What kind of battery is installed on a Chevrolet Niva

Which battery to buy for the field, choosing what is best to install

Although the Niva 4x4 is a tank, not afraid of roads or directions.
For obvious reasons, there is no pneumatic starter on it. From which follows the need to own a reliable battery that will not fail far from home and will not discharge in the most severe frost. Which battery to buy for the Niva - as well as for other similar cars - is unpretentious and can withstand frequent deviations from the horizon. And, of course, suitable in size for the standard installation location. The parameters of a standard pallet are 245x175x170 , however, as practice shows, it is possible to supply a battery up to 280 mm long.

Speaking of capacity, we recall precautions about the possible undercharging with its large value and insufficient generator current output (from 55 A for 21213 to 80 A for 21214) , which threatens the failure of both key components. At the same time, an important truth is forgotten - the generator does not care what the capacity of the battery is - how much was spent during the engine start, so much will have to be returned (this parameter can, with some assumptions, be taken as a constant value on one machine) regardless of the size of the energy storage. Another thing is that if your trips on the Niva 2121 are often short and mainly at low speeds, plus there are additional consumers, then there is still a threat of constant undercharging, which shortens the life of the battery.

Another important parameter is the cold cranking current. Since weather conditions, as well as the starter model, and therefore the current consumption, differ, pay attention to values ​​​​from 450 A. Based on the reviews and preferences of owners of classic Nivas, we have compiled a rating of the best batteries with straight polarity suitable for their needs. We hope this will help you choose the right one and forget about constant charging.

What kind of battery for a Chevrolet Niva - Auto repair

Although the Niva 4x4 is a tank, not afraid of roads or directions.
For obvious reasons, there is no pneumatic starter on it. From which follows the need to own a reliable battery that will not fail far from home and will not discharge in the most severe frost. Which battery to buy for the Niva - as well as for other similar cars - is unpretentious and can withstand frequent deviations from the horizon. And, of course, suitable in size for the standard installation location. The parameters of a standard pallet are 245x175x170, however, as practice shows, it is possible to install a battery up to 280 mm long.

Speaking of capacity, we recall precautions about the possible undercharging with its large value and insufficient generator current output (from 55 A for 21213 to 80 A for 21214), which threatens failure of both key components. At the same time, an important truth is forgotten - the generator does not care what the capacity of the battery is - how much was spent during the engine start, so much will have to be returned (this parameter can, with some assumptions, be taken as a constant value on one machine) regardless of the size of the energy storage.

Another important parameter is the cold cranking current. Since weather conditions, as well as the starter model, and therefore the current consumption, differ, pay attention to values ​​​​from 450 A. Focusing on the reviews and preferences of owners of classic Niva, we have compiled a rating of the best batteries with straight polarity, suitable for their needs. We hope this will help you choose the right one and forget about constant charging.

4th place. Beast

The Russian battery is available on the market according to the required characteristics in five versions - 55, 60, 65, 64 and 77 Ah, starting current - 530, 600, 640 and 720 A, respectively. The length of the first three varieties is 242 mm, and the fourth and fifth are 278 mm. We tolerate deep discharges due to the use of Calcium Plus hybrid technology. It has a shock-resistant and frost-resistant body. Warranty – 2 years.

3rd place. Medalist

Manufactured in South Korea and the USA. The model line consists of batteries with capacities from 55 to 75 Ah, but the most common is 74 Ah, with a starting current of 680 A, and a length of 278 mm. The special design of the housing allows it to withstand vibration and constant cycles of compression and expansion during charge and discharge. Has additional protection against ignition during spark formation.

2nd place. TYUMEN BATTERY Premium

Russian battery, which does not differ in quality from the best products of branded manufacturers, and in many ways even surpasses them. Available in 60, 64, 74 and 77 Ah capacities. The cold cranking current is 510, 590, 630 and 640 A. Maximum corresponds to the declared parameters. Characterized by a low degree of self-discharge. The body is made of frost-resistant and impact-resistant plastic. Not afraid of overheating. You can take it literally in any city.

