Sep 29, 2020 Pageview:1294
In this generation, most people usually go for a car battery that delivers maximum output. Well, this comes at an increased cost. The question about size and brand is of great concern to most customers. Manufacturers have then improved their designs to meet the customer’s needs.
A car battery is used to deliver electric current to a starting motor, which starts internal combustion in the engine. The internal combustion engine then propels the car. After the engine has started, the car battery still powers the car's electrical systems.
The car battery delivers a large amount of current for a short period. The choice of your car battery will determine its performance characteristics.
Besides, a well-maintained car battery will last longer and will yield optimum current for an extended period.
Car batteries come in different sizes and specifications—some cars run with large batteries while others are designed to use small batteries. Besides the size, batteries are of different types, including wet batteries and Valve-regulated lead-acid batteries.
Batteries are grouped according to a set standard. The industry standard shows the polarity and the physical size of the battery (width, length, and height). Car manufacturers hence take into consideration battery sizes when designing cars. The advantage of having standard batteries is that it eases the replacement of the batteries for customers.
You can find car battery size charts online. The group size of your battery is labeled on the side of the battery. In case you want to replace your battery, ensure you read the group size correctly. Wrong battery size will not fit in the battery tray and may not be compatible with your car's electrical systems requirements.
The Battery Council International (BCI) gives letters and numbers for each battery group size. Your vehicle model, make, and engine type contribute to the group size. Correct battery size will ensure that it fits the battery tray, avoiding being thrown around during car motion.
The common battery group sizes include 24, 24F, 25,34,35,51,51R,58,58R and 59. Most general motor vehicles use a side post battery. These batteries have cable ends that are installed into the side of the battery. The group sizes are 78, 75, 74, and 70.
Vehicle manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi, and Volkswagen use a battery group size called recessed top post batteries. The top of the battery posts is about equivalent to the main height of the battery. The group sizes are 49,48,47,42 and 41.
Standard top post batteries are group types which most Japanese vehicles and American-made vehicles use. These are the most common group sizes.
The battery brand you choose will significantly have an impact on performance and lifespan. Some battery brands are superior to others. The features that customers look for are car battery lifespan, maintenance, Ampere hour, type, and position of terminals' current and voltage output, to mention a few.
A good car battery enables you to drive comfortably without any hitches. Nowadays, numerous brands are present in the market. This makes it hard for clients to know a good brand. Customers worldwide have reviewed the brands highlighted below positively.
A.C. Delco- These batteries are most recognized and have useful performance features. They are designed to resist corrosion on the terminals. They also have large reservoirs thus can hold a charge for an extended period.
Optima batteries- Though they are expensive, they offer optimum performance.
Bosch – It is affordable and is widely used.
NAPA car battery- They are available in different sizes and offer good service for an extended period.
DieHard battery- This is an A.G.M. battery that provides a better life cycle and can withstand vibrations.
VMax V35-857- A 12-volt A.G.M. battery can handle repeated overcharging and deliver high-quality service life and optimum performance.
If you desire your car battery to have an extended life span, you should frequently do maintenance and service. You need to follow the manufacturer's guide while doing maintenance for your car battery.
Maintenance tips are highlighted below:
Check the car battery's state of charge. A state of charge indicator is located on top of the battery. You should use a voltmeter.
Apply a thin layer of coating of high-temperature grease to cable connections and posts
Store car battery in a cool area
Disconnect electrical connections from the battery
Charge battery before storage
Fully charge lead-acid batteries and avoid continuous operation in partial charge condition.
Always ensure the use of a matched charger at all times. Automatic multiphase chargers are recommended.
Test of battery periodically.
Batteries should be of the same size, use level, and age-connected in series or parallel.
Charging should not be done at temperatures above 120 degrees F
For the best life, you should not discharge batteries below 80% of their rated capacity.
Water used to replenish batteries should be distilled or treated not to exceed 200 T.D.S.
After charging, you should always water the batteries unless plates are exposed before charging.
Always keep the batteries clean and free of corrosion and dirt at all times.
Correct installation of vent caps to ensure tight grip at all times
Before use, make sure that you fully charge your battery.
Cables should be tight and intact at all times.
When doing these maintenance procedures, ensure you wear protective gear like goggles, gloves, and an apron.
Failure to do these maintenance procedures has an impact on battery life. Batteries tend to lose their capacity during their operation—constant charging and discharging lead to reduced performance.
Electrical shorts, corrosion over time, and vibrations due to car movements lead to reduced performance. Undercharging or overcharging your car battery reduces its lifespan.
Incorrect use of car batteries like using a smaller battery for a truck can damage the battery. Moreover, handle car batteries with care to avoid internal breaks caused by physical damage.
Customers should be careful when replacing or purchasing car batteries. This is because the different car makes and models require a specific battery size. It is vital to be conversant with battery group sizes.
Besides, you should follow the manufacturer's maintenance guide to increase the battery's performance and lifespan.
Leave a message
We’ll get back to you soon