Starter batteries / Car batteries for your car

What is a wet battery?

The wet battery - also called SLI battery - is the traditional starter battery. The name SLI stands for the three basic tasks:

Starting
Lighting
Ignition

The wet batteries are divided into the lead-acid battery, calcium battery and the EFB battery. The name wet battery comes from the fact that the acid is additionally diluted with a liquid, which serves as electrolyte.

The EFB battery as an optimal centerpiece

The EFB battery is an optimization of the normal wet battery. Like the traditional starter battery, the EFB battery contains a liquid electrolyte. EFB stands for Enhanced Flooded Battery, which means "improved flooded battery". Due to its improved performance, the EFB battery is also able to operate vehicles with a start-stop function. In addition, it can better withstand the increased driving demands of city traffic. The EFB battery therefore has almost the same characteristics as the AGM battery. Its additional advantage is that it is less expensive than the AGM battery.

High performance from the AGM battery

The AGM battery also contains acid. The difference to the normal car battery is that the AGM battery also contains a micro-glass fleece that binds the liquid. The content is therefore leak-proof, vibration-resistant and can also withstand impact damage. This change in the structure gave rise to the name AGM or "absorbent glass matt". The AGM battery has more power compared to a normal starter battery or the EFB battery. It is usually installed in vehicles with many electrical consumers and driving assistants, because they need more energy. It is also ideal for the start-stop function.

The gel battery for seasonal vehicles

The name of the gel battery comes from the fact that the sulfuric acid is connected by silicic acid. This mixture creates a similar consistency and makes the battery leak-proof. The gel battery is known as a particularly robust and low-maintenance battery. The battery is ideally suited for seasonal vehicles or motorcycles.

The 3 types of the most popular car batteries at a glance

	Lead-acid battery	EFB Battery	AGM-Battery
Suitable for	For vehicles without start-stop system vehicles without many electrical functions	Mainly for vehicles with start-stop system Increased driving requirements (e.g. city traffic)	Popular for vehicles with start-stop system Also for motorcycles Vehicles with a higher number of electrical consumers and driving assistants
Advantages	Reliable Recyclable Robust Best price-performance ratio	Can be used as a start-stop battery More economical than AGM batteries Less sensitive to heat Longer life	No maintenance required Leakproof Longer service life due to reduced wear of the electrodes Cold start values are high
Disadvantages	Partly subject to maintenance	More expensive than the normal wet battery	More expensive than the other two starter batteries

How do I find the right battery for my car?

In the automotive sector it is common that a starter battery has 12V. For special oldtimers or also for larger commercial vehicles a higher voltage may be necessary. The most important factors for a car battery are the capacity, the cold start current, the pole arrangement and the correct dimensions.

The capacity indicates how much charge can be taken from the battery before it is completely discharged. The amount of capacity is given in the unit ampere-hours (Ah).
The cold current indicates how much current can be supplied at -18 °C for 30 seconds. The result should have a voltage of at least 1.2 volts.
The poles of a car battery can be different. So it is possible that the plus and minus poles are reversed or are arranged in their front, back or side positions. It is therefore important that the pole arrangement corresponds to the old battery.

You should also compare the exact dimensions of the new battery with the old one. Despite the same values in the technical area, the dimensions can be different. In this context, also compare the base strip with which the battery is attached. This should also correspond to the old battery. Basically it can be said that the new car battery should be identical to the starter battery that is already installed in your vehicle. The same type of battery should always be replaced. The brand can be changed.

What else is important about handling car batteries?

There is a deposit on car batteries!
In order to ensure a professional and environmentally friendly disposal, a deposit was imposed by law on the starter battery in 2009. The deposit value is 7.50€ (including VAT) and must be paid by the buyer. Often this is offset with the purchase of a new battery. A refund against presentation of a disposal certificate is also possible.
The starter battery is a hazardous material. After receipt, please make sure that the battery has arrived undamaged. Please wash your hands or the affected area as quickly and thoroughly as possible if you ever come into contact with the acid from a battery. For dangerous goods no further shipping costs will be charged.

We would like to invite you to visit our blog entry on the theme worth knowing about the starter battery. Here you will find more details on the use of battery chargers and also on the topic of jump-starting assistance.

Which starter batteries do we offer?

When selecting our car batteries, we focus primarily on high quality and long life. Therefore, we recommend the following well-known manufacturers:

By entering the key number / KBA number of your vehicle you will receive an overview of potentially suitable car batteries for your vehicle. These then have to be specified according to the criteria mentioned above and the restrictions in the vehicle data. Should you have any questions, please contact our customer service.

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