A battery belongs to the category of devices that converts a chemical process into direct electrical current. The procedure also provides for a reverse reaction. In this case, the battery reserves and stores voltage for a long time. That is, its function is to accumulate energy and release it to the vehicle’s on-board system, while discharging.

A typical 12 V battery consists of 6 cells connected in series. Each of them contains oppositely charged plates. The block is the simplest example of a battery that produces a voltage of 2 V.

1 place. Varta Blue Dynamic

Production – Czech Republic. The battery can be found in two versions: 60 Ah and 540 A, also 74 Ah and 680 A, length 242 mm and 278 mm, respectively. Made using calcium. Capable of maintaining a charge for a long time when the vehicle is idle in harsh winter conditions.

Positive plates - lead grid (electrode). The negative electrode is a spongy lead plate with an active mass. These sections are placed alternately with each other.

Closing or touching them is excluded, since they are separated by porous separators with insulating properties.

Battery diagram

The blocks (6 pieces) are assembled into a monolithic body, filled with a solution of H2SO4 (sulfuric acid), achieving an electrolyte density of 1.27-1.29 g/cm. The outermost elements extend outside the housing (outside), connecting to the terminals.

The battery is designed to perform the following functions:

• Starting the starter.
• Power supply for on-board devices (motor not working).
• Power supply to the generator (operating unit), if there are loads in the on-board network.

Starting a car in winter has been and remains a problem for drivers. This is caused by thickening, often freezing of the electrolyte, and a decrease in density, making it impossible to spin the starter. Loss of capacity and difficulties with normal charging cannot be ruled out. The reason for this situation may be a long downtime of the machine.

The density of the electrolyte is measured with a hydrometer.

Capacity

Car battery capacities

Set by the manufacturer (55 A/hour) for domestic brands of cars of this class.

In particularly difficult operating conditions, the battery can be replaced with a helium battery with increased capacity. For example, on this one, it is 100 Amp/hour.

This indicator ensures easy starting of the car even in harsh weather conditions. Therefore, there is no need to replace the battery with an analogue with a larger capacity.

This is explained by the reasons for the orientation of the on-board network at 55 A/h. If batteries are replaced with a larger capacity, they cannot be fully charged and cause the starter, diode bridge, or generator to quickly fail.

The opposite situation occurs with the starting voltage, which the higher, the easier the starter spins, especially in winter.

This indicator means that the starter speed depends on the battery power. That is, more power means more revolutions, faster engine starting.

Original battery

Original battery under the hood of Niva Chevrolet Akom battery capacity 55A/h, starting current 425A

By the way, the domestic AKOM product for the Chevrolet Niva with a capacity of 55 A/hour and a starting current of 425 amperes is justified, but at an ambient temperature below 15°C it leaves much to be desired. Therefore, the choice should be made on products with 450 amperes.

When purchasing battery products, you need to make sure that the product is not over a month old. It is believed that the life of the battery is reduced by the same amount of time it is stored somewhere.

Selecting a battery begins with viewing the starting current correspondence table (in the store). Its size is indicated on the body, but different countries-manufacturers have different standards.

Attention is also paid to the dimensions of the product.

Also interesting: New Niva LADA 4x4 Vision

Manufacturers

The main criterion for selection is the country of origin.

The products of the companies VARTA, BOSCH, BARUM, MUTLU are considered popular, distinguished by their quality and long service life.

Despite the high cost, the products last 2-3 times longer than domestic products.

Preference is given to products made in Germany. A little expensive, although the convenient handle for carrying, installation in place, coupled with high quality, justifies the expense.

Car battery BOSCH T3 55 R Car battery Varta Standard Car battery Mutlu

Charger

Recharging is carried out by the current of the battery itself and with a capacity of 55A/hour it is 5.6 amperes. The process continues until a visually visible accumulation of gases appears in the jars. After checking the level, the density of the electrolyte is controlled, which should be the same in all banks, that is, 1.28 g/cm.

