AGM Start-Stop Car Batteries
While a vehicle is stopped at the traffic lights and the engine is shut off, electric equipment such as lights, wipers, radio or displays still need power. This increases the load and stresses the battery.
Start-stop batteries are designed with enhanced features to meet the demands of this technology. They offer superior cranking power and have high charge acceptance to absorb energy from regenerative braking systems. They also have improved cycling performance and are leak-proof and spill-proof.
AGM
AGM is a type of lead-acid battery that uses special construction to keep electrolyte from spilling out. Instead, the electrolyte is absorbed into fiberglass mats in the battery that also helps to improve cycling capabilities and vibration resistance compared to conventional flooded batteries. The AGM design also allows for more lead plates to be fitted in a start-stop car battery, so they can provide more power during stop-start driving.
AGM batteries are a good fit for vehicles with start-stop technology, because they are designed to operate at lower states of charge than standard wet lead acid batteries. The low state of start-stop car battery charge requirement means that the battery is only charged from regenerative braking energy and not from the engine. This helps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the vehicle, as well as fuel consumption.
If you want to ensure your customers get the best performance from their start-stop car battery, it’s important to use a specialist who can carry out a comprehensive battery test. This will allow you to see whether the battery can deal with the increased demand of start-stop functionality. If a standard wet lead-acid battery is fitted, it will quickly wear out because it’s not designed to work under those conditions. For this reason, it’s worth investing in a premium battery with AGM technology.
EFB
Many modern vehicles have more bells and whistles than ever before, requiring a battery with a higher power capacity. This is especially true if the vehicle features start-stop technology. These systems shut down the engine when the car is stopped at traffic lights or in stop-and-go traffic, saving fuel and reducing CO2 emissions. Special start-stop batteries have been designed to handle this power demand and provide a longer lifespan than traditional lead acid batteries.
These batteries feature enhanced electrolyte and robust lead grids that can withstand the repeated deep discharge and recharge cycles of start-stop systems. They also have high cycling capabilities and a faster charge time than conventional FLA batteries. In addition, they offer a longer lifespan and greater cold cranking amps (CCA) than standard lead-acid batteries.
While the flooded lead-acid battery has served its purpose for years, more modern vehicles are now equipped with advanced electronics that require a bigger power supply. A wet-filled EFB battery is a better choice for most drivers, as it can handle the increased electrical demands of a start-stop vehicle.
While a start-stop battery is more expensive than a conventional lead-acid battery, it can save money in the long run by reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Some car owners may opt for a cheaper lead-acid replacement, but this can cause the battery to fail prematurely and affect vehicle performance.
Maintenance
Despite their advantages, start-stop car batteries can wear out faster than traditional lead-acid models. This is because they experience more engine starts and stops than a normal vehicle, causing the battery to age rapidly. Fortunately, regular maintenance and inspections can extend the life of these types of batteries.
Keep the Battery Clean
Dirt and corrosion can build up on the battery terminals, reducing its lifespan. A routine cleaning with a mixture of baking soda and water can help prevent this from happening. In addition, the battery fluid levels should be checked and topped up as needed. It is particularly important to check electrolyte levels in non-sealed models, as high temperatures cause the fluid to evaporate more quickly.
Drive Frequently
Frequent short trips can put a strain on a vehicle’s battery, but driving at least once a week for 15 minutes or more allows the battery to recharge. It is also helpful to avoid draining the battery down to a very low level, as this can significantly reduce its lifespan.
A well-maintained battery is more reliable and can improve fuel efficiency, reducing emissions. Additionally, proper disposal and recycling of a dead battery helps reduce the environmental impact. In the long run, maintaining a vehicle’s battery can save consumers money by preventing premature ups battery manufacturer replacements and repairs. Providing your customers with quality start-stop batteries is an excellent way to promote this technology and contribute to cleaner air.
Replacement
A battery that is used in a start-stop system needs to perform a much harder task than a standard car battery. It needs to deliver a strong starting jolt dozens of times a day, as well as provide power for all of the other electrical components and comfort systems when the engine isn’t running. To do so, it must be able to deal with many more cranks and deeper discharges than a traditional lead-acid battery. This is why it’s important that you choose the right battery and have it fitted correctly when the time comes to replace your start-stop battery.
AGM batteries are a great option as they’re designed for these higher demands. They are also more durable than a standard battery as they don’t leak and offer three to four times longer cycling life. They’re also designed with improved charge acceptance to help prevent damage from erratic engine restarts.
To ensure the start-stop system continues to work properly, it’s essential that you have a high quality EFB or AGM replacement battery fitted. Without a proper fit, your car will continue to experience issues with the engine shutting off at traffic lights or not restarting when needed. Additionally, your battery might display error messages on the on-board computer or non-critical systems may stop working. Having a new starter battery professionally installed and paired with the vehicle’s on-board computer helps to prevent these issues from occurring.
