How often it is necessary to resort to this operation depends on the ratio of the power of the car's generator and the power of consumers, as well as on driving conditions. In the summer, for almost any car, you can do without additional battery recharging. The engine starts easily, from the consumers the ignition, the electric fuel pump (approximately 8-10A), the radio tape recorder (3-4 A), headlights with dimensions (13 A) are constantly on. Even at idle, a working generator produces 40-45A, which is almost enough to power a minimum number of consumers. And at operating speeds, when traveling along the highway, for example, 60-70A issued by the generator is enough to power consumers and charge the battery.

Much harder in winter. Negative temperature reduces the capacity of the battery, impairs the ability to accept a charge, starting a cold engine requires a lot of energy. On board, new powerful consumers are switched on: a heater (5-7 A at the first speed and 10-11 A at the second), glass and mirror heating (16-20A), heated seats 5A. The total current consumed is more than 50 A. The idling generator can no longer cope with the power supply to consumers, most of the energy is taken from the battery. Yes, and in operating modes, the ability of the generator to recharge the car battery turns out to be very modest, in addition, at negative electrolyte temperatures, the battery does not accept a charge. All this leads to the fact that the battery begins to chronically undercharge. The user may not notice this, because even a partial charge is usually enough to start the engine. But chronic undercharging leads to plate sulfation, which reduces capacitance and increases internal resistance. This in turn shortens battery life and degrades starting performance. Therefore, in winter, you need to systematically recharge the battery.

How often should you charge your car battery?

The frequency of recharging depends on the car, weather, travel conditions. For cars with a well-adjusted start system, in mild winter conditions with daily trips over short distances, accompanied by systematic standing in traffic jams, it is enough to charge about once a month or two. Of course, if the frosts are approaching -30 °, and each start is accompanied by repeated turning on of the starter, then it makes sense to check the battery charge level more often.

And, of course, the battery must be immediately put on charge if you have discharged it “to zero” by unsuccessful attempts to start the engine. Precisely "immediately", since the density of the electrolyte in a discharged state is low and there is a possibility that it will freeze, damaging the battery. On the other hand, the presence of a lead battery in a discharged state leads to sulfation of the plates.

Electrolyte density, reduced to 25°C, g/cm3	Freezing point, °С
1.09	-7
1.12	-10
1.14	-14
1.16	-18
1.18	-22
1.20	-40
1.23	-43
1.24	-50
1.26	-58

There are several battery charging modes: constant current, constant voltage, combined.

The main states of a deeply discharged battery

1. The battery was in a discharged state for no more than 2 weeks at room temperature and was not used on the car. As a rule, it is recommended to charge such a battery with a current equal to 0.1 of the rated capacity (6A for a 60Ah battery) until ρ = 1.27-1.28 g / cm³ is reached. The charging process can take up to 24 hours. If it is not possible to control the density of the electrolyte using a hydrometer, then you can focus on the indicator of the degree of charge, if available in the battery cover. The green color of the indicator indicates the degree of charge ≈ 50% (ρ=1.23 g/cm and above). One of the signs of the end of battery charging is the “boiling” of the electrolyte and the temperature of the battery case reaching ≈ 40 °C.

2. The battery was in a discharged state for a long time (deep sulfation of the plates occurred).

What is "plate sulfation".

Small crystals of lead sulfate, during charging of a normally discharged battery, are easily converted again into metallic lead (negative plate) and PbO2 (positive plate), which make up the active mass of the plates. However, if the battery is left in a discharged state, lead sulfate begins to dissolve in the electrolyte until it is completely saturated, and then falls back onto the surface of the plates, but already in the form of large and practically insoluble crystals. They are deposited on the surface of the plates and in the pores of the active mass, forming a continuous layer that isolates the plates from the electrolyte, preventing its penetration deep into the active mass. As a result, large volumes of active mass are "off", and the overall capacity of the battery is significantly reduced.

Recovery of such a battery, as a rule, is carried out using the so-called "stepped mode":

• start charging with a current of 0.1C20 ≈ 16 hours;
• discharge, for example, with a set of car lamps for 2-3 hours;
• charge current 0.1C20 until fully charged;

The condition of the battery is checked by measuring the open circuit voltage (OCV). The voltage at the battery terminals is measured 6 - 8 hours after the engine is stopped. If the battery NRC is below 12.5 V, the battery must be charged. It is advisable to carry out such a check once every 3-4 months.

