Costa Rica’s humid tropical climate, steep grades, and frequent short trips in San José traffic are tough on batteries. This guide covers battery types, sizes, prices (CRC), the best brands locally, and trusted places to buy and install—plus helpful Amazon searches for chargers, maintainers, and specific group sizes. Shopping links include Amazon anchor text with the affiliate tag for convenience (e.g., AGM batteries, smart maintainers).
Table of Contents
- Quick Picks (By Use Case)
- Car Battery Types in Costa Rica Comparison
- Car Battery Size & Fitment (Costa Rica)
- Best Car Battery Brands in Costa Rica
- Where to Buy Car Battery in Costa Rica
- Buying Guide & Tips (Costa Rica)
- Car Battery Costa Rica FAQs
Quick Picks (By Use Case)
- Daily commuter (Gran Área Metropolitana): Quality Flooded or EFB. Compare Group 35 options. ~₡65,000–₡160,000 (flooded) / ₡120,000–₡220,000 (EFB).
- Vehicles with idle stop/start: EFB (value) or AGM (premium). Browse EFB or AGM. ~₡150,000–₡350,000.
- 4×4, playas & montaña, towing: AGM starting battery or dual setup (starter + deep-cycle). See 12V deep‑cycle AGM and a DC‑DC charger.
- High heat, coastal humidity: Prefer AGM with robust heat tolerance and higher CCA. Shortlist high‑CCA AGM.
- Short-trip city use: AGM recommended; pair with a smart maintainer to prevent sulfation.
- Audio/performance builds: AGM with higher RC/Ah and stable voltage. Check high‑reserve AGM.
ACDelco Gold 48AGM (88864541) 36 Month Warranty AGM BCI Group 48 Battery
Mighty Max Battery MM-H6 Start and Stop Car BCI Group Size 48 12V 70 AH, 120RC, 760 CCA Rechargeable AGM Car Battery
ACDelco Gold 94RAGM (88864542) 36 Month Warranty AGM BCI Group 94R Battery
Car Battery Types in Costa Rica Comparison
| Type | Best For | Pros | Cons | Typical CRC Price | Useful Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flooded (Lead‑acid) | Older cars, basic commuters | Lowest upfront cost, widely available | Lower cycle life, sensitive to heat & vibration | ~₡60,000–₡130,000 | Search flooded |
| EFB | Idle stop/start vehicles | Better cycling than flooded, good value | Not as robust as AGM | ~₡120,000–₡220,000 | Search EFB |
| AGM | Premium, 4×4/touring, audio builds | High CCA, vibration‑resistant, sealed | Higher cost | ~₡180,000–₡350,000 | Search AGM • AGM chargers |
| Lithium (12V LiFePO4) | Special builds (not common OEM) | Lightweight, deep cycling | Requires matched charger/management; expensive | ≥₡300,000 | Search LiFePO4 |
Car Battery Size & Fitment Size Costa Rica
| Common Size | Typical Vehicles in CR | Notes | Shop Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCI Group 35 | Many Toyota/Honda/Nissan sedans & crossovers | Check height clearance under compact hoods | Group 35 |
| BCI 24F / 27F | Mid‑size & larger Japanese SUVs/pickups | “F” = reversed terminals vs. non‑F | 24F • 27F |
| BCI 34 / 34R | US trucks/SUVs; some Subaru | Mind polarity (R) | 34 • 34R |
| DIN 48 (H6) / 94R (H7) | Many European models & modern SUVs | Often AGM/EFB for start‑stop systems | H6/48 • H7/94R |
| JIS 46B24R/L | Yaris, Corolla (older gens), small SUVs | Short trips? Consider EFB/AGM upgrade | 46B24R • 46B24L |
Best Car Battery Brands in Costa Rica
- VARTA: Premium European brand with strong AGM/EFB lines; widely used by OEMs. Locally supported; compare VARTA AGM. Typical CRC: ₡160,000–₡340,000.
