8 min readPublished 5 April 2025
Finding the right car battery for your vehicle involves checking battery type, size code, capacity, CCA rating, and other specifications. Following a systematic approach ensures you choose a battery that fits correctly and meets your vehicle's requirements.
This step-by-step guide walks you through the battery selection process, explains how to use our Battery Fitment Tool, and helps you match the perfect battery to your vehicle's specifications and your driving needs.
Quick Answer
Find the right battery in 5 steps: (1) Check battery type (AGM/EFB/standard), (2) Check size code (096, 110, etc.), (3) Check capacity (Ah) and CCA ratings, (4) Consider driving pattern and climate, (5) Choose between budget, mid-range, and premium. Use our Battery Fitment Tool to simplify the process.
Common causes
- -Not checking original battery specifications before purchasing
- -Choosing wrong battery technology for Start/Stop vehicles
- -Not verifying physical dimensions and terminal layout
- -Focusing only on price without considering quality and warranty
Typical fixes
- -Use Battery Fitment Tool to identify exact requirements
- -Check existing battery label or vehicle handbook for specifications
- -Match battery technology (AGM/EFB/standard) to vehicle requirements
- -Verify physical dimensions and terminal layout before purchasing
- -Choose premium brands for Start/Stop vehicles - they last longer
Battery Finder Quick Steps
Need to find correct battery
Likely cause: Follow 5-step selection process
Next step: Use Battery Fitment Tool or check existing battery specifications
Vehicle has Start/Stop system
Likely cause: Requires AGM or EFB battery
Next step: Check existing battery for technology type, match or upgrade
Not sure of battery requirements
Likely cause: Use Battery Fitment Tool or check vehicle handbook
Next step: Enter vehicle details in fitment tool for exact specifications
Commercial van or high electrical load
Likely cause: Needs premium AGM with higher capacity
Next step: Choose premium AGM with 75-80Ah capacity for reliability
Step 1: Identify Battery Type (AGM/EFB/Standard)
The first step is identifying which battery technology your vehicle uses. This is critical because Start/Stop vehicles require AGM or EFB batteries, not standard flooded.
- Check existing battery label for technology type (AGM, EFB, or no mention = standard)
- AGM or Absorbent Glass Mat = AGM battery required
- EFB or Enhanced Flooded Battery = EFB battery required
- No mention of AGM/EFB = standard flooded battery (conventional vehicles only)
- If battery label missing, check vehicle handbook or use Battery Fitment Tool
Step 2: Identify Battery Size Code
Battery size codes (096, 110, 027) indicate physical dimensions and ensure the battery fits your vehicle's battery tray.
- Check existing battery label for size code (usually prominent number like '096')
- Size code indicates physical dimensions (length × width × height)
- Most common UK size: 096 (278mm × 175mm × 190mm)
- If unsure, measure existing battery or check vehicle handbook
- Wrong size code means battery won't fit physically
Step 3: Check Capacity (Ah) and CCA Ratings
Battery capacity (Ah) and Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) must meet or exceed your vehicle's requirements. Check the existing battery or vehicle handbook for specifications.
- Capacity (Ah): Indicates how much energy battery can store - match or exceed original
- CCA (Cold Cranking Amps): Indicates starting power in cold weather - match or exceed original
- Check existing battery label for capacity and CCA ratings
- Higher capacity/CCA is usually fine if physical dimensions fit
- Lower capacity/CCA may not provide sufficient power
Step 4: Consider Driving Pattern and Climate
Your driving habits and local climate affect battery requirements. Short-trip drivers and those in extreme climates may benefit from higher-capacity batteries or premium brands.
- Short journeys: Consider higher capacity or AGM technology (better charge acceptance)
- Cold climate: Ensure adequate CCA rating for reliable cold starts
- Commercial use: Premium AGM batteries with higher capacity essential
- High electrical load: Choose higher capacity batteries
See also: How driving patterns affect battery life
Using the Battery Fitment Tool
Our Battery Fitment Tool simplifies the selection process by identifying exact battery requirements based on your vehicle details.
