
2013:
Tyumen Battery Leader, Mutlu, Royal
2012:
Varta, Medalist, Topla
2011:
Medalist, Panasonic, Titan
2010:
Medalist, Varta, Beast
2009:
Varta, Medalist, A-mega
2008:
Bosch, Medalist, Varta
2007:
Mutlu, Akom, Medalist
2006:
Varta, Medalist, Bosch
2004:
Tyumen, Tyumen, Medalist
Of course, we immediately agreed - it's interesting! Military specialists are also interested, since they have not carried out such studies since the era of ancient batteries filled with black mastic. By the way, then the results were deplorable. Despite careful care of the batteries, including regular wiping of their surface with a soda solution, the charge disappeared after a month of storage. The materials of which the plate gratings are made are to blame. The alloys had an increased content of antimony (5-7%), which accelerated the process of water electrolysis, due to which the composition of the electrolyte changed rapidly (water boiled away). By the way, that's why those batteries were produced dry-charged, and after filling the electrolyte and recharging, the open circuit voltage dropped before our eyes. After three months of storage, the voltage dropped well below the "waterline" and the batteries again required electricity.
In the next generation batteries, self-discharge was reduced by reducing the antimony content in the plates to 1.5-2% and using alloying additives. Modern batteries use calcium instead of antimony; such sources not only hold the charge longer, but also do not require maintenance (there is no need to add water to them).
And how will coulombs (it is in these units that electric charge, or the amount of electricity is measured) behave today, in the most modern batteries?
To freedom with a clear conscience
The tests took place over 120 days - from the fall of 2015 to the winter of 2016. For four months, no one touched the initially charged batteries. No recharging, no topping up, no wiping! The ambient temperature at the same time fluctuated within more than 40 degrees: from -21 to +22 °C. After the expiration of the “conclusion period”, the batteries were placed without recharging in a freezer and kept for another day at -18 °C. And then they sent me to pass the standard - a discharge with a single current of 315 A with voltage control at the terminals after 30 seconds of discharge. The results are in our photo gallery.
Batteries were required to spin a conditional starter after four months of oblivion. Everyone managed to do this - therefore, the results are good. Not a single battery sank below 8 V - their ancestors never dreamed of such a thing. However, some participants passed the tests with a huge margin, others - at the limit. Champion-again battery Tyumen Battery Premium; except for her Exide Premium, Varta Blue Dynamic And Topla kept the terminal voltage above 9 V. Curiously, V arta Blue Dynamic, who frankly did not perform well in the main competitions, after a four-month imprisonment she changed her mind and showed the third result.
A little disappointed with domestic products. Having won last year's tests in the total standings, here they slipped down a little, losing the middle of the ranking table to the “foreigners”. True, the difference in numbers is small - only a couple of percent.
Tests have shown that modern batteries are tolerant of the lack of attention. But all patience comes to an end, so we repeat once again: before installing it on a car, the battery must be charged. Even brand new, just bought. I assure you, not a single seller is puzzled by this. Therefore, under the guise of a fresh battery, an already tired one may be hiding. And after a week or two of operation, he will die, even if at first he turned the starter. In conditions of chronic undercharging, the matter will end with the sulfation of the plates with all the ensuing troubles. As always, when choosing a battery, we recommend using our statistics - there are no random winners in Zarulev's examinations. Bon Voyage!
