Which battery to buy for Niva 2121, choose 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 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 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 straight-polarity batteries 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: Volume of oils and liquids chevrolet niva

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.

Which good battery to choose for VAZ: top 10 rating

The following is a list of the most profitable solutions for installation on domestic cars.

10th place: BOSCH S4 005 Silver

– View in Yandex.Market Price from 5000 rub.

Oddly enough, the Bosch model occupies the last place in the top. The mid-budget modification has sufficient starting current and a capacity of 540A and 60 Ah, respectively. However, the good “on paper” characteristics in practical use are significantly inferior to analogues. The reserve capacity of the unit is inferior to its substitutes and is actually at the level of batteries in the lower price range. The next negative factor is complete uselessness in severe frosts. In the warm climate of the southern regions, starting problems do not arise. However, at -20-25 degrees Celsius, after the first cranking of the starter, a drop in power occurs, which is perceived extremely negatively by domestic cars. The inability to cope with deep discharge modes also stands out. Resuscitating the capacity is extremely problematic. The result is low demand among buyers. Advantages:

• capacity and starting current;
• availability of factory warranty.

• drop in power after the first cycle of starting the internal combustion engine;
• intolerance to severe frosts.

9th place: ExideExcell EB602

– View in Yandex.Market Price from 4300 rub.

The answer to the question of which battery is best for the VAZ 2107 and other classics will be 9th place in the rating. The presented model stands out among competitors' offerings with average characteristics in all areas. There is a good capacity here - 62 Ah, which is good for older cars where there are problems with the wiring or a lot of additional electrical equipment is installed. A starting current of 540A is also quite sufficient. Good build quality and thoughtful design have a positive effect on operation. A supposedly maintenance-free battery can be “restored” thanks to the presence of hidden caps for refilling electrolyte. The same jars are located under the decorative lids. The next factor is excellent frost resistance. The cheap battery functions properly in temperatures down to -35, which is a good result even for the leaders on the list. There is also a low susceptibility to self-discharge, which has a positive effect on long vehicle downtimes in winter. The likelihood of finding a car with a “dead” battery in the garage is minimal. The low ranking of the top is due to a drop in charging speed and reserve capacity in the cold. Advantages:

• quality at a reasonable cost;
• starting current indicators;
• resistance to freezing;
• lifetime.

• performance drops with decreasing temperature.

8th place: ToplaEnergy 60

– View in Yandex.Market Price from 4800 rub.

A time-tested modification of the ToplaSlavenskoye company. After analyzing customer reviews, we can establish that the strength of the battery is a good resource and a good starting current of 600 A. The actual capacity is 60 Ah, which is also not bad. Optimistically considering the option when asked which battery is best for a VAZ car, you can safely choose this model. Small-volume gasoline fours go well with the unit. Starting currents easily turn the car starter in winter. Also, long periods of downtime are not a problem - the susceptibility to self-discharge is minimal. However, when installed on diesel engines and impressive power plants, pitfalls are revealed. For example, there is concern about the charge being released too quickly during a cold start. If you cannot start the engine the first 2-3 times, then starting the internal combustion engine will be problematic. The low position of the top is due precisely to the rate of fire of the model. In some regions of Russia this may become a critical factor. Advantages:

• decent quality;
• starting current;
• The capacity reserve is suitable for tuned models;
• resistance to shaking.

• charge release and, as a consequence, a limited number of attempts to start the internal combustion engine in winter.

7th place: Banner Running Bull

– View in Yandex.Market Price from 9500 rub.

The rating list of which battery to buy for a VAZ is continued by the AGM modification of the Austrian brand. The unit is perfect for new cars like Vesta or Vesta-Cross. The high starting current of 640 amperes exceeds most budget analogues, and the capacity, limited to 60 Ah, makes it possible to freely power the on-board network without the risk of critical discharge. For the southern regions of the country, the battery version is the most optimal, maintenance-free solution. It is not afraid of shaking, vibration and is resistant to self-discharge. The ability to easily recover from deep discharges (up to 800 cycles) also stands out. The model's inability to withstand strong pores does not allow it to reach a high place. In winter, the battery loses up to 40% of its performance, and as the frost gets worse, the performance continues to drop. This circumstance forces users to handle the unit extremely carefully and hide it in a warm place, which is extremely inconvenient.

Advantages:

• energy release in summer;
• capacity reserve;
• warranty and service life.

• price;
• incompatibility with severe frosts.

6th place: Tyumen Premium 6ST-60

– View in Yandex.Market Price from 3300 rub.

To determine which battery for the VAZ 2114 and similar models is better, just contact the domestic one. The budget modification is presented on the market as a serious competitor to imported analogues, and the cheap battery copes with its task perfectly. The inrush current of the 510 ampere unit is inferior to expensive foreign-made substitutes. However, for Zhiguli and Lada this indicator is quite enough. Also pleasing is the capacity reserve, which is similar to the standard modifications. 60 Amp hours is enough for a car, provided there are no powerful acoustics or spotlights. The impressive mass of the unit is explained by the serviceable design and the use of a large amount of lead. On the one hand, this negatively affects the comfort of installation. However, thanks to its specific layout, the battery copes excellently with severe frosts and has a “long-lasting” charge return. The model does not make it into the top 5 solely due to incompatibility with the newest machines - the capacity is too low. Advantages:

• reserve capacity;
• frost resistance;
• price tag;
• serviceable design.

