For reliable operation of a car with an internal combustion engine, a capacious and reliable battery is essential. Only then can you guarantee that the engine will start easily in sub-zero temperatures, and the on-board power supply will not drop below the standard 12 V. However, this equipment varies, and choosing the best version for your own car is crucial.
Somewhat outdated lead-antimony batteries are still in use. They use lead plates with an extremely high antimony concentration (up to 5 percent). They have either a plastic or ebonite casing on top. The entire casing is filled with resin, and the cells are filled with an electrolyte made from sulfuric acid and distilled water.
These batteries have a service life of at least two years and are inexpensive. Their drawback is that their capacity often drops by half after a year of use, but if regularly recharged with specialized chargers, even such a battery can easily last up to two years.
Drivers who don't like having to constantly monitor their battery's condition are better off choosing low-antimony lead batteries. These batteries consume significantly less water and have a significantly lower self-discharge rate. This allows them to last up to three years.
However, calcium batteries are considered the best, as their cells are made of calcium with an extremely low antimony concentration (no more than 0.1 percent). The casing of these batteries is completely sealed, eliminating the need to add water, as was previously the case.
Calcium grids last up to five years. These batteries withstand sub-zero temperatures well and virtually remain charged during this time. However, they can suffer from deep discharges, which make it difficult to restore them to their nominal values. However, if you remember to charge these batteries with a charger, they can truly last the aforementioned period and ensure reliable engine starting even at low temperatures.
When choosing the above batteries for your car, it's important to consider their capacity. For passenger cars with low-power engines, versions with a capacity of up to 55 Ah are ideal, but if the engine is larger, a more capacious battery with a capacity of 72-75 Ah will be required. To choose the right battery for your car make and purchase a genuine product, it's best to use reliable online battery selection services.
If you take even a little care of your battery, including regularly cleaning the electrodes, wiping the casing, and recharging it, it will easily last its long lifespan.