12 PLACE
Silverstar
Russia
Declared capacity, Ah 65
Declared current, A 610
8.03 V
11
11 PLACE
Delkor country not specified 
Declared capacity, Ah 60
Declared current, A 525
Voltage at the terminals after 30 - second discharge with a current of 315 A8.21 V
12 Voltage at the terminals after 30 - second discharge with a current of 315 A8.21 V
Place occupied by the battery in the main series of tests (ZR, 2015, No. 10) 12
10 PLACE
AKOM Russia 
Declared capacity, Ah 62
Declared current, A 540
Voltage at the terminals after 30 - second discharge with a current of 315 A8.53 V
Place occupied by the battery in the main series of tests (ZR, 2015, No. 10) 10
Voltage at the terminals after 30 - second discharge with a current of 315 A8.53 V
Place occupied by the battery in the main series of tests (ZR, 2015, No. 10) 10
9 PLACE
Titan Euro Silver Russia
Declared capacity, Ah 61
Declared current, A 620
Voltage at the terminals after 30 - second discharge with a current of 315 A8.75 V
Place occupied by the battery in the main series of tests (ZR, 2015, No. 10) 6
8 PLACE
Bosch Germany
Declared capacity, Ah 63
Declared current, A 610
Voltage at the terminals after 30 - second discharge with a current of 315 A8.92 V
Place occupied by the battery in the main series of tests (ZR, 2015, No. 10) 7
7 PLACE
Tyumen Bear
Russia
Declared capacity, Ah 62
Declared current, A 560
Voltage at the terminals after 30 - second discharge with a current of 315 A8.96 V
Place occupied by the battery in the main series of tests (ZR, 2015, No. 10) 4
6 PLACE
Beast Russia
Declared capacity, Ah 60
Declared current, A 600
8.98 V
Place occupied by the battery in the main series of tests (ZR, 2015, No. 10) 5
5 PLACE
Mutlu Silver Evolution Türkiye
Declared capacity, Ah 63
Declared current, A 550
Terminal voltage after a 30-second discharge with a current of 315 A9,0
0
IN
Place occupied by the battery in the main series of tests (ZR, 2015, No. 10) 8
4 PLACE
TOPLA country not specified
Declared capacity, Ah 66
Declared current, A 620
Terminal voltage after a 30-second discharge with a current of 315 A9,02
IN
Place occupied by the battery in the main series of tests (ZR, 2015, No. 10) 2
3RD PLACE
Varta Blue Dynamic Country not specified
Declared capacity, Ah 60
Declared current, A 540
Terminal voltage after a 30-second discharge with a current of 315 A9,10
IN
Place occupied by the battery in the main series of tests (ZR, 2015, No. 10) 9 Declared current, A 540
Terminal voltage after a 30-second discharge with a current of 315 A9,10
IN
Place occupied by the battery in the main series of tests (ZR, 2015, No. 10) 9
2ND PLACE
EXIDE PREMIUM country not specified
Declared capacity, Ah 64
Declared current, A 640
Terminal voltage after a 30-second discharge with a current of 315 A9,17
IN
Place occupied by the battery in the main series of tests (ZR, 2015, No. 10) 3
1 PLACE
Tyumen Battery Premium
Russia
Declared capacity, Ah 64
Declared current, A 590
Terminal voltage after a 30-second discharge with a current of 315 A9,20
IN
Place occupied by the battery in the main series of tests (ZR, 2015, No. 10) 1
The average life of a car battery is considered to be 5 years. Of course, it depends on many factors, and first of all on the owner of the car. But sooner or later, anyone will have to change, and here the variety of offers in stores can drive you into a stupor. It is worth trying to figure out what the industry can now offer us in choosing a battery.
Types of batteries (batteries)
Schematic diagram of a lead-acid battery
The device of a lead-acid battery is simple: in each of its cells, two plates of lead are in a solution of sulfuric acid. This has many advantages: it is cheap to manufacture, capable of delivering high current in a pulsed mode, which is a critical factor when starting the engine, and is able to withstand significant temperature changes. That is why this type of battery still dominates in the automotive industry.
However, the disadvantages of a classic lead-acid battery are no less serious.
- Firstly, this is a significant gas formation, especially during recharging, which does not allow batteries of this type to be hermetically sealed: during a coup, a spill of caustic electrolyte is inevitable, hydrogen, which is explosive in itself, can also carry out its drops. This problem is partly solved by complex labyrinth seals in the so-called "maintenance-free" batteries.
- Further, these batteries are extremely difficult to tolerate: the plates are covered with lead sulfate crystals, their active area is reduced, and the precipitated crystals again release lead to react with acid - the plates are irreversibly destroyed.
- And finally, the formation of hydrogen during charging forces you to regularly add distilled water to the battery, so it's important to know.
Video: Converting a maintenance-free VARTA battery into a serviceable one
2. Maintenance free batteries
In maintenance-free batteries, a modified composition of the plates is used - the addition of calcium makes it possible to reduce the release of hydrogen to a minimum, and "calcium" batteries do not require topping up water during operation. But, unlike classic batteries, they have become sensitive to overcharging: you can add water to a “boiled” ordinary battery, but the owners of maintenance-free batteries are deprived of this opportunity. In addition, in many batteries of this type, the volume of plates is reduced, due to which the resource suffers.
