AA New Zealand - the New Zealand Automobile Association
Menu
We welcome all motorists and service all makes and models at our 21 outlets across NZ
40% of all AA Roadservice calls are battery related. Don’t wait until you’re stuck on the side of the road. We deliver and install batteries for New Zealanders in most areas 365 days a year – you don’t have to be an AA Member. Let us come to you!
Or call 0800 300 120
There are many car battery types available and we’re often asked about types of car batteries, especially the different types to match different models of cars.
AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries are becoming more popular with modern vehicles.
At AA Battery Service, we’ve introduced the 3884 AGM battery into our range to provide support to a number of vehicles. Please be aware that AGM batteries are heavier than a wet battery for the same case size, so care must be taken when lifting and installing them.
The start-stop system switches off a car's engine when the vehicle is stopped, for example while at a red light or in a traffic jam. This technology delivers between 5 and 10% lower emissions and a similar improvement in fuel economy.
Vehicles with start-stop technology require AGM batteries. Fitting another type of battery, (for instance a conventional lead acid battery) will not only impair the fuel saving technology, but will also reduce the serviceable life of the battery itself. AGM batteries are the perfect solution for start-stop vehicles. Many major brands now offer start-stop vehicles including BMW EfficientDynamics, VW BlueMotion and Mazda SKYACTIV.
AA Battery Service is constantly expanding its range of AGM start-stop batteries to meet growing demand as more start-stop vehicles enter the market.
In a calcium battery the antimony is totally substituted with calcium in all plates. This results in double the shelf life and virtually no gassing in the battery, resulting in less maintenance.
Calcium batteries do require a higher charge voltage (nominally 15 volts) to achieve the same level of charge as a normal antimony battery. They also require a periodic equalisation cycle to help maintain optimum operating condition. When installed in a vehicle designed for an antimony battery (i.e. a traditional 12 volt system which charges at 14 volts) the battery will only achieve 85% state of charge.
A spiral coil battery is an AGM battery, but with a different construction. They're often found in high performance or off road vehicles that need extra torque for starting. These batteries are more resistant to excessive vibration, heat and higher charge rates. The spiral battery can have a shelf life up to 18 months without affecting starting ability.
Gelled batteries, or "gel cells" contain a jelly-like substance which is due to silica gel being added to the acid. The advantage of these batteries is that it is impossible to spill acid even if they are broken. The disadvantage is that they must be charged at a slower charge rate to prevent overheating. They cannot be fast charged on a conventional automotive charger or they may be permanently damaged. Gel batteries are often found in golf buggies, back up for house alarms and electric toys.
© Copyright NZAA Inc 2013
