{"id":2418,"date":"2019-10-15T10:43:10","date_gmt":"2019-10-15T17:43:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.emanualonline.com\/blog\/?p=2418"},"modified":"2023-03-23T21:52:10","modified_gmt":"2023-03-24T02:52:10","slug":"a-guide-to-buying-the-best-car-battery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.emanualonline.com\/blog\/a-guide-to-buying-the-best-car-battery","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Buying the Best Car Battery"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Without the battery, modern cars wouldn\u2019t be able to start. Unfortunately, batteries are not always reliable and are one of the most frequently replaced car parts. Whenever your battery fails and needs to be replaced, there are many different battery choices available to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To help you choose the type and battery power your vehicle needs, we have created a guide on how to select the right one based on your car type, how you use it, and your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Do Car Batteries Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In short, a car battery is a power bank providing the power needed to make the starter turn every time you turn the key to the START position. At each start-up, the battery is partially emptied, and when you drive, the alternator recharges the battery and takes over, providing the power necessary for the proper functioning of all the onboard electrical equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To avoid any start-up problem, your battery must be completely recharged by the alternator before the next start. Successive start-ups without letting the engine run for some time can quickly discharge the battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The working principle of car batteries<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
On the inside, an automotive battery consists of several accumulators connected in a series. Accumulators consist of positive and negative plates positioned alternatively and parallel to each other, including three positive plates and four negative plates. Each accumulator produces two volts, so a total of six accumulators are required per battery to produce the 12 volts needed to power most cars and motorcycles today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nThese plates are then immersed in a mixture called\nelectrolyte and are alternately connected to the positive terminal\nand the negative terminal. Separators are placed between them so the\nplates don’t come into contact with each other and cause a short\ncircuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nTo obtain the chemical reaction which will allow to store power and\nmake it circulate, three elements come into action: lead, water, and\nsulphuric acid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The assembly is mounted in polypropylene tanks to withstand the heat produced by the engine, harsh winter conditions, and the acid itself. A valve is frequently placed on the battery housing to allow the gases produced by the chemical reaction to escape without causing positive pressure inside the casing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Different Types of Car Batteries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Before heading to a garage or car shop to get your battery replaced, it\u2019s important to understand the main types of batteries and their respective characteristics. Not all batteries are the same, and the original battery installed on your vehicle is not always the best choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nHere are the pros and cons of four different types\nof car batteries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These batteries are the most commonly used by car manufacturers due to their low manufacturing cost and their relative reliability. The average energy yield of lead-acid batteries is 75 percent. This means that 25percent of the electrical energy is dissipated during the charging, discharging, and self-discharging phases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nPros<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Cheap <\/li>
Reliable <\/li>
Relatively long lifespan <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\nCons<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Heavy <\/li>
Sensitive to cold <\/li>
High risk of leaks <\/li>
Not suitable for motorcycles and boats <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
To optimize these batteries and extend their life expectancy as much as possible, deep discharges should be avoided, and they should only be stored when completely charged.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
2. AGM batteries <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The acronym AGM stands for Absorbed Glass Mat. This means that the electrolyte, consisting of 70 percent water and 30 percent acid, is absorbed or stabilized inside fiberglass blotters. These blotters, known as boron-silicates, are wedged between the plates. Unlike open batteries, AGM batteries do not require the addition of distilled water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This type of battery is much more tolerant of handling errors and is less prone to leaks than AGM batteries. Their hydrogen emission rate is less than four percent and complies with the most recent safety standards. Many manufacturers choose to use an AGM battery on their vehicles because it\u2019s highly resistant to shocks and vibrations, especially when compared with other common battery types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unlike standard batteries, AGM batteries can be fully discharged without any significant damage. It should be noted that, even if it supports deep discharges quite well, this type of battery may be damaged if left discharged for an extended period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nFinally, AGM batteries do not require any\nelectrolyte level adjustment. No matter the type of regulator chosen,\nits charging voltage is always the same as a conventional lead-acid\nbattery. In other words, AGM batteries are compatible with any type\nof installation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AGM batteries are more affordable than GEL batteries but significantly more expensive than their conventional lead-acid counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nPros<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Increased capacity <\/li>
Much more resistant to cold <\/li>
No loss of water whatsoever <\/li>
Longer lifespan than a GEL battery <\/li>
Lower self-discharge rate <\/li>
No risk of gas release outside the battery <\/li>
Easy to transport since the acid is contained in the blotters and not in the liquid state. <\/li>
Unlike open batteries, an AGM battery will never leak. It can, therefore, be placed safely in any position. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\nCons<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Requires the use of a high-quality regulator <\/li>
Does not tolerate high temperature. More exactly, its life is divided by 2 at each temperature increase of 10 \u00b0 C. So an AGM battery with a floating life of 6 years at 10 \u00b0 C will have only 3 years of service life if the temperature is 20 \u00b0 C. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
3. GEL batteries <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This type of battery is an evolution of the conventional battery. Indeed, it is composed of lead plates and an electrolyte formed from a solution of distilled water and sulfuric acid, just like any other lead-acid battery. The only difference is that silica is added to the electrolyte so that it forms a thick paste. A GEL battery is essentially a jellified electrolyte lead battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The lifespan of GEL batteries is much longer when compared to other AGM and lead-acid batteries. More precisely, they are eight times stronger than traditional batteries. This is why GEL batteries are the go-to choice to store solar energy in household setups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nSince their self-discharge is significantly reduced, the risk of a\nGEL battery falling is also lower than most other battery types, even\nif the vehicle is not started for months. This advantage is due to\nthe fact that it is made from pure materials and lead-calcium grids.\nIt should be noted, however, that a GEL battery must always be\naccompanied by a charging controller capable of monitoring and\nabsorbing voltage peaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nLike with anything else, quality comes at a price. GEL batteries are\none of the most expensive batteries on the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nPros<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Optimal life <\/li>
