Nowadays, there are 80% of cars currently equipped with the Start-Stop function. This result makes changing the battery an increasingly complex operation. In the case of those that have the Start-Stop system, they should always be replaced by a professional to avoid problems in the short or medium term. This system allows you to save on fuel, but what happens when you run out of battery?
In a vehicle with a conventional battery, we usually think of connecting our battery to another car with tweezers. In the case of Start-Stop batteries you can do so as long as the other car has the same capacity or if possible more so that the battery that will give up the energy does not suffer. It is also important to keep in mind that the connection of the clamps is different from that of conventional batteries. It is essential to follow the conditions of the vehicle manufacturer.
- First, you must connect the positive pole of both batteries with the red clamp.
- Then connect the black clamps directly to a sturdy and unpainted metal part of each engine compartment. Never do it to the negative terminals of the two batteries.
- Follow the same steps as to start a conventional battery, start the car with the battery charged, and then the other.
- Let a couple of minutes go by and connect some elements such as the thermal window before disconnecting the clamps. Remember to disconnect black first and then red.
Start-Stop battery life
The half-life of a Start-Stop battery should be similar to that of a conventional battery, about five years. As with conventional batteries, its useful life can reduce if the car is parked for several days outdoors and with temperatures below zero.
Can I extend the life of a Start-Stop battery?
It is somewhat complicated since it is the vehicle itself that deactivates the Start-Stop system when the battery starts to discharge. You can disconnect the Start-Stop system, but this would lead to increased consumption.
How much fuel saved with the Start-Stop system?
On a theoretical level, the Start-Stop system reduces consumption by 10 to 20%. In practice, it depends on how much you travel around the city and the duration of the stops. As an engine consumes more when it starts, the operation of the Start-Stop system compensates after six seconds of stopping.
Can you change a Start-Stop battery yourself?
The answer is no. It is necessary to use special equipment connected to the vehicle control unit to indicate that the battery has replaced. If this process did not carry out, error lights would light up, which may cause vehicle malfunctions or cause the car not to start.
What happens if the battery I installed is not the one indicated by the brand?
You should not have any problem as long as they have the same technical characteristics and are of a first brand. Installing a lower capacity could cause operational problems or reduce life.
We recommend you always consult the opinion of a professional when changing your battery to find out which is the model that best suits your car and make the change safely. Also, do not forget to check your battery in times of colder and hot times in which it is more common weakening or the end of its useful life.