Charging efficiency primarily depends on the type and quality of the charger. More than half of the chargers on sale are not able to fully charge a modern battery. Chargers designed to operate in automatic mode are often set to a voltage of 14.4 - 14.5 V. When this voltage is reached, a green indicator lights up, signaling the end of charging, and the charging current automatically decreases to almost 0. When buying a charger, pay attention attention to its features. The charger must provide an output charging voltage of 16.2 V. Before you start charging the battery, carefully study the instructions for the charger - it should describe in detail the technical characteristics, all the rules and the procedure for performing work.The battery is considered charged when the electrolyte density in all banks reaches 1.27-1.28 g / cm³, the electrolyte "boils" at the end of charging and the temperature of the battery case reaches ≈ 40 ° C

Akom car batteries are produced using the Calcium-Calcium technology. Drawing the lead melt with subsequent rolling without adding antimony makes car batteries more environmentally friendly. The "stretch + notch" method makes the plates stronger than those made by the casting method. On such elements, shedding of the working layer and chemical corrosion are practically not observed. Due to modern technologies, the value of specific capacity increases, the charge is faster.

New batteries retain their original performance for 3 years from the date of manufacture. A high-quality sealed case eliminates accidental loss of electrolyte, batteries are practically maintenance-free.

Benefits of Akom batteries

Among the advantages of this brand are the following:

• Thanks to the presence of the manufacturer's own scientific and laboratory base, the costs of developing new technologies are reduced: the price of an AKOM battery is lower than the average market price in the segment.
• AKOM JSC is a supplier of OEM consumables for the GM AvtoVAZ concern. This automaker recommends purchasing an Akom battery after the stock battery has reached its end of life.
• The company is included in the official register of the "One Hundred Best Goods" catalogue.
• The company is constantly developing, introducing new models of batteries into production.

As an official dealer of AKOM batteries, we offer the entire factory line: from 55 to 190 Ah. A warranty and all accompanying technical documentation is provided. You can buy an Akom car battery with straight or reverse polarity for different car models.

1. Purpose and description of the battery

1.1. Lead-acid starter battery (hereinafter referred to as battery), with a rated voltage of 12 V, filled with electrolyte and charged, in accordance with the requirements of GOST R 53165-2008 and TU 3481-001-57586209-2010, is intended for starting internal combustion engines and powering electrical equipment of automotive equipment .

1.2. Batteries are produced in climatic version of UHL type of placement category 2 (GOST 15150), while the ambient air temperature during operation should be from minus 50ºС to plus 60ºС.

1.3. Batteries are manufactured in two versions: direct and reverse polarity, depending on the location of the pole terminals and on the capacity of the battery (see Figure 1 and Figure 2). The polarity of the battery is indicated in the vehicle manual

.

Picture 1 110 Ah or less

Figure 2– Arrangement of polar conclusions of joint stock bank with a capacity over 110 Ah

1.4. Batteries with a nominal capacity of 110 Ah or less belong to the VL category - with very low water consumption, as it meets the requirements of clause 9.7 of GOST R 53165-2008
Batteries with a nominal capacity of more than 110 Ah, belong to category L - with low water consumption, as it meets the requirements of clause 9.7 of GOST R 53165-2008

1.5. For the production of batteries, an electrolyte is used, prepared from purified water (corresponding to the technical requirements approved by AKOM JSC) and sulfuric acid accumulator according to GOST 667 (highest grade).

2. Preparing the battery for operation (performed by the trading organization)

2.1. Check the battery by external inspection for the absence of mechanical damage, cracks, chips, leaks on the case and on the pole terminals.