A battery with a capacity of 55A/hour is recharged with a current of 5.6 amperes

The battery is considered faulty if the density in one of the cans is 0.1 g/cm lower.

After waiting approximately 20 minutes for the vapor to completely escape, tighten the plugs.

Determined by the location of the external terminals on the battery cover. The battery is turned with the product label towards itself.

The positive terminal should be located on the left - straight polarity. If it's on the right, it's the opposite.

The direct polarity of domestic batteries is marked with the number “1” (positive), and the negative polarity is marked with “0”.

Battery polarity diagram

The product does not externally differ in the number of cans, capacity, current strength, or body.

Thus, there is a correct and incorrect way to install the battery. The former is preferable, since incorrect placement is rare due to the predetermined length of the power wires.

At the same time, when purchasing a product, it is better to contact a car dealership, where they will advise you and help you decide on the optimal parameters for your car.

The technical passport attached to the product sets the buyer up to make an informed choice when purchasing the product.

Range

They are classified into types according to service class.

Serviced

Serviceable battery

At a high cost, they are characterized by low insulating properties. The reason lies in the coating of the top of the case with mastic, which often leads to cracks, changes in appearance with loss of durability, and discharge. With temperature changes, the capacity drops, requiring the addition of distilled water.

Low maintenance

Low-maintenance (dry-charged) battery requires regular topping up of electrolyte

These include batteries in which the caps act as condensers of electrolyte vapors with their subsequent return to the jars. The advantage is reliability (5 years) of operation and low price. Resistant to long-term discharges with high current parameters. Resistant to on-board power surges. The case is transparent plastic, reliable. The disadvantages include the need to periodically check the electrolyte level.

Hybrid

Hybrid battery diagram

Rarely used due to high cost. The price is dictated by the material from which the positive and negative grid electrodes are made. They are distinguished by their stable starter current (even in winter), reliability, and rare use of water.

Battery for VAZ 21214 recommended by the factory

Which battery to buy for the Niva - as well as for other similar cars - is unpretentious and can withstand frequent deviations from the horizon. And, of course, suitable in size for the standard installation location. The parameters of a standard pallet are 245x175x170 , however, as practice shows, it is possible to supply a battery up to 280 mm long.

Speaking of capacity, we recall precautions about the possible undercharging with its large value and insufficient generator current output (from 55 A for 21213 to 80 A for 21214) , which threatens the failure of both key components. At the same time, an important truth is forgotten - the generator does not care what the capacity of the battery is - how much was spent during the engine start, so much will have to be returned (this parameter can, with some assumptions, be taken as a constant value on one machine) regardless of the size of the energy storage. Another thing is that if your trips on the Niva 2121 are often short and mainly at low speeds, plus there are additional consumers, then there is still a threat of constant undercharging, which shortens the life of the battery.

Another important parameter is the cold cranking current. Since weather conditions, as well as the starter model, and therefore the current consumption, differ, pay attention to values ​​​​from 450 A. Based on the reviews and preferences of owners of classic Nivas, we have compiled a rating of the best batteries with straight polarity suitable for their needs. We hope this will help you choose the right one and forget about constant charging.

Battery selection criteria

When choosing a new battery, the motorist should know which battery, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, should be installed on the Chevrolet Niva crossover.

Almost every characteristic plays a big role here. Namely:

• capacity;
• polarity;
• battery starting current strength.

