Before you buy
Start with your vehicle
The easiest way to choose the right battery is to start with the vehicle, not the battery shelf.
Different vehicles can use different battery sizes and specifications. Even vehicles that look similar can require different battery options depending on the engine, electrical demands and battery system.
Before buying, have these details ready:
- Your vehicle make
- Your vehicle model
- Your vehicle year
- Your engine type, if known
- Whether the vehicle has stop-start
- The details from your current battery
A photo of the battery label can also be very useful.
01 / Size
Get the size right
Battery size is more than how big the battery looks.
The battery needs to fit the available space in the vehicle and match the correct case size and layout.
When checking the battery, look for the battery code or size printed on the label. Examples can include codes such as:
- NS40Z
- NS60
- N70
- NS70L
Do not assume that a similar-looking battery will fit just because it is close in size. The correct size needs to suit the vehicle and its battery tray, connections and electrical requirements.
Check the code first.
The battery code printed on your existing battery can give us a useful starting point.
02 / Terminals
Check the terminals
The battery also needs the correct terminal arrangement.
Look at where the positive and negative terminals are positioned on the battery. A battery with the wrong terminal layout may not connect correctly even when the case looks similar.
When checking your current battery, look at:
- Positive terminal position
- Negative terminal position
- Terminal type
- Cable connection position
Do not guess the terminal layout from the battery size alone. If you are unsure, take a clear photo of the top of your battery and send it to us.
03 / CCA
What does CCA mean?
CCA stands for Cold Cranking Amps. It indicates the battery’s ability to deliver starting power.
You will usually find the CCA number printed on the battery label. For example:
- 500 CCA
- 550 CCA
- 650 CCA
- 800 CCA
A higher number is not automatically the correct choice for every vehicle. The right battery still needs to match the vehicle’s required specification.
Use CCA as one part of the battery check, not the only thing you compare.
04 / Battery type
Check the battery type
Not every vehicle uses the same type of battery.
Common automotive battery types include:
- Standard automotive batteries
- EFB batteries
- AGM batteries
If your vehicle has start-stop technology, the battery type can be especially important. Do not simply replace an AGM or EFB battery with a standard battery because the size looks similar.
Check what the vehicle requires before buying.
Start-stop vehicles
Does your car have start-stop?
If your car automatically switches the engine off when you stop at traffic lights or in traffic, it may use a battery designed for start-stop operation. These vehicles can have different battery requirements from a standard vehicle.
Look for:
- AGM
- EFB
- Start-stop information on the existing battery
- Vehicle-specific battery requirements
If you are not sure which type your vehicle needs, do not guess. Use Find My Battery or contact us with your vehicle details.
Your current battery
The old battery can help
Before buying a replacement, look at the battery currently fitted to your vehicle.
Take a photo showing:
- The battery label
- The battery code
- The CCA number
- The Ah / capacity information, if shown
- The terminal arrangement
- Any AGM, EFB or start-stop marking
You do not need to remove the battery just to get this information. A clear photo can often give us a useful starting point.
Need our help?
Send us these details
Vehicle
Make, model and year.
Engine
Petrol, diesel or hybrid, if known.
Stop-start
Tell us whether the car has stop-start.
Battery
Battery code, size or a photo of the label.
Problem
Tell us whether the battery is flat, slow to start or simply due for replacement.
The more information you provide, the easier it is for us to help you narrow down the right battery.