It is preferable to choose not "purely calcium" (Ca / Ca), but "hybrid" batteries (Ca +), where the positive electrodes are made of antimony lead and have an increased thickness - such batteries do not lose their capacity noticeably longer.
3. AGM batteries
The fight against the destruction of plates during deep discharge led to the emergence of AGM batteries: in them, the space between the plates is filled with a sorbent soaked in electrolyte. Naturally, the plates of an AGM battery can no longer “crumble”, such batteries withstand shocks and vibrations much better than usual. The absence of the risk of shedding allows you to make the plates porous, and the increased contact area with the electrolyte is an increase in capacity and starter current. But the risk of damage during overcharging is even higher here.
4. Gel battery
The development limit of AGM technology is in which the electrolyte itself is thickened with silicon compounds. Their main advantage is the ability to deliver huge currents in a pulsed mode and insensitivity to deep discharge, but this comes at the highest price. Such batteries are usually used in tuning: as traction for winches, to power powerful audio systems, due to their low weight with sufficient capacity, they are installed on sports cars and motorcycles.
So which battery should you choose? The answer is simple: the owner of an old car, where generator problems are likely, increased battery discharge by standard electricians, is best suited for a classic battery - it will transfer overcharging due to a relay-regulator failure, it can be recharged from the most primitive charger and after a deep discharge "reanimate" with powerful current pulses.
With regular maintenance, it will outperform maintenance-free calcium, which is much better suited to a new car. It is worth considering purchasing an AGM battery when every ampere-hour of capacity and ampere of starting current matters, for example, on Infiniti cars, where engines of several liters are started by compact batteries.
A gel battery is an expensive purchase, which will be justified only in cases where you really need to save weight or get maximum current output.
Video: 10 BEST CAR BATTERIES
Current output
For a rough comparison of two batteries, it is convenient to operate with a cold cranking current, usually displayed according to the EN standard: this number determines the current that the battery gives out when cooled to -18 ° C with a maximum voltage drop to 7.5 V in 10 seconds. However, for real winter operation, the concept is more important. reserve capacity: the time the battery can supply a fixed amount of current. These characteristics are often polar opposites: a battery capable of delivering a large current in one pulse lands quickly under constant load, at the same time, a battery with a lower impulse current output is less likely to “die” from the ignition on between the starter scrolls.
Battery rating
From the most common batteries on sale, let's try to choose the best models of 2016. For the adequacy of the comparison, we will choose batteries of the most popular capacity - 65 ampere-hours.
Classic lead-acid batteries
The regular test winner of various automotive publications cannot boast of cutting-edge technologies, but this is only to his advantage: thick plates guarantee a good resource, the battery demonstrates excellent current output in the cold - and for buyers choosing a budget battery, these parameters are most important. By the way, you can roughly estimate the battery life by simple weighing: lightweight thin plates are much more sensitive to sulfation and vibration. "Tyumen", weighing almost 17 kilograms, can compete with eminent brands that clearly save lead.
The disadvantages of the battery cannot be called critical: an uncomfortable handle (for its weight it even seems too flimsy), the absence of a hydrometer “eye” - but, on the other hand, here you can simply unscrew the plugs.
Another domestic battery is more expensive than Tyumen Premium, although it is weaker in terms of the declared starter current (540 A versus 590). However, it weighs even more than 17 kilograms, which is a good bid for a long life - and according to the reviews of the owners, the battery really withstands several years of operation without significant deviations in capacity or cold scrolling current.
Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the lack of central ventilation: each battery bank “breathes” through its own vent in the cork, pollution can lead to swelling or even “shooting off” of the cork during high current charging - for example, after lighting a car in winter. It is worth keeping the battery clean.
Maintenance free calcium batteries
In terms of price to quality ratio, these batteries have been holding confident leadership positions for several years. In their production, only the negative electrodes are doped with calcium, while the positive ones are made from a classic antimony alloy. This, in turn, guarantees the batteries an excellent resource even with frequent deep discharges, which is confirmed by practice.