The dimensions of the installed battery must also be taken into account, since the Chevrolet Niva is designed for the installation of a specific battery housing:

1. Capacity. If you look at the instruction manual, the recommended capacity is 55 Ah. This is exactly the battery Niva Chevrolet receives from the factory. You cannot violate the recommended parameter downward. Although when connecting non-standard consumers, the capacity can be increased somewhat, but literally up to 60 Ah. Otherwise, the generator will not be able to produce the required charging current, and the battery will have to be constantly charged using a charger.
2. Starting current. The starting current parameters also affect which battery is best to purchase for a Chevrolet Niva. From the factory there is a battery with a cold cranking current of 425 A. Considering the operating conditions, it is better to take a battery with a starting current of about 450–500 Amperes.
3. Polarity. Now about the polarity of the battery for Niva Chevrolet cars. Since we are talking about a domestic car, straight polarity is used here. In domestic markings, direct polarity is designated 1, and reverse polarity is 0. In the first case, the plus is on the left, and in the second, the plus is on the right. Having determined the polarity of the battery on the Niva Chevrolet, there will definitely be no problems with installing the battery.
4. Dimensions. Pay attention to the proper size of the power supply. A standard pallet has dimensions of 245x175x170 mm. But at the same time, a battery up to 280 mm long can be installed on a domestic SUV.

The considered characteristics can be considered basic when choosing a battery for a domestically produced Chevrolet Niva car.

Of course, the polarity of the battery in the domestic car Niva Chevrolet plays a significant role. But it is equally important what the capacitance and inrush current will be.

Based on the recommended parameters of capacity, current and dimensions, the car owner will be able to install a truly efficient battery under the hood that meets all requirements. Since Chevrolet has an injector, it places increased demands on battery quality.

Selecting a battery for Niva 21213, 21214 and Niva Chevrole

It’s worth saying right away that the manufacturer installs AKOM “Standard” batteries with a capacity of 55 Ampere hour and a starting current of 425 Ampere on both regular 2121 Niva and Chevrolet. I can’t say with certainty about this data, but 99% of the cars I saw had just such a battery installed from the factory.

It is not worth taking a larger capacity, since it will not be fully charged with a regular generator. The load on the generator will be very high, which may lead to failure of generator parts. For example, from personal experience there was a case when, after installing 65 Ah, the diode bridges burned out one after another. And after installing a normal battery, everything returned to normal and there were no more similar problems.

Choosing a battery for a Chevrolet Niva

There are several criteria for selecting a battery:

Capacity

Car battery capacities

Set by the manufacturer (55 A/hour) for domestic brands of cars of this class.

In particularly difficult operating conditions, the battery can be replaced with a helium battery with increased capacity. For example, on this one, it is 100 Amp/hour.

Battery starting current strength

This indicator ensures easy starting of the car even in harsh weather conditions. Therefore, there is no need to replace the battery with an analogue with a larger capacity.

This is explained by the reasons for the orientation of the on-board network at 55 A/h . If batteries are replaced with a larger capacity, they cannot be fully charged and cause the starter, diode bridge, or generator to quickly fail.

The opposite situation occurs with the starting voltage, which the higher, the easier the starter spins, especially in winter.

The starting current refers to the rated power of the battery.

This indicator means that the starter speed depends on the battery power. That is, more power means more revolutions, faster engine starting.

Original battery

By the way, the domestic AKOM product for the Chevrolet Niva with a capacity of 55 A/hour and a starting current of 425 amperes justifies itself, but at an ambient temperature below 15°C it leaves much to be desired. Therefore, the choice should be made on products with 450 amperes .

When purchasing battery products, you need to make sure that the product is not over a month old. It is believed that the life of the battery is reduced by the same amount of time it is stored somewhere.

Selecting a battery begins with viewing the starting current correspondence table (in the store). Its size is indicated on the body, but different countries-manufacturers have different standards.

Attention is also paid to the dimensions of the product.

Auto parts for foreign cars, auto repair

I have noticed more than once in the parking lot that the fog lights or the radio were on, after the child sat behind the wheel and played with the battery on the Chevrolet Niva Bosch. Moreover, this was not noticed immediately and 11 fords from the nearest village... This is also relevant for winch owners. A large battery is good, but it is always connected to the on-board network and it is a matter of time before it is removed.

An independent backup power source is required. The special design of the housing allows it to withstand vibration and constant cycles of compression and expansion during charge and discharge. Has additional protection against ignition during spark formation.

Varta Blue Dynamic Manufactured in the Czech Republic. Made using calcium.

