What Is a Start-Stop Car Battery?
Stop Start car battery technology allows your vehicle to be shut off at traffic lights and restarted – this is a fuel saving feature that reduces CO2 emissions. It also means that you don’t have to turn off your radio, air conditioning or even braking regeneration system while your engine is off.
AGM
AGM batteries, or Absorbent Glass Mat batteries, are a more advanced form of lead acid battery that’s ideal for start-stop cars. They are particularly suited to vehicles with advanced technology such as lane-keeping assistance, pre-collision warnings and remote engine starting.
Stop-start car technology is designed to shut the engine off with each stop and then restart it once you put pressure on the accelerator or clutch, helping to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. However, this also places a much greater load on the vehicle’s battery than traditional system designs.
This can cause the battery to be discharged more deeply than it would in normal operation, which can damage it over time. This has led to a growing demand for AGM batteries in modern vehicles equipped with start-stop technology.
The reason AGM batteries are so popular in this application is that they can handle deep discharging better than conventional lead acid batteries – which means they can survive the repeated cycling that happens with automatic start-stop systems.
What’s more, AGM batteries have a specially constructed glass mat separator that keeps the electrolyte in a suspended and dry state, so it doesn’t leak out. It also makes the battery more resistant to vibration, so it won’t be damaged as easily by rough driving.
AGM batteries also have a much larger capacity than standard flooded batteries, which means they’re more durable and reliable. They can sustain up to twice the number of charging cycles* as standard flooded batteries, and they’ll last longer over time because they can handle the higher loads of start-stop cars.
Furthermore, AGM batteries are incredibly resilient to extreme temperature changes. They can handle the cold of winter and heat of summer, so they’re suitable for all kinds of climates.
AGM batteries are also less maintenance-oriented than standard flooded lead acid batteries. Because they don’t need to vent gas, they don’t require replenishment of the battery’s electrolyte – a key concern for drivers who drive their vehicles frequently or spend a lot of time off road.
EFB
Start-stop car batteries work by stopping your vehicle when you press on the brake and then starting it again after your foot is lifted off the brake. This type of system is becoming more common in modern vehicles because they allow drivers to keep their cars running when it’s too cold or rainy to drive and also save energy during long commutes.
The key to these systems is in the battery. Unlike normal batteries, these batteries need to be able to start-stop car battery withstand the constant stop and start cycles that they’ll experience when driving in traffic.
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are a traditional choice for stop-start cars, but EFB is making a name for itself. These EFBs are more durable than their AGM counterparts and are expected to grow in popularity as more consumers opt for electric vehicles.
In addition to being more durable than standard flooded lead acid batteries, EFBs have many other benefits as well. These include a more consistent flow of power and a longer lifespan, as well as the fact that they are resistant to corrosion.
A major drawback of EFBs is their strict charging conditions, which can lead to overcharging and damaging the battery. This is why it’s important to choose an EFB battery that meets the requirements of your car.
Another benefit of EFBs is that they are a more affordable alternative to AGMs. They’re also better able to handle extreme temperatures, which can cause AGM batteries to suffer damage.
This is especially true if you live in an area with extreme temperatures and high humidity. The combination of these factors can quickly make your battery’s performance degrade and require regular replacement.
One way to prevent this is to use distilled water when charging your EFB battery, which can start-stop car battery adjust the electrolyte concentration and increase your battery’s cycle life. This is especially important if you’re going to be using your car’s stop-start feature a lot.
Enhanced Flooded Batteries are a cost-effective alternative to AGMs and are increasingly being fitted in a wide range of vehicles that have entry-level start-stop technology. They are a good middle-tier option for vehicles with lower emissions standards and have become the preferred choice for smaller to mid-sized vehicles that need higher levels of start performance.
Auxiliary Batteries
Auxiliary batteries are used to power a range of electronic systems in your vehicle, such as lights, music, air conditioning and navigation. As with any battery, they must be properly maintained and monitored by your mechanic during routine maintenance to prevent them from developing corrosion, damage or leakage.
As with the main car battery, there are a few different types of auxiliary batteries available to choose from. These include AGM and EFB, each of which is designed to meet specific demands from your electrical system.
Typically, the size and capacity of an auxiliary battery depends on the amount of current it can supply, as well as its rated maximum discharge. These figures are generally listed on the packaging or in your owner’s manual, but the most reliable way to ensure you buy the right battery is to speak to one of our expert mechanics.
Auxiliary Batteries are ideal for activities like tailgating or camping, where you may want to keep your radios, televisions, and other equipment powered up. They also make a good backup power source for your main car battery.
When you turn the engine off, an auxiliary battery will provide power to your devices until the main battery is fully charged. This means that, if you leave your car parked for an extended period, you don’t have to worry about running out of charge and having to jump start the engine to get back on the road.
There are several different ways you can connect an auxiliary battery to your car’s main battery, including a basic isolator, which is like a little manual switch that physically links the two together. The isolator then monitors the voltage and disconnects the auxiliary battery when it reaches certain levels.
Another option is a smart isolator, which are basically the same mechanical switch but are made to cut in and out at certain voltages. These are a lot more expensive and can only be controlled by the ignition, but they’re designed to disconnect your auxiliary battery when it’s completely flat, keeping you from using up the starter battery’s juice.
Battery Installation
Battery installation can be tricky, but if you’re prepared, it can be fairly straightforward. Most auto parts stores and garages will install batteries free of charge, and most even recycle the old one.
Before you start the battery installation process, make sure that your vehicle’s engine is off and the parking brake is activated. This will prevent the battery from being charged, which could damage it or cause a problem.
Next, remove the battery’s hold-down clamp and loosen it with a combination wrench or a socket and ratchet. This will make it easier for you to take out the battery, which is heavy and can be hard to lift.
Once the battery is out, inspect it for corrosion. This can indicate that the battery isn’t working properly or it may need a replacement. If there’s any corrosion on the battery or in the battery tray, you should use a cleaning product to clean it off. You can also mix a baking soda paste with water to clean it off.
Using the same cleaning product or baking soda mixture you used earlier, clean the connectors and battery tray to remove any dirt and grime. This can help improve the performance of the new battery.
If the cables are very dirty or corroded, consider replacing them before you reconnect them. Dirty connections can reduce the effectiveness of the battery and increase your risk of having trouble starting the car.
When the cables are clean, connect them back together. Be sure to connect the red cable to the positive terminal and the black cable to the negative terminal. You should not connect the negative lead to anything else at this point, as it may become damaged in the future.
Then, lower the battery into your vehicle and mount it on the mounting shelf. You can also use protective felt washers or anti-corrosive protection gel on the terminals to protect them from moisture and other contaminates.
When it comes to battery installation, you should follow the guidelines specified by your vehicle manufacturer and in your owner’s manual. If you don’t have these guides, you can always look online for tutorials that are specific to your vehicle.
