RAC Branded Batteries

MatteH Oxford · 14 Nov 2014 at 07:01

My bro' has bought a Focus after we looked at it together, the only thing concerning me about the car is that the RAC battery fitted may not be the correct spec for Ford's intelligent changing system which is present on this vehicle.

I think these batteries are made by Exide but can't be sure, hence I'm finding difficulty in obtaining the battery actual spec.

MatteH Oxford · 14 Nov 2014 at 14:37

Well, I'm still not sure after checking as much as I can.

The charging system is performing fine, the concern is the higher voltage it can put out over a regular charging system may damage the battery currently fitted. It's a sealed, maintenance free type which is a pain as I can't remove the caps to inspect the lead plates like you can on a conventional battery. The standing battery voltage is o.k. at 12.52V (for now)

So I'm changing it for a Yuasa silver calcium for piece of mind, I'll keep the old one for a "jump" battery.

Dandle · 14 Nov 2014 at 18:08

If its an intelligent charging system are you sure it doesn't use an AGM battery? and if it does is that whats fitted?

Aeleys · 14 Nov 2014 at 18:54

All RAC batteries are supplied via eurocar parts so 90% chance it's wrong

, they are made by excide though and they are (or should) all be tested before sold/passed on with a little print out of power/charge etc.

tl45 · 14 Nov 2014 at 20:40

I'd expect the AGM batteries would only be used with cars running Stop/Start systems?

That's where their main advantages are best used - more resilient to charge/discharge cycles, can get to lower state of charge and still recover, and capable of higher cranking amps than a flooded cell equivalent.

Downside they are noticeably more expensive so manufacturers limit their fitment as OEM and I'd expect the RAC branded ones to be the cheapest variant too.

Ford's charging systems from circa 1999 onward shave specified the use of Silver Calcium batteries