Capable of maintaining a charge for a long time when the vehicle is idle in harsh winter conditions. The cold cranking current is , and A. These are more expensive batteries, often with silver fusion. They are durable, produce a higher starting current, the battery on the Chevrolet Niva Bosch also has disadvantages: Hybrid batteries They have average starting current and capacity, but they can withstand deep discharge.

Therefore, a short alarm or a light that is not turned off will not bury this type of battery. Gel or AGM batteries Instead of electrolyte, such batteries have a gel that does not boil away or spill out.

Which battery to buy for the field, choosing what is best to install

There is no need to maintain such batteries; they are resistant to vibration and can withstand deep discharge. These are some of the most expensive batteries.

A new type of battery It is worth dwelling on a new type of battery that appeared relatively recently and the battery on a Chevrolet Niva Bosch has the abbreviation EFB. This is an improved lead-acid battery technology that contains longer-lasting, thicker plates and less electrolyte.

Such batteries are not inferior in their characteristics to more expensive gel batteries, work well in cold weather, are durable and are more affordable than gel batteries. All this allows us to recommend this particular type of battery for the Chevrolet Niva.

The price of a battery ranges from 6 to 9 rubles. For example, from personal experience there was a case when, after installing 65 Ah, the diode bridges burned out one after another. And after installing a normal battery, everything returned to normal and there were no more similar problems. Which battery manufacturer to choose Again, only from the personal experience of the Chevrolet Niva Bosch battery of many of my friends, I chose only from two famous manufacturers, such as Bosch and Varta. Both companies are very serious and present on the market the same battery for the Chevrolet Niva Bosch of the best batteries for automotive equipment.

I would like to tell you a little more about each. The process continues until a visually visible accumulation of gases appears in the jars. After waiting approximately 20 minutes for the vapor to completely escape, tighten the plugs.

The battery is turned with the product label towards.

Batteries for Chevrolet Niva 1.7 i (80 hp)

The positive terminal should be located on the left - straight polarity. If it's on the right, it's the opposite.

Battery polarity diagram The product does not differ in appearance by the number of cans, capacity, current strength, or case. Incorrect selection of a product, for example, reverse polarity, leads to the failure of the diode bridge and vehicle electronics, which does not exclude the possibility of a vehicle fire.

Which battery manufacturer to choose

Again, only from personal experience and many of my friends, I chose only from two famous manufacturers, such as Bosch and Varta. Both companies are very serious and represent some of the best automotive batteries on the market. I would like to tell you a little more about each.

If we compare these manufacturers, then in terms of characteristics they are almost equal, but in many tests of well-known publications, it is Varta that takes first place. But if you decide to buy Varta, you will have to spend a little more money than on the same Bosch.

Of the Varta batteries presented on the display, there were several 55 models, namely:

The simplest battery is Black Dynamic C 15 , but even it is far superior to the original factory AKOM in all respects. The battery capacity is 55 Ampere-hour, and the starting current reaches 480 Amperes, which is 55 units more than the factory one. Accordingly, in severe frost it will be easier to start the engine.

How to choose a Niva Chevrolet battery

To choose the right Chevrolet Niva battery, you need to know a few simple things, as well as dispel some warnings that exist among car enthusiasts. It’s better to write down these points on a piece of paper and go to the store with it.

Let's start with a simple thing: if the battery is not replaced with exactly the same one, then the first thing you need to know about replacing it is its polarity. Simply place the battery facing you so that the terminals are on the side closest to you. If the plus is on the left, then you need a battery with straight polarity. If the battery positive is on the right, the polarity is reversed.

Help: Niva's battery has straight polarity.

Then measure the length, width and height of the old battery, as well as the length, width and height of the Niva's battery compartment.

Reference: the dimensions of the base for the battery on the Chevrolet Niva are 242x175 mm.

