With an old battery, this is not life.
Yu.I. Detochkin
The crisis has hit everything, and the battery market is no exception. Buyers look first of all at price. Even owners of prestigious cars are in no hurry to splurge on expensive batteries such as AGM and EFB, which everyone predicted unconditional dominance a few years ago.
It’s even somehow awkward to talk about amperes, coulombs and degrees if the mass consumer chooses what is cheaper. On the other hand, budget products often have poor quality, and the savings can cost a pretty penny... This time we decided to focus on inexpensive batteries.
Is the battery cheaper?
At first, the search for the most inexpensive batteries of the most popular size 242x175x190 mm gave a modest result - only five products priced from 2610 rubles for a Podolsk battery to 3002 rubles for a Tyumen battery. Not enough for a full examination. They raised the price bar to 3,500 rubles - six more batteries were added. But what about without big foreign names - Varta, Bosch, Mutlu? In addition, domestic batteries close in price to them - for example, AkTech - were left behind. Along the way, it turned out that some eastern brands set prices for their products that were not at all “crisis”: the most expensive battery was not Bosch at all, but the Korean Solite for as much as 5,000 rubles!
As a result, we collected two dozen batteries.
Let's see how price relates to amp hours and coulombs.
The purchase was carried out in a retail network in April - May 2016. The research results relate only to this sample and cannot serve as a basis for evaluating all products of a particular brand.MAIN CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING BATTERY QUALITY Reserve capacity. Shows how long a car will last with all power consumers turned on (headlights, windshield wipers, ventilation system) if its generator is damaged. Measured in minutes. The higher the result, the better. Reduced starting energy with declared current. Characterizes the battery energy in starting mode. It is measured in kilojoules. The higher the result, the better. Allows you to compare the current characteristics of all batteries under the same conditions, regardless of their rating data. Simply put, the higher the energy, the, other things being equal, the more attempts to reliably start the engine. It is measured in kilojoules. The higher the result, the better. Acceptance of charge at constant external voltage. Shows the battery's ability to recover after a deep discharge. In practice, a battery that accepts charge better than others will also charge faster when traveling. All batteries passed the test. Note. Technical measurements were carried out by specialists from the Research Center AT 3 Central Research Institute of the Russian Ministry of Defense. The test results relate to a specific sample of batteries and cannot characterize all products of the same name as a whole. |
Will that do?
The overall impression from the test results is painful. There are three main reasons for the disorder. Firstly, sellers are still slipping in stale goods, albeit with guarantees, smiles and seals. Secondly, it’s 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 gap from their opponents turned out to be serious. Moreover, curiously, the advantage is obvious both with and without price.
Take a look at the first columns of the table, which shows the reserve capacity of brand new batteries. In brackets we give the actual “volume” of electricity for which the buyer pays. By analogy with gas station: you ask to fill full tank, and the tanker only splashed on the bottom. But there is a difference: a gas station “error” will not lead to anything terrible, but a discharged battery, as the pros say, “goes sour.” This is often irreversible: it loses capacity and becomes inoperable. We were ready for this, so before starting the tests, as usual, we charged all the batteries to capacity. And you need to do this before installing the battery on the car. Our measurements confirm this.
Now about the “overpayments” for the brand. A 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 battery size. It must be guaranteed to fit in its workplace - in the engine compartment or trunk. Simultaneously determine the polarity. An old battery will help here: look - is the plus on the right or on the left? Often the length of the wires does not allow connecting a battery of the “wrong” polarity. When choosing a battery brand, we strongly recommend follow the list of our winners recent years. Don't be fooled by 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’s better to take the maximum, even if it’s a little more expensive. Not worth purchasing products that have “Ah” type units indicated on the labels or in the passport. This indicates the technical illiteracy of their compilers and raises doubts about the quality. Battery purchased in mandatory need to charge. After charging and holding (keeping 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. |
Everything is in place
To identify leaders and outsiders, we introduced a scoring 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 remaining participants received an intermediate score proportional to their position between the leader and the outsider. For example, if when measuring reserve capacity the leader showed a result of 112 minutes, and the outsider - 78, then the participant with a result of 87 minutes gets 2.06 points. If a battery fails in one test or another, it receives 0 points.
The total score based on the results of measurements is the arithmetic average of five intermediate assessments. 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.
The Tyumen Battery Premium and Varta Blue Dynamic batteries turned out to be unrivaled in our tests. Taking into account the much more attractive price, the “Siberian” rose to the top. If we didn't take prices into account, Varta would be first. However, the “foreign” battery has another paradoxical advantage over the Russian battery: it is easier to find on sale. It sounds illogical, but it is so, and not only in Moscow.
Conclusion? You cannot purchase a battery looking only at the price tag. Savings may backfire. It is better to spend a little time to familiarize yourself with the results of our examination. Good luck with your purchase and stable voltage in the on-board network!
