Contents
The most important characteristics of car batteries are:
- nominal and reserve capacity;
- starter (starting) current;
- battery type.
Let’s consider the last parameter in more detail. In the mass consciousness, there is a stereotype that the best car batteries must be calcium. This is not entirely true. For example, low-antimony batteries have a moderate recoil current, but at the same time they are hardy and practically insensitive to on-board voltage drops. Such batteries are less demanding on the operation of the vehicle’s electrical equipment. More expensive calcium ones, on the contrary, win in current output and practically do not need regular maintenance, but require stable operation of electrical equipment. Then there are hybrids: they combine the advantages of both technologies and are ideal for trucks. At the same time, it is impossible to single out the best battery for all occasions – each of them is good in certain conditions and for a certain car model.
To select a battery, you must be able to read the battery label. In GOST, it consists of a 6-digit sequence of letters and numbers, the values are given below:
- the number of cells in the battery;
- nominal capacity;
- Battery Type;
- corpus material;
- separator material;
- execution type.
Top 10 rating according to KP
Armed with theoretical knowledge, we will try to determine the best car batteries in 2022. The rating is conditional: we have already found out that there are certainly no “best” ones.
Editor’s Choice
1. VARTA Silver Dynamic AGM G14
Gel type battery for passenger cars, including SUVs. It has a capacity of 95 Ah, generates an inrush current of 850 A. The service life guaranteed by the manufacturer is 2 years, an electrolyte is supplied in the kit. Battery with reverse polarity, comes with detailed instruction manual. The model is suitable for modern Start-Stop systems: fast charging of the battery from the energy received during the braking process is provided. All VARTA brand batteries use PowerFrame technology, which was developed specifically for fast recharging.
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Bosch S5 015 Silver Plus
The battery capacity is 110 Ah, the peak starting current is 920 A. The battery is produced in the Czech Republic, from where it is supplied to all European countries. The manufacturer’s warranty is 1 year, but in fact the service life is much longer. The manufacturer took care of ergonomics: there is an additional handle on the case for transportation, it does not interfere with the installation process. The model can be used in a wide temperature range, but it is unlikely to be suitable for extreme climatic conditions. The battery is adapted for universal use, including for Asian-made cars.
Advantages and disadvantages
3. Fukurawa Battery Super Nova 75D23L
65 Ah will be enough for car drivers who get behind the wheel from time to time. The starter current is only 620 A. There is a charge indicator: this is convenient for visual assessment of the condition.
The country of manufacture of batteries is Japan, which can already be an indicator of quality and manufacturability: the brand has been known since 1950, it produces a range of batteries for aircraft and even spacecraft. The guaranteed service life is 3 years, but the real one depends on the operating conditions. There are reviews from users who have been using this model for 7 years.
Advantages and disadvantages
What other car batteries you should pay attention to
4. Acom+ EFB 75
A classic domestic-made calcium battery with a capacity of 75 Ah and a starting current of 750 A. Adapted to the harsh realities, resistant to temperature extremes. It uses EFB technology, that is, it is resistant to cyclic loads (up to 250 charge-discharge cycles are allowed). The battery is suitable for all types of vehicles. After deep discharges, there is no loss of capacity. The electrodes have increased corrosion resistance, which expands the scope. The manufacturer gives a 4-year warranty.
Advantages and disadvantages
5. VARTA Blue Dynamic D48
Budget and compact version of the battery for urban passenger cars. It produces a starter current of 540 A, the capacity is small – only 60 Ah. The polarity is direct, which is familiar to experienced motorists. Asian housing (no flanges), terminal size T1. As in other VARTA models, increased attention is paid to ergonomics: the weight of the battery is minimized (only 14 kg), convenient handles for transportation are provided. The manufacturer announced a wide temperature range of application, but no testing was carried out in extreme climates.
Advantages and disadvantages
6. TAB Polar Blue B60HV
The model is available in several versions: with direct and reverse polarity. The calcium battery has a capacity of 60 Ah, generating a starting current of 600 A. There is a charge indicator for visual checking of the status. As the name implies, the battery is designed for extreme climates: the battery can operate efficiently in sub-zero temperatures. The terminals are European, that is, the battery is not suitable for Asian cars. The main feature is ease of operation and reliability.
Advantages and disadvantages
7. Zver 6ST-77 LZU 800A
A domestically produced calcium battery that debuted on the market not so long ago. The declared capacity is 77 Ah, the peak current is 800 A. When buying, you should pay attention to the fact that a high-quality generator is required to charge such a powerful battery. The manufacturer recommends maintaining a charge level of at least 90% to prevent premature battery failure and loss of capacity. Car owners who make long trips every day will not even notice such a feature, but “weekend” drivers need to be vigilant.