For residents of the northern regions, the resistance of the battery to frost will be especially relevant - it can give the declared current of cold scrolling for a long time to confidently start a serviceable engine.
The Turkish manufacturer in tests most often turns out to be a stable "middle peasant" - without showing leadership results either in starter current or in reserve capacity in cold weather, it can demonstrate respectable consistency of characteristics regardless of the batch or year of manufacture. For the Calcium Silver series, this statement is more than true - the purchase of this battery guarantees confidence in its performance for several years without the need for any maintenance. Add to this a fairly budget price. In terms of lead mass, Mutlu, by the way, surpasses Varta by almost half a kilogram.
AGM batteries
This line of batteries was developed specifically for cars with a start-stop system, where the batteries often have to deliver large surge currents and quickly replenish the charge. Therefore, it is not surprising that on ordinary cars in the mode of short trips around the city, it demonstrates excellent performance.
The battery passes the winter tests confidently: here, the calculation for fast and frequent current transfer also works “on hand”: although the starter speed drops during a long scroll, after a short pause, Varta is able to turn the engine more vigorously than many analogues from its price category. Even if we recall the additional weight of the filler, the battery also looks solid on the scales - 17.6 kg: technology is technology, and without sufficient dimensions and thickness of the plates, it would not have been possible to achieve such characteristics (and the declared starter current of 680 A for a battery with a capacity of 60 A * h is a record figure).
The main disadvantage of this battery is the price, which will scare away many buyers. Nevertheless, in terms of its characteristics, it deserves attention, and first of all, in terms of reserve capacity in winter: for cars with a large engine capacity, and especially diesel ones. The declared cold scroll current here is 640 A, and the battery confidently fulfills the manufacturer's promises. In terms of weight, the battery does not lose to Varta, being also one of the heaviest in its class.
With an old battery - this is not life.
Yu.I. Detochkin
The crisis hit everything, and the battery market is no exception. Buyers look primarily at the price. Even the owners of prestigious cars are in no hurry to splurge on expensive AGM and EFB batteries, which a few years ago everyone predicted unconditional dominance.
It’s even somehow embarrassing to talk about amps, coulombs and degrees, if the mass consumer chooses what is cheaper. On the other hand, budget products often lack quality, and savings can cost a pretty penny... This time we decided to focus on inexpensive batteries.
Battery cheaper?
At first, the search for the most inexpensive batteries of the most popular dimension 242 × 175 × 190 mm gave a modest result - only five products priced from 2610 rubles for a Podolsk battery to 3002 rubles for a Tyumen one. Not enough for a full review. They raised the price bar to 3,500 rubles - six more batteries were added. But what about without high-profile foreign names - Varta, Bosch, Mutlu? In addition, domestic batteries close to them in price were left behind - for example, AkTeh. Along the way, it turned out that some oriental brands did not set “crisis” prices for their products at all: the most expensive battery was not Bosch at all, but the Korean Solite for as much as 5,000 rubles!
As a result, we scored two dozen batteries. Let's see how price is related to amp-hours and coulombs.
The purchase was carried out in a retail network in April - May 2016. The research results refer only to this sample and cannot serve as a basis for evaluating all products of a particular brand.
MAIN CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING BATTERY QUALITYReserve capacity. Shows how long the car will last with all the energy consumers turned on (headlights, windscreen wipers, ventilation system), if its alternator has deteriorated. Measured in minutes. The higher the score, the better. Reduced starting energy with declared current. Characterizes the energy of the battery in the starting mode. It is measured in kilojoules. The higher the score, the better. Reduced single current starting energy at -18 and -29 ºС. Allows you to compare the current characteristics of all batteries under the same conditions, regardless of their passport data. Simply put, the higher the energy, the more attempts to confidently start the motor, ceteris paribus. It is measured in kilojoules. The higher the score, the better. Receiving a charge at a constant external voltage. Indicates the ability of the battery to recover from a deep discharge. In practice, a battery that accepts a charge better than others will charge faster when traveling. All batteries passed the test. Note. Technical measurements were carried out by specialists from the NIITs AT 3 of the Central Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense of Russia. The test results refer to a specific sample of batteries and cannot be used as a characteristic of all products of the same name as a whole. |
And will it do so?