BEST CAR BATTERIES: WINNERS OF ZARULEVSKY EXAMINATIONS |
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| 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 |
| Approximate price 4900 rub. Declared capacity 60 Ah Declared current 500 A Measured/declared weight 13.63/ 13.99 kg Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring - It seems that the name of the battery should remind the buyer famous brand Exide - the difference is one letter. Hence, perhaps, the high price. However, the Korean battery turned out to be weak: all ratings were below two points. And at -29 ºC she asked for mercy: the voltage dropped below the required 6 V. Taking into account the price, she took last place in the all-around. | Approximate price 4500 rub. Declared capacity 60 Ah Declared current 510 A Measured/declared weight 14.03 kg/ not specified Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring - The weak “energy” couldn’t handle the Russian cold: after 15 seconds of torment, the voltage dropped sharply - that’s it, we’ve arrived. The reserve capacity is useless. The inflated price only increased the negative effect. Second to last place. | Approximate price 5000 rub. 62 Ah (105 min.) Declared current 600 A Measured/declared weight 13.54 kg/ not specified Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring - We bought this battery after seeing the prohibitive price tag for a quiet brand. What if this new leader market? But in the cold, the voltage quickly sank below the required level, and the price-quality ratio determined a place at the bottom of the table. | Approximate price 3110 rub. Declared capacity 55 Ah Declared current 460 A Measured/declared weight 13.6/ 15.0 kg Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring - The reserve capacity is the lowest. At -18 ºC it is the worst. At -29 ºC - loss of performance. That's the whole biography. And what good does it do if the price is low? |
16th place | 15th place | 14th place | 13th place |
| Approximate 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 monitoring through traffic jams How well it all started... Price - only 3000 rubles. And even the reserve capacity is indicated in minutes. But then the carriage turned into a pumpkin: ratings below two plus failure after four seconds of operation in the cold - voltage below 6 V. | Approximate price 2610 rub. Declared capacity 55 Ah Declared current 420 A Measured/declared weight 12.42/ 15.8 kg Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring through traffic jams The cheapest battery in the selection. It doesn’t matter that the stated current is only 420 A, as long as it works. But the difference between the actual mass and the promised one was 3.38 kg - no lead was reported. Result: all scores are below two points. And in the cold, “the electricity ran out.” | Approximate price 3300 rub. Declared capacity 60 Ah Declared current 520 A Measured/declared weight 14.05/ 16.95 kg Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring 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 a charge the worst. | Approximate price 3450 rub. Declared capacity 55 Ah Declared current 470 A Measured/declared weight 12.8/ 15.0 kg Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring 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 dropped below the “waterline”. However, the initial reserve capacity did not inspire optimism either: only 11 minutes! Therefore, although not the last, it is still an unhappy place. |
12th place | 11th place | 10th place | 9th place |
| Approximate 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 monitoring through traffic jams Only 17 minutes of original reserve capacity. The reason is obvious: the sellers did not service the battery! Having charged it, we brought it back to life. Weighing showed a lack of lead. After just seven seconds of operation in the cold, the battery refused to cooperate. | Approximate price 4200 rub. Declared capacity 60 Ah Declared current 520 A Measured/declared weight 14.25/ 15.5 kg Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring through traffic jams The price is high, and there is clearly not enough lead for this money. The battery is afraid of cold weather: it was unable to produce decent joules in the cold, lasting 17 seconds instead of the promised thirty. In general, I didn't like it. | Approximate price 4750 rub. Declared capacity 60 Ah Declared current 540 A Measured/declared weight 13.35 kg/ not specified Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring - For many years now I have had to write the same thing about Bosch: famous brand I wasn't surprised by 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 and the energy is not enough. | Approximate price 2900 rub. Declared capacity 60 Ah Declared current 500 A Measured/declared weight 13.31/ 15.7 kg Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring through traffic jams Very attractive price. And the same question: where is the lead? The product was too light and came from Kazakhstan. The lack of lead quickly backfired: in the cold, the battery suffered a “steering wheel” because it was unable to produce the required energy. |
8th place | 7th place | 6th place | 5th place |
| Approximate 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 monitoring through traffic jams The heaviest battery in the test: no lead was spared on it. But the battery was saved from failure by a miracle: 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. | Approximate price 4500 rub. Declared capacity 60 Ah Declared current 600 A Measured/declared weight 13.73/ 14.4 kg Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring through traffic jams This brand has always looked decent. It’s the same now: the battery produces the high declared current regularly and 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. | Approximate price 3500 rub. Declared capacity 55 Ah Declared current 450 A Measured/declared weight 13.95/ 14.3 kg Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring through traffic jams The Siberian “bear” is firmly in sixth place both in terms of characteristics and adjusted for price. When purchased, the reserve capacity turned out to be very small - apparently, the battery had been in the warehouse for a long time. Typical situation: sellers do not like to monitor batteries. | Approximate price 4100 rub. Declared capacity 60 Ah Declared current 600 A Measured/declared weight 15.67 /16.4 kg Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring - The battery honestly delivered what it promised, including a respectable 600 A. The path to a higher place was blocked by the price: a little expensive for a Russian product! |
Electrolyte level control -
The winner of numerous examinations of past years is now experiencing better times. The brand left our market, then returned again. Therefore, fourth place is, of course, a success. Note that the “medalist” was not allowed onto the podium because the price was too high.
