What battery for my car? - Your car battery replacement guide

What battery for my car? - Your Car Battery Guide

Whether you own a classic car, or an electric vehicle, all of them are fitted with 12-volt lead-acid batteries.

Car battery failure is one of the most common causes of an engine refusing to start, or a high-voltage system failing to activate. While a recharge may solve the problem, the battery's capacity might have reduced with old age, meaning that it will not be able to hold sufficient power. However, batteries have changed considerably in the last decade. Therefore, the question 'what battery does my car need?' does not come with a straightforward answer, meaning that you should study any car battery guide closely.

How does a car battery work?

A battery stores and releases electrical energy, using chemical reactions between sulphuric acid and lead paste within the plastic case.

Over time, the acid erodes the lead content and this reduces the battery's capacity. Batteries, therefore, cannot last indefinitely.

Before replacing a battery, we recommend that it is tested for its state of charge and state of health.

What battery does my car need?

Should your battery need replacing for certain, the first priority is to match the technology type used, of which there are three main types:

1. Flooded - This is where the sulphuric acid is in a liquid form, for older/classic vehicles mainly.

2. Enhanced Flooded - As 'flooded' but employing extra materials and manufacturing techniques for cars with basic stop-start functions.

3. Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) - The sulphuric acid is absorbed within sponge-like mats, bound tightly against the plate surfaces. These are designed for more sophisticated stop-start systems.

The higher-level battery technologies are pricier but never be tempted to downgrade them, such as fitting an EFB to a car that should have an AGM battery.

Car battery codes explained

One of the most popular questions that our technical department receives is 'What do battery numbers mean?' This is understandable, because it can be quite bewildering.

After the technology type, consider the battery capacity. This does not mean the physical battery size. The battery CCA meaning refers to the Cold Cranking Amps. The Ampere-hour (Ah) rating confirms the number of amps that the battery can provide over 20 hours. For example, a 60Ah battery will deliver 3 amps for twenty hours.

If your motoring comprises mainly short journeys, with fewer than 20 minutes between engine restarts, it may be advantageous to buy a battery with a higher CCA than that fitted originally.

Car battery size numbers explained

Obviously, car battery dimensions determine whether, or not, the casing will fit physically into the car's battery tray.

Most car batteries are identified by a three-digit battery identification code that highlights this, such as ‘063′ or ‘096′. Then, confirm that the position, size and shape of the terminals are the same as your replacement.

Fitting a car battery

Modern vehicles can have their batteries located in unconventional places, which can dictate significant dismantling. Most of them, especially those with start-stop systems, require the charging algorithms resetting, because the vehicle tailors its charging profiles to battery condition. Should these parameters be ignored, the new battery will not be recharged properly, which will shorten its life and void the warranty.

Keep up to date with the latest news from GEM Motoring Assist at:

Twitter: @motoringassist

Facebook: @gemmotoringassist

Instagram: @gem_motoringassist

LinkedIn: @gem-motoring-assist-limited

GEM Motoring Assist is a members’ motoring and road safety organisation in the UK. Our aim is to keep our members on the move… whether that’s through our breakdown recovery service or our motoring and road safety expertise.

Join GEM for simple and straightforward, all-inclusive personal breakdown cover.