Car and start-stop: not every battery will do
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Car and start-stop: not every battery will do

The start-stop system in modern cars is still controversial today: some believe that it saves fuel and improves the environment, while others are sure that it is a direct path to rapid wear of internal combustion engine units. Nevertheless, cars, equipped with this option, is becoming more and more.


So, it remains to take it for granted. A natural interest arises: what is this start-stop system and what problems does it have with batteries, if any?

How does start-stop work and what does the battery have to do with it?


It's very simple: you press the brake pedal and the engine stops working. As a result, fuel is saved (5-10%), the resource of many engine elements is saved, the environment is a plus! However, any car owner with solid experience will immediately object: what about the starter? After all, the load on it will become enormous, especially when driving in the city with its traffic lights and traffic jams.

Car and start-stop: not every battery will doIn the city you have to stand in traffic jams, at traffic lights. Photo: youtube.com

Of course, manufacturers have foreseen this "inconsistency". Therefore, there is a reinforced version of the starter, and most often - a reversible generator. When the engine start is not required, it supplies the on-board network. However, not only the starter, but also the battery is subjected to serious tests. Do not forget: when the engine is turned off, many consumers remain connected to the battery. For example, music, navigator or multimedia display, side lights, low beam or running lights, etc.

A regular battery in cars with start-stop won't last long, no matter how you revive it. Photo: youtube.com

If you use an acid battery (even an “advanced” calcium one), it will start to crumble very quickly – literally, i.e. its resource will end before its time, and much earlier. A durable battery is required, ready for strong constant discharges and prompt replenishment of capacity. We will not delve into “advanced” experimental battery developments, let's turn to what is on the shelves today.

AGM


The abbreviation stands for Absorbent Glass Mat, which literally translates as "absorbent glass mat". The name "tells" about the structure of this battery. Instead of liquid electrolyte, special inserts are used here, placed between the plates.

AGMs have been used for about 50 years: initially they were installed on aircraft, sports motorcycles and automobiles. However, it was believed that for mass-produced passenger cars and trucks They are too expensive, and their “abilities” are excessive.

These batteries are "indifferent" to strong discharges, have low internal resistance, due to which they quickly replenish their capacity. In addition, the batteries "tolerate" free handling: they are placed on their side or even at an angle: there is no liquid in them, nothing to leak.

Car battery E-LITIUM AGM, 70 Ah. Average price: 18706 rub. Photo: market.yandex.ru

The service life of "semi-dry" batteries is longer than that of their acid "brothers". The only downside is the relatively high price.

EFB


Enhanced Flooded Battery – “flooded battery with liquid”. Essentially, it is a more affordable version of AGM. In EFB, compared to conventional batteries, the plates are sealed in fibrous covers, preventing the occurrence of sulfation.

Battery Delta Battery DELTA START MASTER 68 Ah (EFB). Average price: 9405 rub. Photo: market.yandex.ru

It is this that causes the active elements to fall off during frequent regular discharges. There is a liquid component, but it is 3 times less.

Comparison of EFB with AGM


At first glance it may seem that the second ones are more expensive, which means they are better. But it’s not that simple (in our material we have already compared these two types of batteries)! Indeed, AGM batteries are better able to withstand extreme discharges and have a long service life. But do not forget about the disadvantages. Such batteries are sensitive to high current and voltage during charging. Therefore, to replenish the capacity of AGM, it is highly recommended to use special devices, which, of course, are more expensive. The second disadvantage is weak resistance to gas recombination. Simply put, you should not place AGM in the trunk if it communicates with the passenger compartment.

Why Some Car Owners Disable Start-Stop

So, in a way, EFB, which tolerates high charging currents, even surpasses its "colleague" in "start-stop". And the conclusion is simple: on cars with such a system, it is necessary to use one of the two types of batteries described above, which is probably also indicated in the instructions.
What do you think about batteries for cars with start-stop?
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