Approximate price 3520 rub.
Declared capacity 63 Ah
Declared current 550 A
Measured/declared weight 15.3/ 15.6 kg
Gas outlet central
Electrolyte level monitoring -
The “Turkish woman” made it to the top three winners relatively low price. Judging only by electrical parameters, it would be fifth. But the price-quality ratio helped it outperform its competitors. However, this brand has always been among the leaders.
Approximate price 4550 rub.
Declared capacity 60 Ah
Declared current 540 A
Measured/declared weight 14.78 kg/ not specified
Gas outlet central
Electrolyte level monitoring -
Won two nominations, silver in three. 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 ultimately pushed it to second place.
Approximate price 3000 rub.
Declared capacity 64 Ah
Declared current 590 A
Measured/declared weight 16.6/ 17.2 kg
Gas outlet central
Electrolyte level monitoring through traffic jams
“Sibiryachka” won in three categories and was second in two more. In the finals, the price tag brought the battery to first place - Varta is much more expensive. The rest of the participants were quite far behind in terms of parameters. By the way, this is one of the heaviest batteries in our selection: without lead, one cannot dream of gold.
TEST RESULTS*
To view the table in its entirety, scroll horizontally.
*All ratings are given on a five-point scale (more is better).
**Domestic batteries are highlighted in color.
***The original reserve capacity of the batteries at the time of purchase is shown in parentheses for reference. This parameter is not involved in the distribution of seats.
Our last year battery examination received an unexpected continuation (ZR, 2015, No. 10). Specialists from the Research Center AT 3 Central Research Institute of the Russian Ministry of Defense, who were conducting research at that time, proposed, for the sake of mutual interest, to leave the entire dozen batteries with them for another four months. For what? To carry out tests that we have never undertaken before. The idea is to evaluate the charge retention of European-sized batteries (242x175x190 mm) after many months of storage in an unheated room. Of course, we immediately agreed - it’s interesting! Military specialists are also interested, since they have not conducted such research since the era of ancient batteries filled with black mastic. By the way, then the results were disastrous. Despite careful care of the batteries, including regularly wiping their surface with a soda solution, the charge was lost after only a month of storage. The materials from which the plate grids are made are to blame. The alloys had a high content of antimony (5-7%), which accelerated the process of electrolysis of water, which is why the composition of the electrolyte quickly changed (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 recharging with electricity.
In the next generation of 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 a charge longer, but also do not require maintenance (there is no need to add water to them).
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 for 120 days from autumn 2015 to winter 2016. For four months, no one touched the initially charged batteries. No recharging, no topping up, no wiping! Temperature environment at the same time, it fluctuated within 40-plus degrees: from -21 to -22°C. After the expiration of the “confinement period,” the batteries were placed in the freezer without recharging and kept for another day at -18 °C. And then they sent us to pass the standard - a discharge with a single current of 315 A with control of the voltage at the terminals after 30 seconds of discharge. The results are in our photo gallery.
The batteries were required to turn the conditional starter after four months of oblivion. Everyone managed to do this - therefore, the results were good. Not a single battery sank below 8 V - their ancestors never dreamed of this. However, some participants passed the tests with a huge margin, others to the limit of their capabilities. The champion is again the Tyumen Battery Premium; besides it, only Exide Premium, Varta Blue Dynamic and Topla maintained terminal voltages above 9 V. It is curious that Varta Blue Dynamic, which frankly performed poorly in the main competitions, came to its senses after a four-month imprisonment and showed the third result.
A little upset domestic products. Having won last year's tests in the overall standings, here they slipped down a little, losing the middle of the table of ranks to the “foreigners”. True, the difference in numbers is small - only a couple of percent.
Tests have shown that modern batteries are patient with lack of attention. But all patience comes to an end, so we repeat once again: before installing it on the car, the battery must be charged. Even completely new, just purchased. I assure you, not a single seller is puzzled by this. Therefore, under the guise fresh battery may be hiding already tired. And after a week or two of operation, it will die, even if it turned the starter at first. In conditions of chronic undercharging, the matter will end with sulfation of the plates with all the ensuing troubles.
Places in the Behind the Wheel battery test in 2016 were distributed as follows:
12TH PLACE
Silverstar Russia
Declared capacity, Ah 65
Declared current, A 610
8.03 V
11
11TH PLACE
Delkor country not specified
Declared capacity, Ah 60
Declared current, A 525
The voltage at the terminals after a 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
10th PLACE
AKOM Russia
Declared capacity, Ah 62
Declared current, A 540
The voltage at the terminals after a 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
9th PLACE
Titan Euro Silver Russia
Declared capacity, Ah 61
Declared current, A 620
The voltage at the terminals after a 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
8TH PLACE
Bosch Germany
Declared capacity, Ah 63
Declared current, A 610
The voltage at the terminals after a 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
The voltage at the terminals after a 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
6TH 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
5th PLACE
Mutlu Silver Evolution Türkiye
Declared capacity, Ah 63
Declared current, A 550
Terminal voltage after 30 second discharge current 315 A9,0
0
IN
Place occupied by the battery in the main series of tests (ZR, 2015, No. 10) 8
4TH PLACE
TOPLA country not specified
Declared capacity, Ah 66
Declared current, A 620
Terminal voltage after 30 second discharge current 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 30 second discharge current 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 30 second discharge current 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 30 second discharge current 315 A9,20
IN
Place occupied by the battery in the main series of tests (ZR, 2015, No. 10) 1
There is no fundamental difference between “Asians” and “Europeans”. Essentially the same lead bathed in acid. “Asiatok” is only distinguished by its design with terminals protruding upward. For “European women” they seem to be buried in the body. And the proportions are slightly different: the “Asian”, all other things being equal, is usually a little shorter and narrower, but at the same time somewhat taller.