That is, the maximum size of the battery that will fit in place of the old one. These dimensions will be needed to select the capacity of the new battery. If the battery case is secured on top with a strap, and the terminals protrude above the battery case, then this is an Asian type of case. If the battery is attached with its protrusion at the bottom and the terminals are recessed into the housing, this is a European type. Batteries may also differ in terminal diameter. Thinner terminals are Japanese type, thicker ones are European.

Niva Chevrolet battery: how to choose the best

1. BEAST – has the title of Best Russian Battery
2. Tyumen Bear - proven by time and drivers
3. Varta Black Dynamic – European quality and reliability
4. Bosch S3 is a trusted manufacturer, beware of fakes
5. Start Extreme Ultra – loved by many VAZ owners

In conclusion, let us remind you that if there is no money for a new Chevrolet Niva battery, and the old one has failed, and it’s freezing outside, then you can try to start it in five ways with an old discharged battery.

The time to replace the battery may come at the most unexpected moment. This happens, so you need to regularly monitor your food source, especially before the onset of winter. Owners of a Niva Chevrolet car are recommended to choose high-quality batteries with a capacity of at least 55 A/h.

First of all, you need to decide on the polarity. The battery is placed with the front side facing you - in other words, with the terminals or product label facing you. Finding the positive terminal on the left will indicate straight polarity. On the Chevrolet Niva, the power wire is connected on the left side - if you are facing the windshield, so the batteries must be adapted in this way.

If you install the wrong battery - with a different polarity - it will damage the diode bridge of the generator, and can damage the entire electronics of the car. There is even a risk of fire!

The second point when choosing a battery is the size. You need to measure the length, width and height of the battery that is being replaced. This is done so that the new battery fits into the Niva compartment and does not dangle. This is the optimal size of the base for the battery in the engine compartment of the Niva Chevrolet: 242x175 mm. As for the height, it should not exceed 190 mm.

Additionally, you can determine the type of housing. Asian and European are known. In the first case, the battery is fixed on top with a strap, the terminals protrude above the body. The European battery has a mounting lip at the bottom, and the terminals are recessed into the housing. Also, the difference between Asian and European car power supplies involves the size of the terminals. Thinner terminals will indicate the Japanese type.

Today, several types of batteries are produced:

• traditional or acid-lead - antimony based, considered a budget option, used mainly on gasoline carburetor cars;
• calcium or lead-acid - here the basis is calcium, the price is higher, they are more durable and produce a higher current;
• hybrid - capable of withstanding deep discharges, but the inrush current and capacity are average;
• gel or AGM - a gel base that does not evaporate or spill;
• EBF is an improved lead-acid battery technology containing longer-lasting and thicker plates.

You can install any of the listed options on the Chevrolet Niva. Which is better? Classic or antimony batteries are inexpensive, but they discharge quickly, produce low current and require constant maintenance. The approximate cost is 2-3 thousand rubles.

Also interesting: Replacing the heater radiator of a Niva Chevrolet with and without air conditioning, how to remove and replace it yourself

Calcium analogues will not withstand 3-4 deep discharges, so they also need to be looked after, and only then will they be durable. They are not cheap, since they are based on a portion of silver. The hybrid battery is practically not afraid of anything, but has average technical indicators.

AGM is vibration resistant, can withstand deep discharge, does not require maintenance, but is extremely expensive.

The best battery for Chevrolet Niva

EBF are batteries of the new century, practically not inferior in technical terms to gel batteries. They perform well in cold weather, are durable, and are affordable. They cost approximately 6-9 thousand rubles. This type of battery can be called the best for Niva Chevrolet.

It is advisable to buy a battery with a high starting current. At least for Niva, this figure should not be lower than 425 A, but preferably higher.

For example, the recommended AKOM with this indicator is difficult to start the engine of a Russian SUV at ambient temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is advisable to use the 450-amp option.

As for capacity, it is advisable to always take 10-20 percent more than recommended by the car plant. And if the car also has an expensive radio and other consumers installed, then even more so. According to the manufacturer, the standard Niva battery capacity should be 55 A/h. Taking into account the above, add 20 percent and get 66 A/h. It’s best to immediately take a 100 A/h gel one.