- Bosch: Broad range from flooded to AGM for Asian/Euro fitments. See Bosch AGM. ~₡120,000–₡300,000.
- ACDelco: Solid choice for GM and many US/Japanese vehicles; good warranty support. Browse ACDelco AGM. ~₡130,000–₡310,000.
- LTH: Popular in Central America with many BCI and JIS sizes; good value. Check LTH options. ~₡110,000–₡260,000.
- Interstate: Known for robust distribution and dependable flooded/AGM lines. See Interstate AGM. ~₡120,000–₡300,000.
Where to Buy Car Battery in Costa Rica
- La Casa de las Baterías – Oficinas Centrales (San José)
- Av. 5, La Pitahaya, San José, Costa Rica
- Contact: 800‑800‑6666 / 8532‑6666
- Hours: Mon–Sat 7:00–18:00
- Autopits – Escazú
- Ruta 105, Contiguo a McDonald’s, San Rafael de Escazú, San José
- Contact: +506 2522‑7555
- Hours: Mon–Fri 7:00–17:30; Sat 8:00–13:00
- Interstate Batteries (Distribuidor – Uruca)
- 10107, Uruca, San José (distribución local)
- Contact: +506 2210‑2610 • info@prolusa.com
- Hours: Call for schedule (trade distributor)
- Super Baterías – Liberia (Guanacaste)
- Contiguo a Correos de Costa Rica, Liberia, Guanacaste
- Contact: 2219‑5454 • liberia@superbaterias.com
- Hours: Mon–Fri 7:00–18:00 (check branch for weekend hours)
- Gollo – San José Centro (Avenida 4ta)
- Avenida 4, San José Centro (retail electronics/appliances; stocks car batteries online)
- Contact: 2222‑6621 / 2222‑6617
- Hours: Typical retail hours; verify per store
Buying Car Battery in Costa Rica Guide and Tips
- Test before you buy: Request a load test and CCA check; many chains in CR offer free diagnostics.
- Match the technology: If your car has idle stop/start, use EFB or AGM—standard flooded will fail early.
- Consider heat & vibration: For unpaved roads, coastal heat, or 4×4 use, choose AGM with higher reserve capacity.
- Charging health: Short-trip driving in GAM? Add a smart maintainer monthly to prevent sulfation.
- Size & polarity: Confirm group size and R/L terminal orientation; see size table above with links for popular BCI/JIS groups.
- Warranty & service: Favor sellers with nationwide coverage and roadside/express install. Keep the receipt and warranty card in the glovebox.
- Recycling: Return your old battery; many retailers give a core credit or buy‑back. Ask for a recycling receipt.
Car Battery Costa Rica FAQs
How much does it typically cost to replace and install a car battery in Costa Rica?
Basic flooded batteries for small sedans usually fall between ₡60,000 and ₡130,000; EFB/AGM upgrades range from ₡150,000 to ₡350,000 depending on size and brand. Installation is often included or ~₡5,000–₡15,000 where charged.
What’s the typical car battery warranty in Costa Rica?
Most retailers offer 12–24 months free replacement on flooded and 24–36 months on premium EFB/AGM (brand/usage dependent). Always get the warranty stamped at install.
How are car batteries recycled in Costa Rica?
Lead‑acid batteries are classified as special/hazardous waste; major chains accept trade‑ins and send them to authorized recyclers. Ask your installer for the take‑back option and a receipt.
Which is better for San José traffic with short trips—EFB or AGM?
AGM handles frequent starts and partial‑state‑of‑charge better, but EFB is solid value. Choose AGM if budget allows and pair with a maintainer.
Can I upgrade from flooded to AGM?
Yes—if the size and charging system are compatible. Confirm voltage/charging profile and physical fit; AGM often improves durability in heat and vibration.
Do I lose radio codes/settings during replacement?
Some cars do. Use a memory saver or ask the installer to maintain power during swap; otherwise have radio codes on hand.