For examination, we selected “Asian women”, united by standard size D23. The letter D denotes a group of batteries about 170 mm wide and 200 mm high, and the index 23 is the approximate length of the battery in centimeters. Batteries of this type are not as widely represented in our country as classic “European” ones, but at the same time they are very popular. They are installed on extremely popular small cars Kia Rio And Hyundai Solaris, as well as for other models of Kia, Hyundai, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, etc. Note that some batteries are designed to be fastened not with a clamping bar across the top, but by the casing at the very bottom of the battery. In most cases, these bosses do not prevent installation in vehicles designed for top mounting.
HOW TO CHOOSE A BATTERY?
Have you chosen? The battery must be cleaned before installing it on the car. For those who do not realize the need for this stage, we suggest studying our table, where in the column “Reserve capacity” the battery parameters at the time of sale are given in brackets. There is no way to call them fully charged. |
We collected 14 batteries. We tried not to attract completely unknown players. The most expensive battery in our sample is the Korean Rocket. I had to pay a deafening 9,000 rubles because that’s exactly the price the official Kia dealer charged. The cheapest is the domestic Tyumen Battery 6CT‑60L Asia for 3150 rubles. Of course, prices can vary greatly at different retail outlets: the same “Siberian” costs less than 2,000 rubles in a factory store. It is for this reason that we decided not to take into account the price of batteries when allocating seats - the “price/quality” parameter is purely for reference.
All purchased batteries are guaranteed. But for a battery, the terms “new” and “warranty”, alas, are not synonymous. Therefore, you should not be surprised that when taking measurements in the delivered state, the results are always so different that you can immediately see who and how many were lying in the warehouse. But for the seller, everything that is on the shelf is new: he only puts a stamp and the date of sale.
PLACEMENT METHODOLOGY
In each type of test, we assigned the best and worst results 5 points and 1 point, respectively. All other participants received intermediate scores proportional to the position they occupied between the leader and the outsider. For example, if, when measuring reserve capacity, the leader showed a result of 128 minutes, and the outsider showed 88 minutes, then the participant with a result of 96 minutes received 1.80 points. And so on for testing all five types. If the battery failed in certain tests, it received 0 points. The final score is the arithmetic average of five intermediate assessments. The “price/quality” parameter is for reference only, since the price of batteries greatly depends on the place of purchase and can vary significantly at different retail outlets. He was not taken into account in the distribution of seats.
The purchase was carried out in a retail network in April - May 2016. The research results relate only to this sample and cannot serve as a basis for evaluating all products of a particular brand.
Reserve capacity. Shows how long a car will last with all power consumers turned on (headlights, audio system, windshield wipers) if its generator is damaged. Measured in minutes. The higher the result, the better.
Best result: Medalist, 128 minutes. Worst result: Rocket, 88 minutes.
Reduced starting energy with declared current. Characterizes the battery energy in starting mode. It is measured in kilojoules. The higher the result, the better.
Best result: Medalist, 29.55 kJ. Worst result: Globatt, 9.67 kJ.
Reduced starting energy with a single current at -18ºС. Allows the current characteristics of all batteries under the same conditions, regardless of their rating data. It is measured in kilojoules. The higher the result, the better.
Best result: Medalist, 55.11 kJ. Worst result: Globatt, 10.49 kJ.
Reduced starting energy with a single current at -29ºС. Similar to previous tests, except for temperature: -29ºС instead of -18ºС. It is measured in kilojoules. The higher the result, the better.
Best result: Medalist, 12.63 kJ. Worst result: Globatt; complete failure, the battery “sank” below 6.0 V already at the 21st second of discharge instead of the required 30 s.
Acceptance of charge at constant external voltage. Shows the capacity of the battery after a deep discharge.
Better than others accepts Varta Blue Dynamic charge - 26.03 A. Less than others charging current the Banner Power Bull battery has 20.86 A.
