Can you top up a stop-start battery?

What is Stop Start technology?

Modern vehicles with Stop Start systems can detect when the vehicle is not moving and subsequently shut down the engine in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption. These features of Stop Start technology are particularly beneficial for those instances where the vehicle is stopped traffic lights, as it eliminated the unnecessary idling of the engine while waiting for a green light. In the same scenario, the engine in vehicles without Stop Start technology would continue to idle, wasting fuel and emitting pollution.

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What is the difference between a Stop Start battery and a normal battery?

Vehicles with Stop Start systems require a Stop Start battery. Conventional batteries are not suitable for such vehicles and attempting to use one would not only cause premature battery failure. Stop Start batteries are specially designed to handle the constant cycling and frequent high power bursts which are characteristic of Stop Start systems. When the engine is switched, the battery will continue to power all electrical components including the headlights, radio, air conditioner and wipers and will also then deliver the power to start the engine again when required.

 

What is a Stop Start battery?

Vehicles with Stop Start systems require 5 to 10 times more engine starts when compared to their conventional counterparts. This puts a lot of strain on the vehicle&#;s battery. In addition to this, the battery is constantly charging and discharging while supporting the vehicle electrical loads when the engine is stopped. This is why a powerful Stop Start battery is needed. There are two different types of batteries for vehicles with Stop Start systems - Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB) and Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery. 

 

• Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB)

An EFB battery is particularly designed to meet the power and cycling requirements of entry-level Stop Start systems. An EFB battery is an improved version of the standard lead acid battery. It&#;s enhanced design gives it the ability to provide constant power to all car electrical loads, including when the vehicle is idle. It also has  good cycling capabilities for delivering constant power, improved cycle life and faster recharge.

 

• Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Battery

An AGM battery is an advanced version of lead acid battery. The technology in an AGM battery allows the acid to be absorbed into a fiberglass mats instead of flowing freely as a liquid. AGM batteries are maintenance-free, have excellent charging acceptance and can deliver a higher power output than the equivalent flooded battery. The AGM design also delivers improved cycle life and superior cycling capabilities while delivering high cranking power even when the State of Charge is low.

 

Which Stop Start battery is right for my vehicle?

It is important to note that although both EFB and AGM batteries are suitable for Stop Start systems, they are not necessarily interchangeable. EFB batteries can be replaced by AGM batteries in some applications however vehicles designed to use an AGM should only use AGM batteries. As mentioned earlier, conventional calcium batteries are not suitable for Stop Start vehicles.

 

How long does a Stop Start battery last?

Conventional lead acid batteries can last for up to 4-5 years if maintained properly. Stop Start batteries are put under constant pressure in a Stop Start vehicle and may not always last as long as a battery in a conventional vehicle. If you are seeking a long lasting Stop Start battery for your vehicle, consider investing in reputable brands of batteries such as Delkor or ACDelco.

Delkor AGM and EFB automotive batteries are powered by patented PowerFrame® grid technology. More durable and with superior electrical flow, this award-winning range is designed specifically for vehicles with Stop Start technology.

 

ACDelco also continue to be at the forefront of battery innovation and technology with their range of EFB and AGM batteries. Specifically designed to lower fuel consumption and reduce vehicle emissions the ACDelco Stop Start range has sizes to suit all popular models.

The company is the world’s best gc2 battery supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

 

Learn more about our range of Delkor and ACDelco Stop Start batteries by clicking on the buttons below.

 

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Do you need a battery charger for Stop Start battery?

Stop Start batteries may require a different battery charger compared to conventional batteries. A smart battery charger with selectable battery types will allow you to charge EFB and AGM batteries safely and efficiently. Visit your local R&J Batteries branch to get a smart battery charger for your Stop Start battery.

 

Can I put a Stop Start battery in a conventional vehicle?

Stop Start batteries are not limited to vehicles with Stop Start systems. AGM batteries are widely used in conventional vehicles due to their array of benefits.

 

As governments around the world have increased pressure on vehicle manufacturers to produce greener and more efficient vehicles, Stop Start technology continues to become more prevalent. If you have a vehicle with a Stop Start system, you have already taken a step towards reducing harmful gases into the atmosphere and protecting our environment. To ensure you get the best use out of your Stop Start vehicle, be sure to use a quality Stop Start battery. The friendly team at R&J Batteries can provide the advice and guidance you need to choose the correct Stop Start battery for your vehicle. Get in touch with the team today.