The overall impression of the test results is painful. There are three main reasons for frustration. Firstly, sellers still slip stale goods, albeit with guarantees, smiles and seals. Secondly, it is unpleasant that in the Russian frost, out of twenty brand new batteries, eleven failed. Thirdly, out of two dozen batteries, only two really fought for victory - Tyumen Battery Premium and Varta Blue Dynamic. Their separation from rivals was serious. And, curiously, the advantage is obvious both with and without price.
Run through the first columns of the table, which shows the reserve capacity of brand new batteries. In parentheses, we give the actual "volume" of electricity that the buyer pays for. By analogy with refueling: you ask to fill a full tank, and the tanker splashed only on the bottom. But there is a difference: a “mistake” of a gas station will not lead to anything terrible, but a discharged battery, as the pros say, “turns sour”. Often this is irreversible: it loses its capacity and loses its efficiency. We were ready for this, so before the start of the tests, as usual, we charged all the batteries to capacity. And you need to do this before you put the battery on the car. Our measurements confirm this.
Now about the "overpayments" for the brand. The miracle did not happen: all the little-known batteries accumulated together at the bottom of the table. The most annoying thing is that the prices for many of them are not cheap at all. There is clearly no point in overpaying for such imports. And the first half of the table was filled with familiar names - we advise you to focus on them.
| First thing determine the size of the battery. He must be guaranteed to fit in his workplace - in the engine compartment or trunk. Simultaneously determine the polarity. An old battery will help here: look - plus on the right or on the left? Often the length of the wires does not allow you to connect a battery of the “wrong” polarity. When choosing a battery brand, we strongly recommend be guided by the list of our winners recent years. Don't be fooled by the low price - there are no philanthropists on the market. The brand determines the value. As a rule, with the same dimensions, serious companies offer batteries of different energy capacities (for example, different declared amperes and ampere-hours). It is better to take the maximum, even if it is a little more expensive. Not worth buying products that have units of the “A / h” type on the labels or in the passport. This indicates the technical illiteracy of their compilers and raises doubts about the quality. The purchased battery must be charged without fail. After charging and soaking (storing the battery disconnected from the charger) for 10–15 hours, the voltage should be 12.5–12.7 V. If measured immediately after charging, the readings can significantly exceed the actual open circuit voltage. |
All in place
To identify leaders and outsiders, we have introduced a point system. In each type of test, the best and worst results were taken and assigned five points (maximum) and one point (minimum), respectively. Each of the other participants received an intermediate score proportional to their position between the leader and the outsider. For example, if when measuring the reserve capacity, the leader showed the result of 112 minutes, and the outsider - 78, then the participant with the result of 87 minutes gets 2.06 points. If the battery fails in one or another type of test, it receives 0 points.
The total score based on the results of measurements is the arithmetic average of five intermediate estimates. Then we divided it by the price of the battery, after which we again brought it to a five-point scale. So the final score is essentially value for money.
Out of competition in our tests were Tyumen Battery Premium and Varta Blue Dynamic batteries. Taking into account the much more attractive price, the “Siberian woman” climbed to the top. If we did not take prices into account, Varta would be the first. However, the “foreigner” has one more paradoxical advantage over the Russian battery: it is easier to find it on sale. It sounds illogical, but it is true, and not only in Moscow.
Conclusion? You can not buy a battery, looking only at the price tag. Savings can go sideways. Better take some time to get acquainted with the results of our expertise. Good luck with your purchase and stable voltage in the on-board network!