Note. The measurements were carried out by specialists from the Research Center AT 3 Central Research Institute of the Russian Ministry of Defense. The test results relate to a specific sample of batteries and cannot characterize all products of the same name as a whole.
| Approximate price 4200 rub. Declared capacity 65 Ah Declared reserve capacity - Declared current 540 A (SSA) 14.06 kg/- Dimensions 232×173×222 mm Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring - Charge eye in the fifth jar Perhaps in greenhouse conditions the battery would have behaved better, but in the cold it became worse. It produces the worst current at -18ºС. And at -29ºС the poor thing simply died: the voltage at the terminals quickly dropped below 6 V - a failure. The country of origin is not indicated, there is only a reference to certain “German technologies”. | Approximate price 9000 rub. Declared capacity 60 Ah Declared reserve capacity 92 min. Declared current 550 A (SAE); 440 A (EN) Measured/declared mass with electrolyte 15.55/15.5 kg Dimensions 231×170×222 mm Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring - Charge eye - We bought an expensive battery solely because it was sold at an official Kia dealer. I still feel sorry for the money: the lowest reserve capacity, extremely weak results at -29ºС, complete failure in terms of price and quality ratio. |
| Approximate price 4700 rub. Declared capacity 70 Ah; 110 min. Declared reserve capacity 100 min. Declared current 580 A (CCA) Measured/declared mass with electrolyte 13.5 kg/- Dimensions 238×168×207 mm Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring - Charge eye in the second bank The weight of the battery is suspiciously small - the winners are several kilograms heavier! This led to skepticism. And so it happened: the product passed all the tests, but at no stage did it even score three points out of a possible five. Weak result. | Approximate price 5900 rub. Declared capacity 60 Ah Declared reserve capacity - Declared current 510 A (EN) Measured/declared mass with electrolyte 15.7 kg/- Dimensions 230×171×224 mm Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring - Charge eye - The Austrian brand is usually unlucky in our tests. There are no failures, but it’s still a long way from the stars. This time we’ll just note a good reserve capacity (more than 100 minutes) and... And that’s probably all. At -29ºС the battery barely lasted, it takes a charge worse than others, and the price is far from attractive. |
| Approximate price 7200 rub. Declared capacity 66 Ah Declared reserve capacity - Declared current 575 A (EN) Measured/declared mass with electrolyte 15.2 kg/- Dimensions 231×172×223 mm Gas outlet through traffic jams Electrolyte level monitoring through traffic jams Charge eye - Why pay that kind of money? Only Rocket is more expensive in our sample. In not a single test did the battery score even three points. And if you take into account the price when arranging seats, you get the third place from the end. | Approximate price 4500 rub. Declared capacity 62 Ah Declared reserve capacity 550 A (EN) Declared current - Measured/declared mass with electrolyte 15.04 kg/- Dimensions 230×173×223 mm Gas outlet through traffic jams Electrolyte level monitoring through traffic jams Charge eye in the second bank The Russian battery delivered the promised current well at -18ºС: the sixth result in our sample. This is what allowed us to take ninth place. All her other results are below 2 points. |
| Approximate price 4800 rub. Declared capacity 70 Ah Declared reserve capacity - Declared current 600 A (SSA) Measured/declared mass with electrolyte 16.03/16.6 kg Dimensions 232×175×225 mm Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring - Charge eye in the second bank “Korean” showed the sixth result in terms of reserve capacity and declared current at -18ºС. General level average. | Approximate price 4350 rub. Declared capacity 60 Ah Declared reserve capacity - Declared current 540 A (EN) Measured/declared mass with electrolyte 14.04 kg/- Dimensions 230×171×220 mm Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring - Charge eye- The Bosch battery performed without sparkle. Let us just note the sixth result at -29ºС. The battery accepts a charge without appetite, which indicates an unimportant ability to recover after a deep discharge. You expect more from a manufacturer with such a big name. |
| Approximate price 4725 rub. Declared capacity 65 Ah Declared reserve capacity - Declared current 590 A Measured/declared mass with electrolyte 17.11/17.3 kg Dimensions 231×175×223 mm Gas outlet through traffic jams Electrolyte level monitoring through traffic jams Charge eye in the fourth bank “Siberian” deserved to participate in the “flower ceremony” - the sixth result. We especially note the high reserve capacity - the second indicator among all participants. | Approximate price 6900 rub. Declared capacity 65 Ah Declared reserve capacity 126 min. Declared current 600 A (SSA) Measured/declared mass with electrolyte 16.04 kg/- Dimensions 232×172×221 mm Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring - Charge eye in the third bank The battery came fourth in the reserve capacity test and when measuring discharge energy at a temperature of -29ºC. In terms of reserve capacity - the fifth result. Overall, very good. |
| Approximate price 4200 rub. Declared capacity 60 Ah Declared reserve capacity - Declared current 540 A (EN) Measured/declared mass with electrolyte 14.04 kg/- Dimensions 232×171×220 mm Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring - Charge eye - The battery won the competition for receiving charge current, and performed as expected in other categories. In general, the battery confirmed its compliance with the big name. | Approximate price 4500 rub. Declared capacity - Declared reserve capacity 120 min. Declared current 650 A Measured/declared mass with electrolyte 15.66 kg/- Dimensions 230×171×223 mm Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring - Charge eye in the third bank The second result at -29ºС is respectable. We also note good reserve capacity. We recommend. |
