Choosing the right battery

Every vehicle make and model has the correct battery as fitted by the manufacturer during the vehicle manufacturing process and it is imperative that the correct battery in terms of size and capacity is fitted during replacement.

The owner’s manual, a booklet issued with the car, will indicate the right battery for the specific vehicle. The market is saturated with all types of brands, some good, some not so good. The buyers are spoilt for choice depending largely on customer awareness and budget limitations.

MAINTENANCE FREE BATTERY TECHNOLOGIES

There are several diverse technologies available to the vehicle owner, at the time of battery replacement.
One can choose from the various technologies and construction types, as long as the capacity and dimensions comply with the OE battery that was originally installed.
This article will hopefully, assist in de-mystifying the MF Lead Acid automotive batteries.

FLOODED

A wet or flooded cell battery operates by means of a liquid electrolyte solution (battery acid) covering all cells.
Wet-cell batteries produce gas when overcharging. The gas must be able to escape which is why this type of battery is referred to as a vented cell battery.

GEL TYPE

Mature technology that has been in use since the early 1950’s.
Uses various plate thicknesses relative to application and cost requirements.
Uses various degrees of gelled electrolyte depending upon manufacturer.
Is sealed using special pressure valves and should never be opened.
Is non-spillable.

EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery)

EFB batteries are an enhanced version of standard wet-flooded technology.
EFB technology relies on improvements to existing flooded technology through the addition of Carbon additives in the plate manufacturing process.
The primary benefits of EFB technology are improved charge acceptance and greater cyclic durability when operating in a reduced state of charge (typical of Start-Stop applications).
As an approximation, EFB batteries will provide 85,000 engine starts, compared to 30,000 starts from standard flooded product.

AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat)

AGM batteries benefit from the inclusion of unique design features not found in wet-flooded batteries.
These include glass mat separators, recombinant lid technology and higher pack pressures to facilitate improved cyclic lifespan.
AGM batteries are better suited to meeting the demands of higher specification vehicles that include one or more of the following technologies: Start Stop, Regenerative Braking and Passive Boost.
Typically uses calcium/calcium metal alloys.
The entire electrolyte is absorbed in separators consisting of a sponge-like mass of matted glass fibers.
Is non spill-able and is highly recommended when the battery is fitted inside the vehicle cabin, trunk or other confined space.

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