5 Must-Have Features in a stop start car 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.

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

Delkor ACDelco

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.

What are start stop car batteries?

The start stop car batteries work by automatically turning off the engine when the vehicle is suspended to save fuel, for example, when the vehicle stops at a red traffic light.

Ordinary car batteries only provide current to the starter to make it display, while modern start stop car batteries can discharge and charge many times. This means that even if the engine is stopped and the battery is idle, the start stop car batteries still supplies power to the auxiliary systems (lights, air conditioning and music). There is also a braking regeneration system, which stores energy during braking so that it can be used repeatedly in the future.

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Automotive agm start-stop battery

There are two sorts of start stop car batteries- EFB and AGM

EFB battery – enhanced cycle pad battery is designed to meet the needs of ordinary start and stop vehicles, so that it can benefit from performance improvement and extended battery life, so as to meet higher cycle requirements. EFB battery can reduce the carbon dioxide emissions by 6%, compared with “ordinary car battery”, EFB battery can also increase the efficiency of 6% in terms of fuel consumption. The EFB battery will affect the higher power load of the auxiliary system, even if the car has been suspended.

EFB battery needs to be replaced with another EFB battery or your other standby start stop car batteries. AGM car battery ordinary car battery cannot be used to exchange start stop car batteries.

AGM battery – absorbent glass mat automotive battery is for larger, more demanding start stop vehicles, with more complex built-in technology than standard entry-level vehicles. All this is to reduce fuel consumption. In general, the fuel efficiency of AGM battery is increased by 8%, and the carbon dioxide emission is reduced by 8%.

Similar to EFB batteries, AGM batteries must be replaced with similar batteries.

Here are the key differences between start-stop car batteries and normal car batteries:

1. Construction:

Start-stop car batteries use AGM technology, which involves a special construction where the electrolyte is absorbed in fiberglass mats. This design helps to provide better cycling capabilities and vibration resistance compared to conventional flooded batteries.

2. Cycle Life: 

Start-stop car batteries are built to handle frequent engine starts and stops, offering a higher cycle life compared to normal batteries. They are designed to withstand multiple deep discharge and recharge cycles without experiencing significant degradation in performance.

3. Power Output: 

Start-stop batteries are designed to deliver high power output, as they need to handle the demands of restarting the engine frequently. They typically have higher cold cranking amps (CCA) ratings, which measure a battery's ability to start an engine in cold temperatures.

4. Enhanced Durability: 

Start-stop batteries are engineered to withstand the demands of the start-stop system, which can put additional strain on the battery. They are designed to handle the higher electrical loads, vibration, and temperature variations associated with frequent engine starts and stops.

5. Advanced Battery Management: 

Vehicles equipped with start-stop technology often have sophisticated battery management systems that monitor the battery's state of charge, voltage, and temperature. These systems optimize charging and discharging processes to ensure the battery remains in good condition and provide reliable performance.

6. Cost: 

Start-stop car batteries are generally more expensive than normal car batteries due to their advanced construction and technology. However, the higher price is offset by their longer lifespan and durability.

It's important to note that start-stop car batteries are specifically designed for vehicles with start-stop technology. Using a regular battery in a start-stop vehicle may lead to reduced performance, shorter lifespan, and potential compatibility issues with the vehicle's electrical system. Therefore, it's recommended to use the battery type specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

Three advantages of AGM batteries

Excellent cold-start characteristics：

Automotive start-stop battery has a large cold start current. They powerfully start the starting motor and reduce its running time. Due to the cycle stability of AGM battery, the engine can be shut down and restarted several times in a short time without any difficulty during restart.

Balanced state of charge：

In modern vehicles, AGM battery is not only charged by generator, but also powered by braking energy recovery system. A normal starter battery must remain permanently charged and therefore cannot absorb the energy generated by recovery. The AGM battery can operate in the partial charging range, so it provides enough “extra” capacity to store the energy generated during braking.

High reserve capacity：

High reserve capacity ensures the power supply of various electrical components. The cycle stability of AGM technology ensures the power supply of components, and also provides high starting power. Even if the battery is not fully charged, for example, an electronic assistant and a consumer are provided to ensure comfort during parking, or the generator has been temporarily decoupled to reduce the load on the engine.

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