| Approximate price 3150 rub. Declared capacity 60 Ah Declared reserve capacity - Declared current 520 A (EN) Measured/declared mass with electrolyte 16.05/16.1 kg Dimensions 230×171×216 mm Gas outlet through traffic jams Electrolyte level monitoring through traffic jams Charge eye - The battery once again confirmed its status as the best Russian battery. In terms of price-quality ratio, the product even turned out to be the best. Let us note the second result in the output of cold cranking current at -18ºС, as well as the third result at -29ºС and in terms of reserve capacity. We recommend! | Approximate price 4500 rub. Declared capacity 70 Ah Declared reserve capacity 120 min. Declared current 650 A (BCI) Measured/declared mass with electrolyte 15.7 kg/- Dimensions 230×172×222 mm Gas outlet central Electrolyte level monitoring - Charge eye in the third bank The Korean battery remembered the past and again won the competition by a large margin, winning in four out of five categories. In terms of price-quality ratio, it was second only to the domestic Tyumen Battery 6CT-60L Asia. We recommend! |
WINNERS OF EXAMINATIONS OF THE MAGAZINE “Behind the Wheel” of Recent Years |
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| 1st place | 2nd place | 3rd place |
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| Tyumen Battery | American |
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| Tyumen Battery Premium | Varta | ||
| Tyumen Battery Premium | Topla | Exide Premium |
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| Varta | |||
| Tyumen Battery Leader | |||
| Topla |
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| Medalist | Panasonic | Titan |
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| Medalist | Varta | Beast |
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| Varta | Medalist | A-mega |
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| 2008 | Bosch | Medalist | Varta |
| 2007 | Mutlu | Akom | Medalist |
| 2006 | Varta | Medalist | Bosch |
| 2004 | Tyumen | Tyumen | Medalist |
BASIC UNITS USED IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERINGThe voltage U is measured in volts (V). Current I is measured in amperes (A). Ohms (Ohms) measure resistance R. 1 V = 1 A × 1 Ohm. Power R is measured in watts (W). Joules (J) measure the energy W. In addition, it is often measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). P = U·I; W = U·I·t 1 W = 1 V × 1 A = 1 J/s = 1 N m/s = 1 kg m²/s³ 1 J = 1 V × 1 A × 1 s = 1 W × 1 s = 1 N m = 1 kg m²/s = 0.00028 kWh 1 kWh = 1000 W × 3600 s = 3600 kJ Charge q is measured in coulombs (C). It is also often measured in ampere hours (Ah)*. 1 ampere-hour is the electric charge that passes through the cross-section of a conductor in one hour when there is a current of 1 A in it. q = I t; 1 C = 1 A × 1 s; 1 Ah = 3600 C *Battery capacity is also indirectly estimated in ampere hours, but such an assessment is incorrect. |
POPULAR QUESTIONS1. Why are not all batteries equipped with an eye indicator? Such an indicator is not really needed. Formally, it helps to visually assess the level and density of the electrolyte, but only in one of the cans. Many manufacturers introduce it into the design only to immediately reassure the buyer: they say, if there is a peephole, then the battery is modern. But between you and me, it's just a fun toy. 2. Is it worthwhile to “warm up” the battery by turning on the headlights before starting it in the cold season? No. This technique was previously promoted, but today it is considered useless. The battery does not keep up, but loses its charge. 3. Is it true that when installing the battery larger capacity Will it constantly undercharge? Of course not. What can prevent it from charging fully? If, for example, when starting a cold engine, the battery gave up 1 A∙h, then the generator should return exactly the same amount to it. It doesn’t matter what capacity is indicated on the battery label. 4. What is the easiest way to assess whether the battery is alive or not? Using any tester or voltmeter. It is necessary to measure the open circuit voltage (OCV) with a cold engine. There is no need to remove the terminal. After charging and holding (storing the battery disconnected from the charger) for 10–15 hours, the NRC should be 12.5–12.7 V. If the voltage is below 12.5 V, in a warm room. If the measurement is carried out immediately after charging, the device will not show the NRC at all, but the charging voltage, which can be much higher. 5. Why check batteries when maximum currents, if in practice they are not required? If we talk about regions with a hot climate, then perhaps such currents are not needed. But in the cold, when the starter has difficulty cranking the crankshaft, the maximum high currents. In addition, the declared current indirectly characterizes the quality of the battery: the higher it is, the lower its internal resistance. And one last thing. If instead of A∙h you see the inscription A/h (on the label, in an article, in an advertisement - it doesn’t matter), do not mess with this product. Behind it are uneducated and indifferent people. If they are not able to understand the basic designations of their own product, then what can you expect from them? |
The TOP 10 included the best batteries for cars 2016-2017, which were selected based on tests performed for batteries and reviews from owners.
Battery No. 10. Deka
Price from 12 thousand rubles
Series line Deka opens the top ten batteries. During testing, the batteries showed themselves to be on the good side - they are able to withstand a deep discharge and at the same time deliver enough power to start the engine. To cope with this task, manufacturers use only high-quality lead for alloying plates. The calcium and AGM technologies used in production also increase the performance of the batteries in this line. The disadvantages of Deka include the overpriced devices, the cost of which starts from 12 thousand rubles.