• Quality problems have been noticed.

5th place: VARTA D59 Blue Dynamic

– View in Yandex.Market Price from 5000 rub.

In fifth place of the top: which battery to choose for VAZ and Lada, is a contender from the popular brand “Varta”. The fairly high ranking is due to the extreme survivability of some specimens. The unique development of the Power Frame manufacturer guarantees the safety of the plates from shedding during long-term use. The battery version has a standard capacity of 60 Ah and 540 amperes of starting current. With fairly average performance, the unit stands out for its cold cranking quality, which is in demand in the northern regions of the country. The battery also has an increased reserve capacity - the battery guarantees a large number of attempts to start the engine in winter. Advantages:

• starting currents;
• resource under heavy-duty conditions;
• durable design.

4th place: Tudor AGM

– View in Yandex.Market Price from 8500 rub.

The popular model of a well-known company falls just a little short of the top three in the ranking of which battery to install in a VAZ. The compact dimensions of the unit allow it to be installed in any car. The high ranking of the review is due to the specific characteristics of the product. With a typical capacity of 60 amperes, the battery produces 680 A of starting current, which is unattainable for budget-type analogues. The modification is designed for operating conditions in start-stop mode, as the company informs the buyer about. At the same time, a characteristic feature is fast return and charge collection, which is vital for cars with automatic engine shutdown. However, this advantage is lost on the Lada due to the lack of such technology. But the battery made it into the rating due to its excellent frost resistance - users in the northern regions will find the ability to retain capacity in winter very useful. Advantages:

• fast release of starting currents;
• charge restoration;
• guarantee.

• difficulties after 2-3 attempts to start;
• price.

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.

Modifications and engines

In this chapter we will briefly look at what engines were installed on the Niva VAZ-2121. This is useful information, since the characteristics of the starter battery depend on the parameters of the power unit. They are affected by the type and size of the engine. If you are familiar with this information and are not interested in it, you can go directly to the battery selection section in the menu above.

Below are the years of production of the first generation of the car.

• 1977─2019
• 2019─2021 restyling.

The engines on the Niva were installed like this.

• VAZ-2106 (1.6 l; 73 hp).
• VAZ-2121 (1.6 l; 80 hp).
• VAZ-21213 (1.7 l; 79 hp).
• VAZ-21214 (1.7 l; 80, 83 hp).

The VAZ-2121 model was produced for export with such engines.

• VAZ-21211 (1.3 l; 69 hp).
• VAZ-2106 (1.6 l; 73 hp).
• VAZ-2121 (1.6 l; 80 hp).
• VAZ-21213, VAZ-21219 (1.7 l; 79 hp).
• VAZ-21214 (1.7 l; 80, 83 hp).
• XUD9 (1.9 l; 65, 75 hp).

After restyling in 2022, only one engine worked on the Niva.

• VAZ-21214 (1.7 l; 83 hp).

Initially, the Niva was equipped with a 1.6-liter VAZ-2106 and VAZ-2121 engine, developed on its basis.
This is an in-line 4-cylinder model with a carburetor power system. Subsequently (since 1995) a VAZ-21213 carburetor engine with a volume of 1.3 liters appeared. In the mid-2000s, a modification of the VAZ-21214 with an output of 80 hp was released. With. Since 2022, the restyled version has been equipped with this engine with a power of 83 horsepower. After the release of the restyled version of the VAZ-2121 Niva, no technical changes occurred. The exception is the updated engine mounts, which have been designed to reduce vibration levels. All changes affected the interior, as well as details related to comfort when traveling by car. In particular, the front panel was completely redesigned, the front seats were improved, and modernized upholstery appeared. The luxury package offers electric drive and heated mirrors, heated front seats, 16-inch alloy wheels and other similar things.

All modifications of the VAZ-2121 Niva had all-wheel drive and a 5-speed manual transmission.

Now let's look at how to use the starter battery selection service on our website.

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.

1. Bocsh is a company that is widely known not only for the production and sale of household appliances, but also a huge range of automotive products, ranging from components and consumables (wipers, filters, spark plugs, etc.), to complex electrical equipment, such like generators, starters and others. Bosch has been producing batteries for quite a long time and the quality of the products is very high.
2. Varta is a German brand that is a subsidiary of an American company. It specializes only in batteries, ranging from ordinary AA batteries to batteries for automotive vehicles. Varta is recognized as the best battery manufacturer in the world, the battery quality is the highest.

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:

• Blue Dynamic
• Black Dynamic
• Silver Dynamic

The simplest battery is the 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.