2.2. Check the voltage at the terminals. If the voltage is less than 12.6 V, the battery must be charged. The battery charge must be carried out at an electrolyte temperature of more than 0ºС. Before starting charging, it is necessary to unscrew the filler plugs (if any) and leave them in the seating slots of the cover. At the end of the charge, before wrapping the plugs, it is necessary to remove them from the filler holes to release the accumulated gases and keep the battery in this state for at least 20 minutes. During charging, periodically check the temperature of the electrolyte and make sure that it does not rise above 45 ° C. The VRLA battery (with control valve) is not designed to add additional water. It is recommended to start charging with a current of no more than 5% of the rated capacity for two hours, followed by an increase in the charging current to 10% of the rated capacity (for example, for a battery with a rated capacity of 55 Ah, the charging current is 5.5 A). For efficient and complete charging of batteries manufactured using Ca / Ca technology, the charger must provide a charging voltage of 16.0 V, for low antimony and hybrid batteries - 15.2 V. The criterion for the end of the charge is the achievement of a density of 1.27 g / cm3, if it is impossible to control the density, the end of the charge can be considered a drop in the charging current to 0.5-1A and its stabilization for 2 hours.

Attention! Explosive gas is released during charging! The room where charging is carried out must be equipped with supply and exhaust ventilation or ventilated, it is forbidden to smoke and use an open flame in it!

To check the voltage of the open circuit of the battery after charging, turn off the charger, disconnect the tips of the charger wires from the battery terminals, keep the battery at room temperature for at least 8 hours and then measure it. Roughly, the degree of charge of the battery can be determined by the measured voltage at the pole terminals of the battery (at 25 ° C) (see Figure 3)

Figure 3– The relationship between the voltage at the pole terminals of the battery (at 25 ° C) and the degree of its charge

2.3. Check the electrolyte level (if there are filling holes). The electrolyte level is measured through the filler holes of the batteries using a glass tube with an internal diameter of 3 ÷ 5 mm. The electrolyte column in the tube indicates the height of its level above the upper edge of the plates, which should be within (18÷45) mm. The electrolyte level is set by the manufacturer depending on the battery type. For a VRLA battery, the electrolyte level is not checked.

2.4. Check the density of the electrolyte (if there are filling holes). The density of the electrolyte is measured using a hydrometer with simultaneous measurement of the temperature of the electrolyte. The electrolyte is taken through the filler holes of the batteries. The result of the density measurement lead to a temperature of 25°C. To do this, it is necessary to add or subtract the correction indicated in Table 1 to the hydrometer readings (in accordance with the sign of the indicated correction value).
The density of the electrolyte should be within (1.27÷1.30) g/cm3 at 25˚C (see Figure 4). If the electrolyte density is below 1.26 g/cm3 at 25°C, the battery must be charged according to 2.2. For a VRLA battery, the density of the electrolyte is not checked.

Table 1- Amendments to hydrometer readings when bringing electrolyte density to 25ºС

Temperature electrolyte, ºС	Amendment g/cm 3	Temperature electrolyte, ºС	Amendment g/cm 3
from + 47 to + 50	+0,02	from + 3 to - 10	-0,02
from + 33 to + 46	+0,01	from - 11 to - 25	-0,03
from + 18 to + 32	0	from - 26 to - 39	-0,04
from + 4 to + 17	-0,01	from - 40 to - 50	-0,05

Figure 4- The relationship between the density of the battery electrolyte (at 25ºС) and the degree of its charge

2.5. If the battery is equipped with an indicator of density and electrolyte level, it is necessary to be guided by the indications, the values ​​of which are given below:

	Green color Electrolyte level and density are normal (battery is charged)
	Black color Low electrolyte density (battery needs to be charged)
	White colour Low electrolyte level (must top up with distilled water)

3. Fastening and connecting the battery
3.1. Attach the battery of the correct polarity to the vehicle according to its owner's manual. Connection and disconnection of the battery should be carried out with the consumers switched off. The ignition switch must be in the "Off", "0" (or "Lock" position on foreign-made vehicles). Before installing the battery in the car, you must completely remove the shipping packaging (film) from the battery (if any).

3.2. Before connecting, it is recommended to clean the oxidized surfaces of the contact areas of the battery terminals and current-collecting wire lugs. Clamp the wire tips tightly on the pole terminals of the battery, then apply a thin layer of technical petroleum jelly (TU 5531-006-54051488-02) to protect against oxidation and maintain contact. The “+” terminal is connected first, then the “-” terminal. Switch off in reverse order. Be careful when connecting the wire lugs to the terminals! Connecting the “+” wire to the “-” battery terminal and vice versa will lead to failure of the electronic control unit and other expensive electrical equipment of the car!

