The editors “At the wheel” introduced car battery rating 2018-2019 reliability based on annual battery testing. The batteries were subjected to the most severe tests at various stands of NIITs AT of the 3rd Central Scientific Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense of Russia.
Experts did not begin to go the beaten track, and this time selected for testing two batteries of a certain model. So it was possible to confidently assess the stability of the results for each brand, minimizing the element of randomness and determining which car batteries are better to choose this winter. Also, the discharge currents were increased so that the subjects had to "give all the best."
In total, the batteries had to pass five tests:
- on reserve capacity, it should be the more, the better;
- reduced start-up energy by the declared current at minus 18 ° C;
- reduced start-up energy by a single current at minus 18 ° C;
- reduced start-up energy by a single current at minus 29 ° C;
- to receive a charge at a constant external voltage.
Here are the lucky ones who managed to get into the top 10 of the best car batteries of 2018-2019 according to the publication “Behind the Wheel”. The table of final tests is at the bottom.
10. Akteh
Price: 4700 rubles.
Country of manufacture: Russia.
Energy intensity and current: 77 A ∙ h / 680 A
The first pair of car batteries did not cause enthusiasm among the experts at the wheel. She passed all the tests for the C grade, but did not survive the severe frost at all. And the difference in weight was quite significant - 0.5 kg.
In their reviews, motorists who bought AKTECH batteries complain of a common factory defect, and that even at minus 15 degrees the battery orders “to live long”. However, in the summer-autumn period, the battery behaves well, nothing “leaks” and “does not sweat” in the can area, the terminals are not oxidized.
9. Titan EuroSilver
Price: 5400 rubles.
Country of manufacture: Russia.
Energy intensity and current: 76 A ∙ h / 730 A
Having successfully passed the test at minus 18 degrees, the batteries did not survive a more severe frost - minus 29 degrees.
The Titan EuroSilver model is good because it holds a charge for a long time, charges quickly, and overall is a good option for those who urgently need a powerful battery. But the price "bites."
8. Westa Red
Price: 3780 rubles.
Country of manufacture: not specified.
Energy intensity and current: 74 A ∙ h / 740 A
An inexpensive car battery, but you should not believe the stickers on it. About “anti-frost - 40 ° C” the manufacturer clearly got excited, because already when testing at minus 29 degrees, both batteries lasted a little less than 30 seconds.
But the current they have is high enough for its price segment. And if you are not going to operate the car in extreme cold, then Westa Red for your money is a good option.
7. The Beast
Price: 5200 rubles.
Country of manufacture: Russia.
Energy intensity and current: 77 A ∙ h / 720 A.
Two "Beasts" behaved differently when testing. One lasted twice as long as a "relative" in a 29-degree frost, and in the reserve capacity they had a difference of 10 minutes. However, both "Beasts" did not live to see the end of the most severe frost test. And the price of this brand is high.
However, this is partially justified by its durability (with the exception of operation at high subzero temperatures) and power. And there are more positive reviews about him than negative ones.
6. GS SMF096
Price: 5000 rubles.
Country of manufacture: not specified.
Energy intensity and current: 75 A ∙ h / 700 A.
The sixth place went to a pair of batteries, which received "lower than three" according to the results of all tests. In a frost of 29 degrees, both models failed.
The high price of GS SMF096 is due to a well-known brand. GS Battery is an American subsidiary of GS Yuasa Corporation of Japan, a world leader in motorcycles and backup batteries.
5. TAB Polar
Price: 6250 rubles.
Country of manufacture: The European Union.
Energy intensity and current: 75 A ∙ h / 750 A.
One of the two tested batteries had a backup capacity of as much as 133 minutes. And the declared current is one of the highest in the quality rating of the best batteries. This is good news. There is a bad one - both subjects failed at minus 29 degrees.
In the reviews, motorists praise the TAB Polar for reliability, durability and power. This battery will be able to start even after two weeks of inactivity in the car without shutting down. He would have higher frost resistance, and a lower price.
4. Mutlu
Price: 5600 rubles.
Country of manufacture: Turkey.
Energy intensity and current: 75 A ∙ h / 720 A.
A strong middling in all respects except the reserve capacity and energy characteristics - everything is very good here. But on the frost test, both tested batteries did not last long.
Mutlu batteries with a new generation of liquid electrolyte (SFB technology) are characterized by improved technical and operational characteristics compared to many competitors. The manufacturer claims that the productivity of its products is 25% higher compared to conventional car batteries. And her vibration resistance is higher.
Also promised increased strength and efficiency in harsh climates and adverse production conditions than conventional batteries. However, as the “Behind the Wheel” test showed with harsh climate, Turkish Mutlu are not doing very well.
3. Medalist SMF 57412 Premium Battery
Price: 5700 rubles.
Country of manufacture: Korea
Energy intensity and current: 74 A ∙ h / 680 A (BCI)
In an honorable third place in the list of the best car batteries of 2018-2019 is a product made in South Korea.
The fact that Koreans “do not knit brooms” is proved by excellent results in all tests, with the exception of the frosty one (they did not reach 1-2 seconds before the end of the test) and cold-current checking by current. But to become a bronze medalist is very honorable, given the rigor of selection.
According to car owners, this battery will last faithfully for at least three years, or even all five.
2. American SMF 48-770 Premium Battery
Price: 5900 rubles.
Country of manufacture: Korea.
Energy intensity and current: not specified / 770 A (CCA).
A pair of Koreans confidently beat their rivals in the test for reserve capacity - 156 and 158 minutes, respectively. Models worked successfully even at minus 29 degrees, and their real energy consumption amounted to as much as 80 A ∙ h. The declared current is the highest in the test of car batteries of the magazine “Behind the Wheel”. So if you need a reliable, durable battery that will work even in Siberian frosts, pay attention to this model.
1. Tyumen Battery Premium
Price: 3620 rubles.
Country of manufacture: Russia.
Energy intensity and current: 77 A ∙ h / 640 A.
It's nice that the best car battery of 2018 is Russian-made. He managed to withstand all the tests with dignity, even surpassing the Koreans (with the exception of such an indicator as reserve capacity). Moreover, not one, but both batteries proved to be excellent.
In terms of price-quality ratio, Tyumen Battery Premium also has no competitors in the selection of “Driving” batteries. Pure gold, no options.
That's just like real gold, these batteries are often faked. Therefore, buy them only in trusted stores.