THE BEST BATTERIES FOR A CAR: THE WINNERS OF ZARULEV EXPERTISE |
|||
| Tyumen Battery Premium | Varta | Mutlu |
|
| 2015 | Tyumen Battery Premium | Topla | Exide Premium |
| 2014 | Varta | Banner | Bosch |
| 2013 | Tyumen Battery Leader | Mutlu | Royal |
| 2012 | Varta | Medalist | Topla |
| 2011 | Medalist | Panasonic | Titan |
| 2010 | Medalist | Varta | Beast |
| 2009 | Varta | Medalist | A-mega |
| 2008 | Bosch | Medalist | Varta |
| 2007 | Mutlu | Akom | Medalist |
| 2006 | Varta | Medalist | Bosch |
| 2004 | Tyumen | Tyumen | Medalist |
| Place | first | second | third |
20th place | 19th place | 18th place | 17th place |
| Estimated price 4900 rub. Declared capacity 60 Ah Declared current 500 A Measured/declared weight 13.63/ 13.99 kg gas outlet central Electrolyte level control - It seems that the name of the battery should remind the buyer of the well-known Exide brand - the difference is one letter. Hence, perhaps, the high price. However, the Korean battery turned out to be frail: all scores are below two points. And at -29 ºC, she asked for mercy: the voltage sank below the prescribed 6 V. Taking into account the price, she took the last place in the all-around. | Estimated price 4500 rub. Declared capacity 60 Ah Declared current 510 A Measured/declared weight 14.03 kg / not specified gas outlet central Electrolyte level control - Weak "energy" did not hold up in the Russian frost: after 15 seconds of torment, the tension dropped sharply - that's it, we arrived. The reserve capacity is useless. The overpricing only exacerbated the negative effect. Penultimate place. | Estimated price 5000 rub. 62 Ah (105 min.) Declared current 600 A Measured/declared weight 13.54 kg / not specified gas outlet central Electrolyte level control - We bought this battery after seeing the price tag that is prohibitive for a low-profile brand. What if this is a new market leader? But in the cold, the voltage quickly dipped below the mark, and the price-quality ratio determined the place at the tail of the table. | Estimated price 3110 rub. Declared capacity 55 Ah Declared current 460 A Measured/declared weight 13.6/ 15.0 kg gas outlet central Electrolyte level control - The reserve capacity is the lowest. At -18 ºC - the worst. At -29 ºC - loss of performance. That's the whole biography. And what's the use of the fact that the price is low? |
16th place | 15th place | 14th place | 13th place |
| Estimated price 3000 rub. Declared capacity (reserve capacity) 55 Ah (88 min.) Declared current 420 A Measured/declared weight 12.95/ 15.8 kg gas outlet central Electrolyte level control through traffic jams How it all started well ... The price is only 3000 rubles. And even the reserve capacity is indicated in minutes. But then the carriage turned into a pumpkin: ratings below two plus a failure after four seconds of operation in the cold - the voltage is below 6 V. | Estimated price 2610 rub. Declared capacity 55 Ah Declared current 420 A Measured/declared weight 12.42/ 15.8 kg gas outlet central Electrolyte level control through traffic jams The cheapest battery in the selection. It doesn't matter that the declared current is only 420 A, as long as it works. But the difference between the real mass and the promised one was 3.38 kg - lead was not reported. Bottom line: all scores below two points. And in the cold "electricity is over." | Estimated price 3300 rub. Declared capacity 60 Ah Declared current 520 A Measured/declared weight 14.05/ 16.95 kg gas outlet central Electrolyte level control through traffic jams After weighing, everything became clear - almost 3 kg was missing. After nine seconds of operation in the cold, the battery died: the voltage dropped below 6 V. In addition, this battery also takes charge the worst of all. | Estimated price 3450 rub. Declared capacity 55 Ah Declared current 470 A Measured/declared weight 12.8/ 15.0 kg gas outlet central Electrolyte level control through traffic jams The price is reasonable, but it looks like they saved money again on lead plates. At -29 ºС, the battery failed: the voltage sank below the "waterline". However, the initial reserve capacity also did not inspire optimism: only 11 minutes! Therefore, although not the last, but still an unhappy place. |
12th place | 11th place | 10th place | 9th place |
