The battery is used to start a powerful, multi-cylinder commercial vehicle engine and ensure smooth operation of various electrical systems.
The engine is the heart of a commercial vehicle that must ensure the movement of a heavy vehicle, the start and smooth operation of a large number of electrical equipment. Long-distance trips, heavy cargo, parking in open areas set high standards for the quality of the battery.
WHAT INFLUENCES THE SELECTION OF A TRUCK BATTERY
Harsh weather conditions and intensive trips test the durability and performance of the engine and battery of a commercial vehicle.
When selecting a battery, you should definitely pay attention to the number of charge and discharge cycles, as well as the ability to recover after deep discharges. When choosing a battery for long trips, you should study its basic characteristics: the strength of the case, its parameters, and the reliability of the mount. If the battery is resistant to deep self-discharges, it will be able to ensure operation of a vehicle even after prolonged inactivity and temperature changes, while the strength of the mount will ensure greater reliability during trips in difficult road conditions.
MAIN PARAMETERS WHEN SELECTING A BATTERY
All lead-acid batteries for commercial vehicles belong to the maintainable type, which makes it possible to monitor their condition and get them for maintenance in time. Under long and intensive operating conditions, it is necessary to monitor the electrolyte level and add distilled water in time. This ensures the preservation of operational properties and extends the service life of the battery.
Here’s what you need to know to choose the right battery:
1. Overall dimensions
The best solution for a commercial vehicle is to match the dimensions. For example, a battery meets all the technical characteristics, but is smaller than the declared dimensions. In this case, the design of the battery must allow for its reliable fixation.
2. Polarity can be direct or reverse
It is essential to know the polarity when purchasing a battery, since it is impossible to install the battery without taking the polarity into account. The easiest option is to check the shapes of the terminals on the vehicle and buy a battery that matches them. It is near impossible to reinstall the terminals in a commercial vehicle, so you take this into consideration from the start.
3. Capacity:
- 77-90 A-h for models with a 1.6-3.2-liter engine;
- 90-140 A-h for trucks and buses with the engine capacity of 1.9-4.5 litres;
- 140-190 A-h for heavy commercial vehicles with an engine of 3.8-10.9 litres;
- more than 190 A-h for special equipment and trucks (dump trucks, tractor units, etc.).
4. Nominal voltage
This one is simple – 12 volts for light commercial vehicles and 24 volts for large trucks.
5. Starting curren
Starting current. This is an important parameter that is not that relevant in the summer, but plays an important role in cold conditions or in case of large temperature differences. The higher the indicator, the faster you can start the engine.