 

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DO YOU HAVE A CAR WITH STOP/START TECHNOLOGY? CAN YOU USE ANY BATTERY CHARGER?&#;

To start off, the answer is no to the question above.
Firstly, what is Start/Stop technology? Motor manufactures have been put under pressure from respective governments to make vehicles more efficient. To achieve this a number of different methods have been adapted. There are many but this blog does not set out to list them all. Obviously the first is when stopping at a road junction or waiting in traffic the engine turns off. When the accelerator is pressed the engine starts and the car pulls away. Hence Start/Stop Technology.
The alternator takes about 10% of the engines power so when the battery is charged the ECU (engine control unit) turns off the alternator saving power and fuel. When braking, some of the power developed from that braking is used to boost the battery.
Because of the way the battery is discharged it is necessary to recharge the battery quickly to keep up with the demands of the electrical system on the vehicle for this reason a new generation of batteries have been developed for Stop/Start technology.
Lead acid starter batteries are a series of lead grids known as plates. Onto these plates is pasted a lead compound which is the active material, as pure lead is very pliant it is difficult to form a grid so the lead has been alloyed to give the grid its rigidity. When County Battery Service started in , almost all the starter batteries were of lead antimony construction. There are obvious advantages but the disadvantage with antimony is that the battery gassed at a relatively low voltage so used a lot of water. Over the years this method of construction has been largely replaced with a lead calcium alloy which allows a greater rate of charge before gassing making these batteries almost maintenance free.
The AGM battery has been strong in the marketplace since the &#;s but generally for use in emergency power and telecom systems. These batteries have now been developed using high purity lead with a calcium grid allowing a faster higher voltage and amperage charge rate but with virtually no maintenance for use in Start/Stop vehicles.
An AGM battery needs a different charging algorithm than a standard flooded battery. With traditional battery chargers, as the battery becomes more charged the battery voltage increases as that voltage increases the amperage going into the battery will fall. You may have noticed that as the battery becomes more charged the amperage needle on the charger falls, if left on the battery starts to get hot and the electrolyte in the battery starts to bubble. This would be fatal for an AGM battery if this much gassing occurred the vents in the battery would open (to prevent explosion) and the gases would escape rendering the battery unserviceable.
With a new generation of batteries has sprung a new generation of chargers. These chargers are normally electronic with lights indicating state of charge rather than a needle. These chargers have fixed charging algorithms which peg voltage and amperage to prevent overcharging.

To start off, the answer is no to the question above.Firstly, what is Start/Stop technology? Motor manufactures have been put under pressure from respective governments to make vehicles more efficient. To achieve this a number of different methods have been adapted. There are many but this blog does not set out to list them all. Obviously the first is when stopping at a road junction or waiting in traffic the engine turns off. When the accelerator is pressed the engine starts and the car pulls away. Hence Start/Stop Technology.The alternator takes about 10% of the engines power so when the battery is charged the ECU (engine control unit) turns off the alternator saving power and fuel. When braking, some of the power developed from that braking is used to boost the battery.Because of the way the battery is discharged it is necessary to recharge the battery quickly to keep up with the demands of the electrical system on the vehicle for this reason a new generation of batteries have been developed for Stop/Start technology.Lead acid starter batteries are a series of lead grids known as plates. Onto these plates is pasted a lead compound which is the active material, as pure lead is very pliant it is difficult to form a grid so the lead has been alloyed to give the grid its rigidity. When County Battery Service started in , almost all the starter batteries were of lead antimony construction. There are obvious advantages but the disadvantage with antimony is that the battery gassed at a relatively low voltage so used a lot of water. Over the years this method of construction has been largely replaced with a lead calcium alloy which allows a greater rate of charge before gassing making these batteries almost maintenance free.The AGM battery has been strong in the marketplace since the &#;s but generally for use in emergency power and telecom systems. These batteries have now been developed using high purity lead with a calcium grid allowing a faster higher voltage and amperage charge rate but with virtually no maintenance for use in Start/Stop vehicles.An AGM battery needs a different charging algorithm than a standard flooded battery. With traditional battery chargers, as the battery becomes more charged the battery voltage increases as that voltage increases the amperage going into the battery will fall. You may have noticed that as the battery becomes more charged the amperage needle on the charger falls, if left on the battery starts to get hot and the electrolyte in the battery starts to bubble. This would be fatal for an AGM battery if this much gassing occurred the vents in the battery would open (to prevent explosion) and the gases would escape rendering the battery unserviceable.With a new generation of batteries has sprung a new generation of chargers. These chargers are normally electronic with lights indicating state of charge rather than a needle. These chargers have fixed charging algorithms which peg voltage and amperage to prevent overcharging.

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