4. Operation and care of the battery
4.1. Before starting the engine, all consumers must be turned off. When starting the engine, do not load the battery for more than 5÷10 seconds in one attempt, the interval between attempts should be at least one minute. If, after three attempts, the engine does not start, check the operation of the fuel supply and ignition system. A battery discharged during an unsuccessful start of the engine should be charged as soon as possible in stationary conditions (according to 2.2). Storage of deeply discharged batteries for more than 2-3 days is unacceptable, as this leads to a significant decrease in the efficiency of its work and service life.

4.2. Check the car's electrical wiring. Leaks in circuits due to faulty wiring, as well as consumers turned on (alarm, clock, etc.) with the engine off, lead to battery discharge. The leakage current must be measured at a workshop. When the car is parked for a long time, it is recommended to disconnect the terminals of the on-board network from the pole terminals of the battery, if this is not prohibited by the car manufacturer.

4.3. Operation of a discharged battery at a negative temperature leads to freezing of the electrolyte and destruction of the battery (see table 2).

table 2– Dependence of the freezing point of the electrolyte on its density

g/cm3	1,10	1,11	1,12	1,13	1,14	1,15	1,16	1,17	1,18	1,19	1,20	1,21	1,22	1,23	1,24	1,25	1,26	1,27	1,28
°C	-8	-9	-10	-12	-14	-16	-18	-20	-22	-25	-28	-34	-40	-45	-50	-54	-58	-68	-74

There is no warranty card;
the consumer has removed the components used for this type of battery;
the warranty card is not filled in and the seal of the trading organization is missing;
warranty card with corrections;
the date of manufacture has been changed (if available on the battery cover);
there are mechanical or other damage to the battery case (which affected the failure);
there are mechanical or other damage to the pole terminals of the battery (which affected the failure);
the electrolyte level above the upper edge of the plates is below 10 mm in all battery banks at the same time;
electrolyte level above normal >35 mm;
when the battery is reversed;
electrolyte density below 1.2 g/cm3 in all battery banks at the same time;
electrolyte freezing in all battery banks at the same time;
the electrolyte is dark, opaque or colored.

6.4. Warranty obligations (warranty service) are terminated in the event of:

Operation of the battery on vehicles with faulty electrical equipment or non-compliance of the technical parameters of the vehicle with the installed battery;
violated the requirements of this manual.

6.5. Battery charging for technical expertise can be carried out at a trading organization or at a warranty and service center:

Free of charge - in case of detection of a factory defect based on the results of a technical examination;
at the expense of the owner of the battery - in case of violation of operating conditions.

ATTENTION! Check for the presence of the top label indicating the manufacturing plant. In case of detection of the fact of the absence of the top label on this battery, please report this violation to the e-mail address of the AKOM company.

The stable operation of the electrical system depends on the correct choice of battery. The ability to start in the cold period, the ability to use various devices depends on the quality of the battery. Buyers tend to choose a relatively inexpensive type of product, which at the same time will have high performance.

The listed requirements are met by the Akom battery. Reviews of the presented product, its features must be considered before buying. This will allow you to choose the best option for the product, which will best match the features of the car.

Manufacturer

Considering the reviews about the Akom battery, it is necessary to say a few words about the manufacturer. This is a domestic brand that develops and manufactures batteries for different brands of cars. JSC "Akom" is the main enterprise among the group of companies that are engaged in the production of products for vehicles.

When creating its batteries, the company uses unique technologies and develops new designs. This allows us to meet the requirements of global vehicle manufacturers. The production complex is located on an area of ​​about 20 thousand m².

Gradually, the company expands, increasing its market share. The product range is growing. There are new models that are suitable for cars of domestic and foreign production. High quality and reasonable prices characterize the battery of the presented manufacturer.

Technologies

According to reviews, the Akom battery 62, 55, 60, 75 Ah is in high demand today. For each brand of car there is a suitable battery model. When creating them, a new Ca / Ca technology is used. The plates are made from lead. A tape made of this material is stretched and perforated. This technology results in a stronger plate that resists corrosion much better.

In the production process, the line is mechanized as much as possible. The most modern equipment is used for this. Technology "Calcium-Calcium" can significantly improve the environmental performance of products. When creating an alloy, antimony is not used. It is this component that poses a serious threat to the environment.