| Estimated price 3250 rub. Declared capacity 62 Ah Declared current 550 A Measured/declared weight 14.63/ 15.8 kg gas outlet through traffic jams Electrolyte level control through traffic jams Only 17 minutes of original reserve capacity. The reason is obvious: the sellers did not service the battery! We loaded it and brought it back to life. Weighing showed a lack of lead. After only seven seconds of operation in the cold, the battery refused to cooperate. | Estimated price 4200 rub. Declared capacity 60 Ah Declared current 520 A Measured/declared weight 14.25/ 15.5 kg gas outlet central Electrolyte level control through traffic jams The price is high, and lead for this money is clearly not enough. The battery is afraid of cold weather: it could not give out decent joules in the cold, holding out for 17 seconds instead of the promised thirty. In general, I did not like it. | Estimated price 4750 rub. Declared capacity 60 Ah Declared current 540 A Measured/declared weight 13.35 kg / not specified gas outlet central Electrolyte level control - For many years now, I have had to write the same thing about Bosch: the eminent brand did not surprise me with anything. A modest place in the middle of the table, not a single memorable result. The battery didn't fail, but it didn't attract attention either. The price is high, but the energy is not enough. | Estimated price 2900 rub. Declared capacity 60 Ah Declared current 500 A Measured/declared weight 13.31/ 15.7 kg gas outlet central Electrolyte level control through traffic jams Very attractive price. And the same question: where is the lead? Too light product came from Kazakhstan. The lack of lead quickly backfired: in the cold, the battery got a "steering wheel" because it failed to give out the required energy. |
8th place | 7th place | 6th place | 5th place |
| Estimated price 4100 rub. Declared capacity 64 Ah Declared current 570 A Measured/declared weight 17.05/ 16.8 kg gas outlet through traffic jams Electrolyte level control through traffic jams The heaviest battery in the test: lead was spared. But a miracle saved the battery from failure: at the time of purchase, “it” had only 14 minutes of reserve capacity. It's good that the experts managed to bring her back to life after the charge. Against this background, the results shown can be considered excellent. But I didn't like the price. | Estimated price 4500 rub. Declared capacity 60 Ah Declared current 600 A Measured/declared weight 13.73/ 14.4 kg gas outlet central Electrolyte level control through traffic jams This brand has always looked decent. So it is now: the battery delivers the high declared current regularly, it is not afraid of frost. It could have been better, but the battery was clearly not recharged in the store - this is evidenced by the original reserve capacity. | Estimated price 3500 rub. Declared capacity 55 Ah Declared current 450 A Measured/declared weight 13.95/ 14.3 kg gas outlet central Electrolyte level control through traffic jams The Siberian "bear" has firmly settled in sixth place both in terms of characteristics and adjusted for price. The reserve capacity upon purchase turned out to be quite small - apparently, the battery had been in the warehouse for a long time. A typical situation: sellers do not like to keep track of batteries. | Estimated price 4100 rub. Declared capacity 60 Ah Declared current 600 A Measured/declared weight 15.67 /16.4 kg gas outlet central Electrolyte level control - The battery honestly delivered what was promised, including a solid 600 A. The price blocked the way to a higher place: a little expensive for a Russian product! |
Electrolyte level control -
The winner of numerous examinations of past years is going through hard times today. The brand left our market, then returned again. Therefore, the fourth place is, of course, a success. Note that too high a price did not let the “medalist” on the pedestal.
Estimated price 3520 rub.
Declared capacity 63 Ah
Declared current 550 A
Measured/declared weight 15.3/ 15.6 kg
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Electrolyte level control -
The “Turkish woman” was brought to the top three by a relatively low price. Judging only by electrical parameters, it would be the fifth. But the value for money helped to beat the competition. However, this brand has always been in the group of leaders.
Estimated price 4550 rub.
Declared capacity 60 Ah
Declared current 540 A
Measured/declared weight 14.78 kg / not specified
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Electrolyte level control -
Two nominations won, three - silver. Without taking into account the price, Varta would have become the first, since it was ahead of the Tyumen battery by a fraction of a point. But the one and a half difference in price eventually moved it to second place.
Estimated price 3000 rub.
Declared capacity 64 Ah
Declared current 590 A
Measured/declared weight 16.6/ 17.2 kg
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Electrolyte level control through traffic jams
"Sibiryachka" won in three nominations, in two more it was the second. In the final, the price tag brought the battery to the first place - Varta is much more expensive. The rest of the participants lagged behind in terms of parameters quite strongly. By the way, this is one of the heaviest batteries in our sample: no one dreams of gold without lead.
TEST RESULTS*
To view the table in its entirety, use horizontal scrolling.
*All ratings are given on a five-point scale (more is better).
**Domestic batteries are highlighted.
***In parentheses for reference is the original reserve capacity of the batteries at the time of purchase. This parameter does not participate in the distribution of seats.
