6 Frequently-Asked Questions about Car Battery

What are the various types of battery in the market today?

The common batteries in the market are Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB) and the Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM).  EFB is an enhanced version of the standard wet-flooded technology which can be equipped with start-stop and non-start-stop function.  It is a lower-tiered option as compared to AGM in terms of performance and durability. 

EFB technology focuses on improving the existing flooded technology through an increased amount of carbon additive added in the plate manufacturing process. On the contrary, AGM differentiates itself with the inclusion of its unique design features that are not found in wet-flooded batteries.  These features include glass mat separators, recombinant lid technology and higher pack pressures that aids in the facilitation of improved cyclic lifespan.  As such, AGM has become a preferred choice in meeting the demands of higher specification vehicles with start-stop functions and in-car cameras.

Battery Types/Features	Reliable Starting Power​	Design for High Electrical Demands	Vibration Resistant	Extreme Use	Non-Spillable	Deep Cycling Capabilities
Standard Flooded	✅	​​	​​	​	​​	​​
EFB	​✅	✅	​​	✅	​​	​​
AGM	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅

2. What battery size suits my car?​

Different car makes and model comes with different battery sizes. However, car manufacturer is able to create flexible battery storage compartment to suit different needs. Going by a rule of thumb, a battery can be used as long as it can be safely secured. 

Car Type	Mercedes E-Class	Audi A3 1.4TFSI
Battery Type	80Ah Flooded	59Ah EFB
Replace With	70Ah AGM	70Ah AGM

3. What is Reserved Capacity (RC) of the battery?​
​
Reserved Capacity (RC) is tied very closely with Amphere-Hour (Ah).  We can say that the higher the Ah or RC, the longer the lifespan of the battery.  If your car is fitted with in-car camera(s), it will be good to increase the size of your next battery replacement by 20% - a bigger Ah will be able to sustain longer than a lower Ah.  RC power is used to keep electronics and devices running while your engine is switched off.

For instance:

Owner of a Volkswagen Scirocco has 2 in-car cameras fitted with 24/7 surveillance functions.  The original 62Ah battery lasted him 1.5years.
 
​After upgrading to 70Ah battery, his next battery replacement was approximately 2.5 years later. ​

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4. Some car models require a change in battery more frequently than others.  Why?​

As the engine of some car models runs at a higher temperature than other car models, its battery life would correspondingly deplete faster. The usage amount of the car would also directly affect the lifespan of the battery.

​Case 1: The engine temperature of the Golf GTI is higher than many other VW models

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Car Type	Volkswagen Scirocco	Volkswagen Golf GTI
Battery Type	70Ah AGM	70Ah AGM
Mileage	20,000km per annum	20,000km per annum
Battery Status	Changed after 2.5 years	Changed after 1.5 years

Case 2:  The usage amount of the car will affect the life span of the battery

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Car Type	Audi A3 1.4TFSI	Audi A3 1.4TFSI
Battery Type	59Ah EFB	59Ah EFB
24/7 in-car camera	Yes	Yes
Mileage	10,000km per annum	30,000km per annum
Battery Status	Changed at 2.5 year mark	Changed at 1.5 year mark

5. My car does not have Start-Stop function.  Can I use a Start-Stop battery?​

Yes, you can.  You might not be enjoying the benefits of the start-stop function but you will be able to reap the AGM benefits.

​Case 1:

Car Type	Volkswagen Scirocco	Volkswagen Scirocco
Battery Type	70Ah AGM	70Ah EFB (non start-stop)
Start Stop Function	No	No
24/7 in-car camera	Yes	Yes
Mileage	20,000km per annum	20,000km per annum
Battery Status	Changed at 3 year mark	Change at 1.5 year mark

​Case 2:

Car Type	Mercedes C200	Mercedes C200
Battery Type	70Ah AGM	70Ah EFB (non-start stop)
Start Stop Function	Yes	Yes
24/7 in-car camera	Yes	Yes
Mileage	20,000km per annum	20,000km per annum
Battery Status	Changed at 2.5 year mark	Change at 1.5 year mark

Note: Your car’s start-stop function may or may not work if you are using a non-start-stop battery, and the life of your battery will be shortened drastically.

6. My battery needs replacement.  What type of battery can I change to?

To achieve fuel savings, it is essential that a battery originally fitted with AGM should be replaced with AGM of equivalent quality and design.  This applies to EFB as well.  If the vehicle has EFB technology fitted, it must be replaced with similar EFB or AGM of a higher specification.  Battery of a lower specification than your original should not be used as it will result in the following effects on your car and drive:

• Increase fuel consumption
• Early battery failure
• Increased emissions

Base on the cases listed above, we hope that we have cleared many doubts on how car batteries function in different car models and situations.  Choosing which battery brand and type to go for is similar to choosing your preferred car make and model.  Ultimately, you will choose one that best suits your budget and needs.  The reason we choose to promote VARTA is because of their branding and history in the automotive battery industry.  They are the pioneer for AGM technology. Why should you be paying more for EFB when you could get AGM at the same price? At AZ Car Battery Solutions, we bring savings and convenience to drivers.

If you have any burning questions regarding your car batteries, please feel free to contact us!

​Disclaimer: The information above is more applicable to non-modified, stock cars.  All cases described above are based on our data points gathered over the years in this business.