As for the experience of using Varta batteries in many of my cars, including, of course, the Niva, I cannot say a single negative thing. In most cases, they lasted 5 years without a single recharge and never had any problems starting the engine. Regarding winter operation, I can say that I have never had any problems starting at -30, and I haven’t had any more severe frosts!

If you decide to buy this rather expensive battery, you will have to pay a considerable price for such a copy, namely around 3,100 rubles. Let me remind you that this is the cheapest Wart model. If you live in a harsher climate where the frosts are stronger, then the Varta Silver Dynamic is the best option, but its price is even higher!

The temperature outside has dropped and your Chevrolet Niva battery is no longer so willing to turn the starter? Well, it's time to change it. I am sure that most of you do not know how to choose it and, at best, will look under the hood to see what is there? And he will immediately go to the store to consult with the manager, who in 90 cases out of 100 also does not understand anything about batteries and will select it based on formal criteria.

And you will buy something in the middle price range - some battery of a well-known brand or what they recommend. That’s it, you’ll close the question until the next battery replacement, which may well take place in a year or two if the choice was not very successful. If your city is warm all year round, then this can be done. But what if not?

1. Bocsh is a company that is widely known not only for the production and sale of household appliances, but also a huge range of automotive products, ranging from components and consumables (wipers, filters, spark plugs, etc.), to complex electrical equipment, such like generators, starters and others. Bosch has been producing batteries for quite a long time and the quality of the products is very high.
2. Varta is a German brand that is a subsidiary of an American company. It specializes only in batteries, ranging from ordinary AA batteries to batteries for automotive vehicles. Varta is recognized as the best battery manufacturer in the world, the battery quality is the highest.

Also interesting: Antifreeze for Chevrolet Niva - Auto workshop online

How to determine if the battery is faulty

It would seem that everything is simple - the car does not start - the battery has served its purpose. But “it won’t start” is an extreme that it’s better not to take, so that when you come to the garage in the morning at the most inopportune moment you won’t end up as a pedestrian. Let's look at the main signs that this will happen soon:

1. Starting problems . Even at low negative temperatures, the starter turns with effort. At the same time, you are sure that the battery is charged.
2. Age . If the battery is more than 3-4 years old, then you should be prepared for problems to begin in winter. It is better to get a new battery for the cold season.
3. Fast self-discharge . In the evening you leave the car with a normally charged battery, and in the morning it has difficulty cranking the starter even in warm weather. At the same time, you are sure that the problem is not a leak in the on-board network.
4. Fast discharge . The battery noticeably runs out under a relatively light load, for example, even after 10 minutes of using the high beams with the engine off.

If you notice all these problems, then this is a clear sign that the battery is reaching its end, and if it is not replaced soon, problems may begin.

Important! Before changing the battery, you need to check the operation of the generator. It is quite possible that the battery is simply not charging well while driving.

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.

Myths about batteries

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

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.

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.

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: Top 5 scams in car dealerships when buying a car

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.

Read news about the new Niva

• Rating of the best tires for Chevrolet Niva
• UAZ or Niva - which is better, car characteristics and features ::
• FROST car air conditioners // Online store // Prices // Air conditioners for cars Lada VAZ, VolksWagen Polo, Daewoo Matiz
• Tire size for the field, all-season tires for the field 4×4, mud tires, the best winter tires for r16 wheels
• Tires for Niva Chevrolet. Which one to choose?
• TOP 10 best brake pads for VAZ and Lada (Front, rear)
• The best ball joints for a car
• No charging for VAZ 21213 reasons

Moneybox of knowledge

I've mentioned many times that I have "scientists" in various fields, batteries are no exception. I have a friend who has been involved in this matter since the army, and currently has about 30 years of experience in this field. But the most important thing is that he has been to many manufacturing plants and knows a lot from the inside. I will not hide the fact that this article was actually written under dictation)). I won’t tell you what a battery is and why it is needed, it’s really a nursery school. I’d rather tell you about several modern technologies that have appeared in this area recently.

• "Calcium" batteries. The plates in all batteries are not pure lead, but with various additives, something like kitchen spices. It seems like just one pinch can completely change the taste of the dish. In classic “lead” batteries, the main additive was antimony. Currently, a number of manufacturers have replaced it with calcium. This technology has made it possible to make “maintenance-free” batteries, but it also has its downside. They absolutely cannot tolerate deep discharge. There is virtually no way to get them out of this state. The most advanced are lead-silver batteries, but since silver is a precious metal, the price is accordingly.
• EFB. This is a technology invented for cars with a start-stop system. We stopped at a traffic light and the engine stalled. They took their foot off the brake and the engine began to rattle. These batteries have thicker plates and microfiber “shirts”. But the most important thing is the increased capacity and increased number of charge-discharge cycles. Have already been tested many times on ordinary cars, everything is very good. Lack of pricing. About 20% more expensive than calcium ones.
• A.G.M. To put it simply, there is no electrolyte in the battery. It is adsorbed on the plates in the form of a gel. According to their characteristics, they are considered more traction than starter. They are not afraid of vibrations and low temperatures, you can turn them over however you like. At least two to three times more expensive than the average calcium battery.