- Enter vehicle registration number for automatic lookup
- Or select vehicle make, model, and year manually
- Tool identifies battery type, size code, capacity, CCA, and technology requirements
- Shows compatible batteries with current prices and availability
- Eliminates guesswork and ensures correct selection
See also: Use the Battery Fitment Tool now
Check Terminal Layout and Hold-Down
Before purchasing, verify terminal layout and hold-down mechanism compatibility.
- Terminal position: Check if positive/negative are on left or right
- Terminal type: Top terminals (most common) or side terminals
- Hold-down mechanism: Ensure battery has compatible hold-down points
- Wrong terminal layout means battery won't fit
- Check existing battery or vehicle handbook for requirements
See also: Terminal layout information
Final Battery Selection Checklist
Before purchasing, verify all specifications match your requirements using this checklist.
- ✓ Battery technology matches (AGM/EFB/standard)
- ✓ Size code matches (096, 110, etc.)
- ✓ Capacity (Ah) matches or exceeds original
- ✓ CCA rating matches or exceeds original
- ✓ Physical dimensions fit battery tray
- ✓ Terminal orientation correct (positive/negative position)
- ✓ Hold-down mechanism compatible
- ✓ Warranty length acceptable for your needs
- ✓ Brand reputation suitable for your vehicle type
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding these common mistakes saves money and prevents problems.
- Don't downgrade from AGM to standard in Start/Stop vehicles
- Don't choose wrong size code - battery won't fit
- Don't focus only on price - quality matters for Start/Stop vehicles
- Don't skip checking terminal layout - battery won't fit if wrong
- Don't assume all batteries are the same - technology and quality matter
After Selection: Installation and Registration
After selecting the correct battery, proper installation ensures optimal performance.
- Have battery installed by professional if unsure (many garages include this)
- For Start/Stop vehicles: Register battery with BMS using diagnostic tool
- Ensure terminals are clean and tight
- Check alternator output after installation (13.7-14.7V is normal)
- Keep receipt for warranty purposes
See also: Why BMS registration matters
AI-Friendly Summary
- Find the right battery in 5 steps: Check battery type (AGM/EFB/standard), size code, capacity/CCA, driving pattern/climate, and budget level.
- Use Battery Fitment Tool to simplify selection - enter vehicle details and get exact battery recommendations.
- Always match battery technology to vehicle requirements - Start/Stop vehicles need AGM or EFB, never standard.
- Verify physical dimensions, terminal layout, and hold-down mechanism before purchasing.
- Choose premium brands for Start/Stop vehicles and commercial use - they offer better warranties and longer lifespans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the right battery for my car?
Find the right battery by checking battery type (AGM/EFB/standard), size code (096, 110, etc.), capacity (Ah) and CCA ratings, then considering driving pattern and budget. The easiest method is using our Battery Fitment Tool - enter your vehicle registration or make/model, and it identifies exact battery requirements. Alternatively, check your existing battery label or vehicle handbook for specifications.
What information do I need to find a car battery?
You need to know: battery type (AGM/EFB/standard), size code (096, 110, etc.), capacity (Ah), CCA rating, terminal layout, and hold-down requirements. The easiest way is to check your existing battery label, use our Battery Fitment Tool with your vehicle details, or check your vehicle handbook. The Battery Fitment Tool provides all this information automatically.
Can I use the Battery Fitment Tool to find my battery?
Yes, our Battery Fitment Tool is the easiest way to find the right battery. Enter your vehicle registration number for automatic lookup, or select your vehicle make, model, and year manually. The tool identifies battery type, size code, capacity, CCA, and technology requirements, then shows compatible batteries with current prices.
What if I can't find my battery specifications?
If you can't find battery specifications, use our Battery Fitment Tool with your vehicle registration or make/model details - it will identify exact requirements. Alternatively, check your vehicle handbook, consult a dealer, or measure your existing battery (if still fitted) to identify size code and check the label for technology type and ratings.
Do I need to match the exact battery brand?
No, you don't need to match the brand, but you must match the technology type (AGM/EFB/standard), size code, capacity (Ah), CCA rating, and terminal layout. As long as the replacement battery meets or exceeds the original specifications and fits physically, any reputable brand is acceptable. Choose based on warranty, price, and brand reputation.
