Batteries are almost always overlooked. Yet without them, you won't be able to even move your car. The car battery is not only needed for a modern starter motor (as opposed to a hand crank system) but for the ECU, as well as essentials like your headlights and windscreen wipers.
If your battery is going flat every couple of days, is struggling to turn over or there is a persistent warning light on your dashboard, it's probably a good idea to invest in a new car battery.
But not all batteries are the same; you wouldn't fit the battery from a Volkswagen Up into a Lamborghini Aventador, for example, and expect it to work. You need to work out which battery your car needs, then select one of the best car battery options on the market. We've pointed out the positives and negatives (sorry) for each option.
The best car battery for every vehicle
1. Bosch S5A08 Car Battery
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The perfect choice for bigger engines, the Bosch S5 range may cost more than other batteries, but the quality and longevity is undeniable. Making use of Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) technology, this battery is capable of allowing larger quantities of energy to pass through, making it the perfect choice for more modern vehicles. It is also excellent during cold starts, although it is more expensive than others. Pros:Latest battery technologyExcellent battery performanceCons:ExpensiveOverkill for many cars
2. Varta Blue Dynamic C22 Car Battery
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Varta is a popular choice of battery for many car manufacturers because of the quality and pricing. As such, choosing a Varta battery may maintain the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) spec of your car. This C22 model is designed for small and medium cars and will offer outstanding quality. Pros:OSM qualityGood priceCons:Unsuitable for start-stop systems
3. 063 Powerline Car Battery
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it's not the most recognised brand out there, but Powerline does have good reviews and very low prices. This battery is great if you want to save pounds (you can save up to 50% over other batteries). Just remember that it won't last as long as premium options. Pros:Very low priceCons:More expensive batteries should last longer
4. Bosch S4000 Car Battery
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Probably the go-to brand for quality car batteries, Bosch has a reputation of quality. This S4000 battery is designed for smaller engines (like a supermini), will provide excellent all-round performance and is sure to last a long time. Pros:Excellent battery for small carsTrusted nameCons:Unsuitable for start-stop systems
5. Yuasa YBX9096 Start Stop Plus Battery
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Quite a few cars now come with start-stop technology, a feature that'll cut the engine when stationary to save fuel. The problem is, these systems can drain the car's battery; it'll still need to run the headlights and so on. That is where this start-stop battery comes into play. Designed to handle up to 360,000 engine starts, it'll be perfect for when you're stuck in a traffic jam.Pros:Designed for start-stop systems360,000 engine startsCons:Expensive, but big batteries are costly
What you need to know about car batteries:
One of the easiest ways to check what battery will fit your car is to use Amazon's garage feature. Here, you can enter your car's details or simply use your registration number to find the correct parts for your car.
Most tyre fitters will offer a free battery check, so it's worth taking advantage of this check when you're having your tyres fitted. A good battery should last around five years, so bear that in mind when it comes to searching for a battery.