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    The starter battery stores the voltage generated by the generator while driving in order to maintain the on-board power supply when the engine is at a standstill. This is necessary in several respects, for example to ensure that alarm systems continue to work, the clock in the cockpit doesn't stop and the radio doesn't 'forget' its favorite station. These tasks account for the majority of a starter battery's work - and not, for example, the actual starting process, which is then usually followed by a longer charging phase during driving. While a voltage of extreme strength is fed to the starter for a relatively short period during the starting process, the battery delivers a voltage of moderate strength to the vehicle electrical system over a relatively long period in standby mode.

     

    Longer idle times, frequent short trips and the self-discharge that already occurs put a strain on the battery throughout the year, not just in the winter half-year.

    Self-discharge of starter batteries

    The self-discharge of a battery is significantly higher at temperatures above +30 °C than at low temperatures. The electrochemical components of the battery then oxidize more quickly, as oxidation is more effective in warm conditions.

     

    Increased and frequent self-discharge causes the battery to age more quickly and leads to a shortened service life. This means that sunburn is often followed by cold death. This can be avoided - or at least reduced - with the right handling.

    Tips for longer vehicle battery life:

    • Avoid short trips.
    • Charge the battery with suitable chargers when the first signs such as a slow-turning starter appear.
    • If possible, do not park directly in the blazing sun.
    • In winter: Switch off all consumers not immediately required (e.g. the navigation system).
    • If the vehicle is parked for long periods (e.g. the convertible in winter storage), disconnect the battery from the vehicle electrical system or use a charger with a trickle charge function.
    • If possible, check the acid level of the battery regularly and top up with distilled water if necessary.

     

    If the battery should still fail, give it a second chance for the sake of economy and sustainability by charging it and then checking it with a suitable battery tester.

    Energy consumption of a truck - in the past and today

    The world is becoming more energy-hungry - and this also applies to the commercial vehicle market, which is currently undergoing rapid change: Ambitious CO2 emission targets, an acute shortage of drivers, and an increasing number of overnight stays in the cab are keeping the original equipment business busy. Manufacturers are responding with a significant increase in the number of comfort features and assistance systems. For the battery, the additional consumers are a major burden - the requirements for selecting the right battery have increased extremely.

    These circumstances make close cooperation with strong partners indispensable in order to provide the right information during battery replacement and thus find the best possible solution.

    More information and top offers on the subject of starter batteries:

    Problems with the starter battery? Or simply interested in finding the longest-lasting solution possible? That's what we're here for: this article is just a brief introduction and overview of the challenges facing today's starter batteries. But there are not only challenges, there are also solutions - and we are happy to present them to you in our product competence brochure on batteries:

    To the product competence brochure
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