The use of Ca / Ca technology in the production process allows you to create battery models that can ensure the stable operation of the electrical system in different conditions by connecting a sufficiently large number of energy consumers to it. Such products are distinguished by the best indicators of specific capacity, maintaining the original characteristics for 18 months. At the same time, a stable electrolyte level is observed in the device.

Reviews about the series "Standard"

It should be noted that the products of the domestic brand are distinguished by an acceptable price. The Akom battery can be purchased at a price of 3.5 thousand rubles. The cost is affected by the type of device, as well as its capacity. Three main categories of standard batteries are manufactured using Ca / Ca technology. This is a group of passenger, truck and Asian batteries.

The first category includes batteries that have a capacity of 55 to 100 Ah. This is the most purchased group of products of the presented brand. The cost of production is from 3.5 to 6 thousand rubles. These are reliable, high-tech, modern models that are suitable for most cars.

For heavy trucks, you should purchase the appropriate type of battery. The domestic manufacturer creates models of this group with a capacity of 140 to 190 Ah. The cost of such products ranges from 8 to 12 thousand rubles.

For Asian-made cars, batteries with certain parameters are required. This is one of the best batteries for vehicles of this type. Their capacity is from 45 to 100 Ah. The cost is from 3.5 to 6.5 thousand rubles.

Reviews of the Ultimatum Series

The most powerful batteries of the domestic brand, which are called Ultimatum, are in great demand today. The presented products are endowed with a mass of positive characteristics. This is a universal type of battery that can be used for loaded vehicles. Also, for adverse driving conditions, this particular battery group should be preferred.

Batteries of the Ultimatum series are on sale, which have a capacity of 60 to 95 Ah. Their cost will be from 6.5 to 10.5 thousand rubles. The presented types of batteries can be used for vehicles that transport yachts, motor homes, loaded trailers.

A feature of the presented group of products is a double resource of work. At the same time, the system has additional protection against deep discharge. This significantly extends the life of the battery. This group of products is warranted for a period of 48 months.

Reviews about the series "Reactor"

Considering the reviews about the Akom Reactor battery, many positive statements should be noted. This group of products of the domestic brand includes devices that are characterized by an increased current value during cold start. There are no analogues to the presented batteries in Russia.

These are powerful batteries that allow you to start the car even if the generator is not working properly. The presented designs can be used for passenger vehicles of foreign and domestic production. At the same time, quite a lot of consumers of electricity can work in the car at the same time.

Reviews of Akom Reactor batteries indicate the ability to choose the right model for different brands of cars. Batteries are available with straight and reverse polarity. At the same time, batteries with a capacity of 55 to 100 Ah are on sale. You can buy such products at a price of 4.5 to 8 thousand rubles. The product is guaranteed for 36 months.

Reviews of the EFB series

Relatively recently, the domestic manufacturer presented his new creation. This is an improved teak battery, which was called "Akom EFB". The novelty appeared on the market in 2016. Since that time, the presented batteries have managed to win the recognition of customers.

A feature of the presented group of batteries is full compliance with modern global requirements of automotive manufacturers. The most popular in this group are, according to reviews, Akom batteries 60 Ah.

The new battery received a number of additions. The design of the separator and plates has been improved. Thanks to the improvement of production technologies, the company managed to increase the life of its battery by 2 times. Also in the new model, the starting currents were increased. This guarantees an easy start of the system in any conditions. Thanks to the use of new technologies in the EFB series, a guarantee is provided for 4 years.

EFB Series Features

It should be noted that the EFB battery group includes models that have a capacity of 55 to 100 Ah. The cost of production is from 4 to 7 thousand rubles. The most popular in this group is, according to reviews, the Akom battery 60 Ah. Its cost is about 4.5 thousand rubles.

At a fairly reasonable cost, the presented batteries are characterized by the ability to withstand large temperature differences. The battery can work normally at temperatures from -40 to +50 ºС. At the same time, the cyclic load indicator has been increased in the new design. This significantly extends the period of use of the presented battery.

The device is not afraid of deep discharge, it is characterized by increased resistance to oxidative processes. This is one of the modern, high-quality devices. It complies with modern standards. The presented battery can be used in the newest cars that have a large number of powerful energy consumers.