Manufacturer's choice

Several companies producing car batteries are popular today. Their products are in demand because they are of high quality and have a long service life. Despite their somewhat high cost, they are able to last significantly longer than similar competitor models. Such well-known brands include Tudor, Varta, Bosch, Mutlu.

However, Chevrolet Niva owners rarely buy such expensive models. Basically, they make a choice in favor of the following batteries.

Price, rublesStarting current (A)Capacity, A/h

When choosing a battery for a Chevrolet Niva, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, considering their requirements to be minimal. If in doubt, you can seek advice from specialists.

Speaking of capacity, we recall precautions about the possible undercharging with its large value and insufficient generator current output (from 55 A for 21213 to 80 A for 21214), which threatens failure of both key components.

Another thing is that if your trips on the Niva 2121 are often short and mainly at low speeds, plus there are additional consumers, then there is still a threat of constant undercharging, which shortens the life of the battery.

Another important parameter is the cold cranking current. Since weather conditions, as well as the starter model, and therefore the current consumption, differ, pay attention to values ​​​​from 450 A. Based on the reviews and preferences of owners of classic Nivas, we have compiled a rating of the best batteries with straight polarity suitable for their needs. We hope this will help you choose the right one and forget about constant charging.

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What kind of battery is installed from the factory?

The Chevrolet Niva is equipped with a low-maintenance lead-acid battery of the Akom Standard 55 brand. Its characteristics are shown in the table below.

And now about some characteristics in more detail.

Polarity

There are 2 types of polarity of manufactured batteries: direct and reverse. With straight polarity, the positive terminal is on the left if you turn the battery terminals towards you. When reversed - on the right.

The battery for the Chevrolet Niva has straight polarity.

It will not be possible to install a battery with reverse polarity into the car in question without modifications, since the wires connecting it to the generator and the body are short.

Capacity

It is measured in ampere-hours and shows how much electricity the battery can deliver 20 hours before the voltage between the terminals drops to 10.5 volts. The larger the capacity, the more attempts the owner has to start the engine in 30-degree frost.

Cold cranking current

This value shows the maximum current supplied by the battery for 30 seconds at an electrolyte temperature of −18 °C without reducing the voltage below 9 V.

The higher this value, the greater the chance of starting the engine in cold weather, since when the oil in the engine and gearbox thickens, the starter force required to turn the crankshaft and gearbox shafts and the current consumption increase.

How to choose the right battery

When planning to purchase a battery, first of all, you should decide what requirements will be placed on it and under what conditions it will operate. For an old car, a lead-acid battery is quite suitable; this is the cheapest option.

Find out the charging time of your battery

The owner of a new car, which does not have the preconditions for generator failure, will benefit from a battery manufactured using AGM technology; it is capable of providing high current and charge restoration within a short period of time.

The most expensive - gel battery is most often chosen as a tuning element. Due to their high current output, they are most often chosen to power powerful audio systems, while the standard battery powers the main electrical consumers of the car.

It is also necessary to know the polarity of the battery - the location of the terminals on its body. The majority of cars have power wires that are only long enough to reach their terminals, so connecting a battery with the “wrong” polarity will cause difficulties.

If you turn the battery terminals towards you, then a battery with direct polarity will have “+” on the left, and a battery with reverse polarity will have “+” on the right.

Types of batteries for Chevrolet Niva

Classic battery type

They are also called acid, acid-lead, lead. These include surmyany and low surmyany. Sometimes they are separated into separate groups, but from a consumer point of view this is not necessary. These are the cheapest batteries that are used on gasoline, mainly carburetor engines.

Such batteries discharge quickly, produce low current and require maintenance more often. The advantages are the low price and the ability to withstand deep discharge. Therefore, on simple and old cars where current leaks are possible, such a battery is even recommended. The cost of such batteries is from 2,000 to 3,000 rubles.

