Batteries

Long downtimes, lots of short distances: The question of when it’s time for a change depends on a range of factors. You can read the condition of the battery from the acid level indicator (“magic eye”) directly on the battery. Here, the colour black means good; light yellow means you should visit your workshop. As a general principle, you should have your battery checked annually. This service is already included in the regular inspection. These signs may also indicate defects:

• Battery warning display is illuminated
• Impeded start behaviour
• Damage to housing
• Voltage that decreases under load
• Pole corrosion
• Loss of battery liquid through the poles
  

Different types of starter batteries are installed in Volkswagen vehicles: EFB/EFB+ (Enhanced Flooded Batteries) or AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries in vehicles with automatic start/stop technology and lead-calcium starter batteries in vehicles with no automatic start/stop technology. Since the authorised battery types vary depending on model, model year and equipment, please ask your Volkswagen Dealer about the suitable battery for your car. They can determine this using the vehicle identification number, or VIN for short.

A battery’s capacity reduces over its life cycle. The reason: Each time the battery is discharged, lead sulphate crystals form on the lead plates, which permanently reduce the current flow. The more lead sulphate crystals that have built up on the plates, the lower the battery’s capacity.

Even if you’ve found a guide to changing the battery online, you should still have it changed by a professional, as there is a lot to watch out for: Battery acid is highly acidic, escaping gases may explode and an incorrectly installed battery can damage your Volkswagen.

Many Volkswagen have a battery management system. Among other things, it recognises the battery’s condition and regulates the vehicle’s energy balance. This only works if the battery is designed to fit the vehicle and the system recognises it via a 2D code. Otherwise, the battery might be placed under unnecessary loads or discharged too much. This may result in problems during vehicle operation.

Are you unsure about how old your starter battery is? Not a problem. You can usually read this information on the negative terminal, where the calendar week and year are embossed.

If you have your battery replaced by a Volkswagen Dealer, they’ll also take care of its disposal. Otherwise you can take your used battery to an official return point. More information on this topic is available on our recycling page.