Advantages and disadvantages
8. Exide Start-Stop AGM EK600
Compact model generating 680 A starting current. Suitable for European cars: equipped with standard terminals, polarity reversed. You can check the compatibility with specific vehicles on the manufacturer’s website. The battery is of good build quality, there are practically no negative reviews. When buying, it is recommended to pay attention to the production date and not risk buying a battery older than 1 year.
Advantages and disadvantages
9. DELTA Battery CT12201
Gel battery with a low capacity (20 Ah), generates a starting current of only 270 A. The battery is designed for motorcycles and ATVs. This is a relatively inexpensive accessory, but its real need for a motorcycle garage leaves doubts: as a rule, motorcyclists need a battery only once a year, after winter storage – but even in this case, a universal car battery can be dispensed with. Nevertheless, the battery copes with its functions perfectly, and you just need to get used to the features of operation.
Advantages and disadvantages
10. Happy SFB 3
The battery produces a starting current of 540 A, the capacity is 60 Ah. Judging by customer reviews, it fully corresponds to the declared characteristics. The model has increased productivity, vibration resistance, SFB technology was used in the production. The manufacturer places special emphasis on the environmental friendliness of the model range, which, together with good technical characteristics, can be considered a significant competitive advantage.
Advantages and disadvantages
How to choose a car battery
Having made a choice, check several times that the selected battery is suitable for a particular car model. Pay attention to the terms of the warranty, as well as the permissible mode of operation. Since the serviceability of the battery depends on the date of production, ask the seller to check the battery: the integrity of the case, the density of the electrolyte (must be at least 1,25 g/cm3), battery voltage when the engine is running at the level of 1500-2000 rpm (optimally – within 13,9-14,3 V) and other characteristics.
The service life of the battery is greatly influenced by other factors: air temperature, regular monitoring of the battery, intensity of operation, serviceability of the vehicle’s electrical equipment.
To extend the life of the battery, a number of recommendations should be followed. Before starting the engine, turn off power consumption devices, do not apply a load for more than 5-10 seconds in one attempt. In the cold season, when driving around the city, you should additionally charge the battery using special devices. And, of course, regularly check the integrity of the conductive elements.
Useful advice to buyers is also given by professional auto experts.
Maxim Ryazanov, technical director of the Fresh Auto dealership network:
– In my opinion, the most popular among s are batteries that do not require the addition of electrolyte during the entire service life.
Battery capacity is one of the most important characteristics of the unit, so it is better to choose a model with an indicator recommended by the car manufacturer. Also, when choosing a battery, it is worth considering the location of the terminals for connection on the case – most often positive on the left, negative on the right. If the terminals of the battery and wiring with the terminals on the car do not match, there will be connection problems.
According to the types of batteries, they are divided into antimony, low antimony, calcium, hybrid, helium, alkaline and lithium-ion. Each type has its own advantages, so the choice should be determined by the region in which the car will be operated. For example, motorists in the northern regions of the Federation should give preference to domestic representatives of batteries, adapted to work in the harsh climatic conditions of Our Country.
Akom batteries have good reviews: they are designed specifically for use in the harsh conditions of the North Pole. There are also Zver batteries – the service life reaches 7-8 years due to the good ratio of starting current and capacity. Of the imported representatives, motorists distinguish Bosch S5 001, Varta Blue Dynamic and TAB Polar 5200. The choice of battery manufacturer depends on the financial capabilities of the car owner – battery prices range from 4 to 000 rubles.
When determining the required battery capacity, it is necessary to build on the volume of the car’s engine. If it is 1,4-1,6 liters, 60-70 Ah will be enough. The larger the volume of the motor, the higher the ampere-hour indicator should be on the battery. To start the car engine in winter, sufficient battery power is important. For example, if a battery with a capacity of 100 Ah was previously installed on a car, and a new one was bought only for 70 Ah, then in the summer the battery will still be able to start the engine. In winter, this will not be enough – in one attempt to start it may be discharged, or the launch will not succeed at all.
Anna Utkina, head of the press service of the AvtoSpetsCentre Group of Companies:
– When choosing a battery for a car, you need to take into account several criteria: battery capacity (60-65 Ah is enough for sedans and hatchbacks, 75-90 Ah for SUVs), dimensions, type and manufacturer of the battery. There are different types of batteries, and each has its own advantages. So, low antimony batteries are resistant to power surges due to lead plates, calcium batteries do not need periodic addition of electrolyte, hybrid batteries combine the functions of the two previous types and are suitable for any car. There are also gel and alkaline batteries, but they are not in demand on the market due to the high price.