No loss of water <\/li>
Easily supports deep discharges <\/li>
Suitable for all seasons <\/li>
Withstands shock and vibration well <\/li>
No risk of leakage. GEL batteries are therefore perfect for motorcycles and off-road vehicles <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\nCons<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Cannot be left completely discharged for more than 6 months <\/li>
Does not support high charging speeds <\/li>
Higher risk of reduced lifespan if not used correctly <\/li>
As their name suggests, Enhanced Flooded Batteries are nothing more than a reinforced conventional lead-acid batteries. Thanks to specific additives and the use of polyester fiber, the active mass is much more effective. The use of higher-quality lead alloy material promotes better electrical exchanges. EFB batteries have more efficient separators between positive and negative plates but retain a conventional liquid electrolyte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
EFB batteries have a better cycle efficiency and are highly resistant to shocks and jolts. They are mainly used as OEM batteries in vehicles equipped with start-stop systems because of their relatively low cost and resistance to deep discharges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nEFB batteries are a more cost-effective solution when compared to AGM\ntechnology since the design uses a conventional open lead-acid\nbattery with improved specification and performance. While EFBs are\nusually more affordable than AGMs, they also have a reduced life\nexpectancy and will need to be replaced more frequently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nPros<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Supports Start-Stop systems <\/li>
Can be used on vehicles equipped with regenerative braking systems <\/li>
Higher power than conventional batteries <\/li>
Suitable for extreme cold weather <\/li>
Recommended for intensive use <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\nCons<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Shorter life expectancy <\/li>
Purchase price higher than a conventional battery <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Classification of Battery Power<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nFor an accurate classification of car batteries,\nthe current (amps) or load capacity is used as the ultimate\nmeasurement unit. For the majority of automotive batteries operating\non 12 volts electrical systems, the nominal capacity serves as a\ndefining feature and indicates the amount of current that the battery\ncan produce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nThus, if a battery needs to be charged for 20\nhours with five amps to reach a full charge, the nominal capacity of\nthis battery would be five times 20 hours, or 100 amp-hours (Ah).<\/p>\n\n\n
\nOpen-type batteries need regular maintenance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
How Long Do Car Batteries Last?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Average lifespan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Depending on the type of battery, life expectancy can vary a lot. Lead-acid batteries, for example, are very fragile. They are sensitive to overloads, partial loads, deep discharges, fast charging as well as temperatures above 20\u00b0 C and below 0\u00b0 C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nEven under optimal operating conditions, not all\nbatteries have the same life expectancy. As a general rule,\nconventional and EFB batteries last approximately three to six years,\nwhereas AGM and GEL batteries usually last longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Factors influencing the life of a battery<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\nDifferent factors determine the lifespan of a car\nbattery, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The type of battery (Lead-Acid, EFB, AGM, GEL) <\/li>
Conditions of use such as climate and type of vehicle <\/li>
The efficiency of the vehicle\u2019s charging system <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
All of these factors can cause premature aging and can be combined due to lack of technical knowledge, poorly designed systems, or misuse by the user. When not properly controlled, these factors will have a direct impact on all battery\u2019s normal life expectancy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Different types of batteries will react differently to various factors. In all cases, batteries will last longer when they are correctly used, charged, and stored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Self-discharge rate<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It is important to note that a battery discharges slowly even if it is not being used. This is called self-discharge. The normal self-discharge rate of a battery depends primarily on the type of alloy used to manufacture the plates. For example, the discharge rate is particularly high for lead alloys where it can reach five percent per month on conventional batteries, even when new. The self-discharge rate increases rapidly with temperature and age. A lead-acid battery at the end of its life can sometimes reach a self-discharge rate of up to one percent per day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nAGM and GEL batteries, on the other hand, have a\nlower self-discharge rate, ranging from one to three percent per\nmonth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Deep discharge<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Keeping your battery charged at all times will maximize the life of your battery and prevent premature failure. During the discharge process, the two polarities sulfate and the electrolyte is consumed. If the discharge is complete, the electrolyte will be only composed of distilled water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nThe depth of discharge is the amount of energy\nthat has been discharged from the battery. It is given as a\npercentage of its capacity. An unloading depth of over 80 percent\nindicates a deep discharge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Deeply discharging a car battery will significantly reduce its lifespan, especially for lead-acid batteries. Indeed, when a battery is heavily discharged, harmful phenomena such as sulfation, gel, and stratification of the electrolyte will occur rapidly and will cause irrevocable damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nIf the battery needs to be stored or the vehicle immobilized for a\ncertain time, it is recommended to regularly charge the battery to\nkeep it active and fully charged to maintain a good life expectancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each type of battery lasts for a specific number of approximate life cycles depending on its type and design. When the battery has reached the end of its life, even the best chargers in the world won\u2019t cut it, and the battery will have to be replaced<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Open](\"https:\/\/www.emanualonline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/A-Guide-to-Buying-the-Best-Car-Battery12.jpg\")
![\"Maintenance-free](\"https:\/\/www.emanualonline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/A-Guide-to-Buying-the-Best-Car-Battery22.jpg\")
![\"AGM](\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"AGM](\"https:\/\/www.emanualonline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/A-Guide-to-Buying-the-Best-Car-Battery7.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"Auto](\"https:\/\/www.emanualonline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/A-Guide-to-Buying-the-Best-Car-Battery3.jpg\")
![\"Man](\"https:\/\/www.emanualonline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/A-Guide-to-Buying-the-Best-Car-Battery4.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"Auto](\"https:\/\/www.emanualonline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/A-Guide-to-Buying-the-Best-Car-Battery5.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n