Calcium batteries

Battery for the field, life

Slovenian battery TAB
The first thing I heard from my guru in the field of batteries. No “boches and varts”. In the cheap segment, it’s just a sticker, the quality is slag. By the way, most tests on the Internet confirm this. But what happened next was more interesting. Who is to blame, and most importantly, what to do? I mean what to buy. I asked, name a couple of brands that you recommend. Criteria: price-quality ratio, characteristics, mean time between failures. I heard from imports: Slovenians TAB, Turks Mutlu and maybe Korean Medalist. From the Russians: Aktech corporation, Zver brand. As always, insider information was revealed, after knowing which it is no longer possible to read tests in magazines without smiling. The Slovenians have three of their own registered brands: TAB, Topla, Vesna and also make batteries from 5-6 third-party brands. I won’t reveal the names, let the “armchair experts” fantasize. I am more impressed by the Slovenian manufacturer. What they need to say a special “thank you” for is the environment. Two-thirds of the lead used in production at the plant comes from old batteries, which are accepted throughout Europe, recycled and disposed of. Now let's get specific. The battery for Niva and Niva Chevrolet is quite suitable with a capacity of 60 Ampere hours. TAB brand, Polar series, calcium technology, starting current 600 amperes, straight polarity. I have been using this battery for four years now. One of the most important points when purchasing is the “freshness” of the manufacturing date. Any “brand” battery has this data. Usually encrypted as a two-digit year of production and a week. Self-discharge of electrolyte batteries and sulfation of plates have not been canceled. (Sulfation is a deposit of lead sulfate on the positive and negative plates.)

Selecting a battery by characteristics

Pay attention to the battery with the highest starting current. In any case, the starting current should not be less than 450 amperes for small cars. It is better if this figure is closer to 600 amperes for more powerful gasoline engines and 700 - 800 amperes for diesel engines. Alternatively, use the car manufacturer's recommendations and add 10% to the starting current in case of starting in severe frosts. When choosing a battery capacity, also rely on the manufacturer’s recommendations. In this case, take the recommended parameters as minimum, choosing, if possible, a capacity 10–20% higher. The main thing is that the installation space in the car allows, the dimensions of which you took in advance. The last thing to pay attention to is the warranty and release date of the battery. Do not purchase batteries that have a warranty of less than 18 months and a release date that is more than 6 months prior to the date of purchase.

Good to know: to prevent the battery terminals from oxidizing, before putting the terminals on they are coated with grease or graphite lubricant.

Myths about batteries

Now about the prejudices that were mentioned at the beginning of the article.

Myth 1. You should not take a battery with a larger capacity, as it will constantly be undercharged, and with a smaller capacity it will overheat and even boil.

It is not true. A larger battery capacity will only require more charging time. You charge different smartphones with the same charger - it’s just that small ones charge faster, and larger ones charge slower. People are even experimenting with installing two batteries on a Chevrolet Niva - to do this, you need to replace the factory air filter with a zero-resistance filter, as in the photo below.

Myth 2. High starting current from the battery can burn the starter.

This is again a misconception. A good starting current will allow you to confidently start the engine in winter, when the starter under load consumes much more than in summer. And the starter itself will not take more current than it needs.

Purpose and design of a car battery

A typical 12 V battery consists of 6 cells connected in series. Each of them contains oppositely charged plates. The block is the simplest example of a battery that produces a voltage of 2 V. The positive plates are a lead grid (electrode). The negative electrode is a spongy lead plate with an active mass.

The blocks (6 pieces) are assembled into a monolithic body, filled with a solution of H2SO4 (sulfuric acid), achieving an electrolyte density of 1.27-1.29 g/cm. The outermost elements extend outside the housing (outside), connecting to the terminals.

The battery is designed to perform the following functions:

Starting a car in winter has been and remains a problem for drivers. This is caused by thickening, often freezing of the electrolyte, and a decrease in density, making it impossible to spin the starter. Loss of capacity and difficulties with normal charging cannot be ruled out. The reason for this situation may be a long downtime of the machine.