No. 9. Banner
Price 4 thousand rubles
Banner– the best option in terms of reliability, but not the cheapest. Application innovative technology full calcium allows starting when the battery is deeply discharged. Banner, with its excellent power, is able to provide uninterrupted operation vehicles with very high energy requirements. Also, the Austrian product, according to testing results, showed good resistance to temperatures down to minus 30 degrees, which ensures a cold engine start. The quality of Banner is confirmed by the fact that many German auto industries install batteries of this brand in their cars. average cost devices – 4 thousand rubles.
No. 8. Exide
Price 5 thousand rubles
Line of Exide is represented by good rechargeable batteries with better capacity. The batteries are designed for vehicles with high energy consumption. They have more power, unlike their analogues by 30%, and have increased performance characteristics. According to Exide manufacturers, their batteries have high starting power and stability under all conditions. weather conditions. But as the test results showed, the battery did not start the engine at a temperature of minus 30 degrees. Data cost chargers is 5 thousand rubles and above.
No. 7. Optima
Price 14 thousand rubles
Optima– the best batteries from American manufacturer. In harsh winter conditions you can count on starting the engine the first time, thanks to the very high current launch of Optima Batteries. These batteries also differ in their unique spiral arrangement, which ensures a lower self-discharge rate, as well as minimal wear and tear due to frequent recharging cycles. In the production of Optima Batteries, AGM technology is used: a fiberglass separator is impregnated with electrolyte, due to which the device becomes protected from deterioration of electrical parameters.
Also, as a result of testing, it was found that these batteries are quite durable and resistant to mechanical stress - in the case Average traffic accident gravity, if the housing is partially destroyed, the engine can start. These batteries are completely maintenance-free. The disadvantages of this product line include its inflated price – 14 thousand rubles.
No. 6. Vortex
Price 3.5 thousand rubles
Vortex– one of the best batteries for cars according to testing results for 2016-2017. The device has high current characteristics and behaves well when low temperatures, allowing the engine to start. It is recommended for vehicles requiring increased power. Even in the event of a deep discharge, the battery can be restored. The battery is reliably protected from external sources sparking, thanks to the “flame arrestor” filter system that is built into the lid. Vortex fully justifies its cost and is in the average price category– 3.5 thousand rubles.
Battery No. 5. Aktex
Price 2.7 thousand rubles
Aktex is the best budget option and at the same time with high performance characteristics. The product is manufactured using hybrid technology using calcium and antimony. This makes the battery more resistant to deep discharge at low temperatures. In addition, calcium negative plates minimize self-discharge. In terms of “reserve capacity” Aktex are the absolute leaders among analogues. However, at a temperature of -30 degrees, the battery does not guarantee engine starting. The price of such a unit is about 2.7 thousand rubles.
No. 4. Tudor
Price 3-3.5 thousand rubles
Tudor– one of the most popular batteries on the Russian market, thanks to high performance operational characteristics. In the production of car chargers, the company uses a special SMET technology, which consists of adding calcium to the battery plate by stretching, which ensures better strength of the plate. Due to this, the battery is less susceptible to corrosion and shedding, which means it will last longer. long term. Also, thanks to this technology, the plates acquire better starting power and the engine starts at temperatures below 30 degrees. On average, these batteries can be used for up to 4-5 years. This the best choice in terms of price-quality ratio. The average cost of Tudor is 3-3.5 thousand rubles.
Battery No. 3. Topla
Price 5 thousand rubles
Topla one of the three best batteries for cars. They are very popular on the Russian market and have proven themselves well due to their reliability, quality and durability. These batteries are produced using Ca/Ca technology, which extends the service life and increases the electrical performance of the device. Topla is distinguished not only by its durability, but also by its starting characteristics in harsh winter conditions. The average cost of such a battery is 5 thousand rubles.
No. 2. Varta
Price 7-12 thousand rubles
Varta is considered one of the recognized leaders among other car batteries. The high-capacity battery ensures reliable engine starting even at temperatures of minus 30 degrees. The patented Power Frame technology is responsible for the durability and high corrosion resistance of the device. Varta has higher performance characteristics than its analogues. In addition, these batteries are more environmentally friendly and produce approximately 20% less emissions. greenhouse gases. Thanks to the sponge filter, which acts as a flame arrester, the possibility of ignition by an accidental spark is eliminated. The service life is on average 5-7 years, and the cost ranges from 7-12 thousand rubles.
Best battery #1. Bosch
Price from 7 thousand rubles
Bosch becomes the leader in the ranking of the best batteries for cars. A battery with increased capacity and reduced self-discharge rate has high performance characteristics. The battery provides starting at temperatures down to minus 30 degrees. In case of deep discharge, the battery is capable of recovery. Manufacturers of the product also took care of the environment, ensuring a reduced level of electrolyte evaporation. The disadvantage of this device is rapid damage when operating as part of an electrical network with non-ideal characteristics, for example, with faulty generator. It is also worth noting that Bosch series batteries are far from the cheapest, their cost starts from 7 thousand rubles and above.
The battery is one of the fundamental elements of any modern car, because without it, not only is the initial start of the engine practically impossible, but also the operation of other electronic systems. But which one should you choose from the huge variety on the market?
This question can only be answered after full testing in “combat” conditions, which included batteries of the “European” standard size 242x175x190 mm, both domestic and foreign production (six of each).
It just so happens in Russia that foreign products are held in high esteem in our country, and most car enthusiasts choose precisely those products where the brand is indicated in the Latin alphabet. And many people share this opinion Russian manufacturers, which is why AKOM, Tyumen Battery Premium, Titan Euro Silver and SilverStar batteries have foreign names. Only “The Beast” and “Tyumen Bear” are not shy about the Cyrillic alphabet.
But, as they say, “you are greeted by your clothes, but seen off by your mind,” therefore, discarding all prejudices about names, you should check the battery in action. And here the Russian “representatives” showed themselves very well, even against the background of such a “star team of the world” as Delkor, Bosh, Multi Silver Evolution, Exide Premium, VARTA Blue Dynamic and Topla.
Well, it’s time to start a series of real tests, and the first of them was an assessment of the reserve capacity - it shows how long the car can operate at night in cold rainy weather with a faulty generator. The results are determined in minutes, and the longer the time, the better the battery. The winner of this test was the Tyumen Battery Premium, which lasted for 110 minutes, and Topla and Exide Premium gave it a very short time - 1 and 3 minutes, respectively. The worst performer here was Delkor, who lasted only 91 minutes (the only competitor to clock less than 100 minutes).
The next test criterion is checking the starting energy with the declared current, which characterizes the battery energy in starting mode and is measured in kilojoules (the higher the final numbers, the better). The palm in this discipline again went to Russian battery Tyumen Battery Premium with an indicator of 29.13 kJ, but SilverStar is an outsider - only 7.58 kJ.
The reduced starting energy with a single current of 525 A allows you to compare the current characteristics of taken batteries under equal conditions, without paying attention to the data specified in the passport. It is measured in kilojoules, and it is better when the result is higher. As in previous tests, the Tyumen Battery Premium took the first place in the rating, delivering 35.39 kJ, but other representatives of the “top three” were significantly inferior to it: Topla - 27.29 kJ, Beast - 25.46 kJ. The last position went to SilverStar - only 6.88 kJ.
The following measurements were carried out in a similar way to the previous test and were recorded in similar units, but at a temperature of -29 degrees Celsius. Highest Score once again demonstrated by the “Russian” Tyumen Battery Premium, which scored 10.44 kJ, and the worst were three batteries that completely failed after a short period of time - SilverStar, AKOM and Delkor.
Only in one discipline did all the batteries show approximately equal results and passed the test with a decent margin - this is receiving a charge at a constant external voltage. It characterizes the battery's ability to return to full functionality after a deep discharge.
But what about the tested batteries with “survivability” without recharging, that is, with the ability to retain a charge after many months of inactivity in an unheated room? And this question is very interesting, because old batteries, which contained a high content of antimony (it accelerated the process of electrolysis of water), lost their charge within a month. In modern batteries, antimony is replaced with calcium, which is why they not only hold a charge longer, but also do not require maintenance.
Electric charge (amount of electricity) is measured in coulombs, and how good are they in new batteries? Additional test took 120 days, and during this time the ambient temperature varied from –21 to +23 degrees Celsius. The test participants were completely deprived of attention (no maintenance or recharging), and after the allotted period had expired, they were placed in a freezer for a day at -18 degrees Celsius.
Having gone through all these “bullies”, the batteries were subjected to new tests - discharge with a single current of 315 A with voltage control at the terminals after 30 seconds of discharge. Each of the “experimental” subjects, after four months of inactivity, was able to turn on the conditional starter, and not one of them sank below 8 V.
The undisputed champion was the Tyumen Battery Premium battery, and together with it, only Exide Premium, Topla and Varta Blue Dynamic showed terminal voltages above 9 V. Which is not surprising, but SilverStar had the worst result – 8.03 V.
Of course, modern batteries are resistant to lack of attention, but even new battery Must be charged before installation in the car. The fact is that most sellers do not bother themselves with this issue, so even a freshly purchased battery can fail after a short period of use.
- Tyumen Battery Premium;
- Exide Prime;
- VARTA Blue Dynamic;
- Topla;
- Multi Silver Evolution;
- Beast;
- Tyumen Bear;
- Bosch;
- Titan Euro Silver;
- AKOM;
- Delcor;
- SilverStar Plus.
The winner of the tests is obvious - it was the Tyumen Battery Premium battery, which showed the highest possible rating and was “ahead of the rest” in all disciplines. In addition to this, it turned out to be the best in terms of price and quality ratio. In general, only AKOM and SilverStar spoiled the reputation of domestic batteries, but Tyumen Bear, Zver and Titan Euro Silver received good ratings and entered the TOP-6.
If we take the average indicators, the “Russians” turned out to be significantly better than the “world team” both in terms of characteristics and in terms of price-quality ratio. But that doesn't mean that domestic market will be able to do without foreign products - after all, four domestic brands are not able to fully satisfy the existing demand for car batteries.
