Whether you drive a compact Vauxhall Corsa, an all‑rounder Astra, a family‑ready Grandland/Mokka, or a workhorse Vivaro, the right battery means confident starts, fewer warnings, and healthier start‑stop performance. This guide explains battery types, sizes most Vauxhalls use, what to upgrade (or never downgrade), and hands‑on installation & maintenance. Ready to shop? Compare curated searches for 096 AGM, 110 EFB, 063 Flooded, and Start‑Stop AGM picks.

Table of Contents

Quick Picks for Vauxhall Owners (By Use Case)

  • Daily driver (no start‑stop): Quality Flooded/Lead‑Acid with solid RC. Popular UK sizes: 063, 075, 096. See 063 choices and 075 options. ~£70–£140
  • Start‑Stop (ecoFLEX, S/S): EFB (good) or AGM (best). Do not downgrade to standard flooded. Browse EFB or AGM. ~£120–£250
  • Short trips, big electrical loads: AGM for fast charge acceptance & vibration resistance. Try 096 AGM or 110 AGM. ~£150–£280
  • Diesel models (cold cranking): Prioritise higher CCA. Consider high‑CCA AGM. Add +50–100 CCA vs minimum in colder climates
  • Best value: Mid‑tier EFBs with 3‑year warranty. Compare 110 EFB deals.
  • Vans (Vivaro/Movano): Higher capacity EFB/AGM in 096/019/020 footprints. See 020 AGM/EFB.

Top Battery Types for Vauxhalls (What to Choose & Why)

Type Best For Pros Watch‑outs Typical Price Shop
Flooded/Lead‑Acid Older/non‑start‑stop Vauxhalls (e.g., some Corsa/Astra) Lowest cost, widely available Not suited to start‑stop; shorter cycle life ~£70–£140 063 search
EFB (Enhanced Flooded) Start‑stop models; good everyday upgrade Better cycling than flooded; cost‑effective Below AGM for heavy electronics/short hops ~£120–£200 EFB choices
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) Premium trims, heavy loads, cold starts, frequent S/S Top cycle life, high CCA, fast charging Higher price; needs correct charging profile ~£150–£280 096 AGM

Vauxhall Model-Specific Buying Tips

  • Corsa (D/E/F): Non‑S/S often uses 063/075 flooded. Start‑stop trims: EFB (some later trims benefit from AGM). Budget ~£90–£200. Try 063 EFB.
  • Astra (J/K/L): Many start‑stop variants: choose EFB or upgrade to AGM. Common footprints 096/110. ~£120–£260. See 110 AGM.
  • Insignia (A/B): Heavier loads; AGM recommended for S/S. Sizes often 110/019. ~£150–£280. Browse 019 AGM.
  • Mokka / Mokka X / Grandland / Crossland: Most are start‑stop. Choose EFB or AGM depending on trim & equipment. ~£130–£260. Compare EFB.
  • Zafira (B/C/Life): 7‑seat electrics favour AGM for resilience. Sizes vary (096/110). ~£140–£270. See 096 AGM picks.
  • Meriva: Mix of non‑S/S (flooded) and S/S (EFB). Verify start‑stop before ordering. ~£90–£180.
  • Vivaro / Movano (vans): Higher capacity with robust CCA; EFB/AGM in 096/019/020 footprints. ~£140–£300. Try 020 EFB.
  • Older/Classic Vauxhall: Often 063/075 flooded; upgrading to an EFB can improve reliability if you run accessories. ~£100–£160.

Vauxhall Battery Fitment Cheat Sheet (Most-Common Sizes)

Model (typical) Common UK Size Code Polarity Notes
Corsa (non‑S/S) 063 / 075 (Flooded) Std (R+) Check tray height & clamp; some trims accept 075 upgrade
Corsa (S/S) 063 EFB / 075 EFB Std (R+) Do not fit standard flooded if OE was EFB/AGM
Astra (S/S) 096 EFB/AGM or 110 EFB/AGM Std (R+) Higher‑spec trims often prefer AGM
Insignia 110 / 019 (AGM preferred on S/S) Std (R+) Heavy electrical load: choose higher RC
Mokka / Crossland / Grandland 096 / 110 (EFB/AGM) Std (R+) Confirm height (low vs tall case)
Zafira 096 / 110 (AGM strong pick) Std (R+) Extra seats & HVAC favour higher RC
Vivaro / Movano 096 / 019 / 020 (EFB/AGM) Std (R+) Look for higher CCA & vibration resistance

Spec Targets: CCA, RC, and Warranty

CCA: Cold Cranking Amps RC: Reserve Capacity Tech: Flooded / EFB / AGM

  • CCA: Meet or exceed the OE spec; diesel & cold climates benefit from +50–100 CCA.
  • RC: Higher RC supports lights/HVAC/audio in queues or short trips.
  • Technology: If OE was EFB/AGM, do not downgrade.
  • Warranty: Aim for 36+ months free replacement (or regional equivalent).
  • Dimensions: Verify length/width/height and hold‑down style; UK sizes 063/075/096/110 are common.
  • Charging Profile: AGM requires AGM‑compatible chargers and IBS coding on some models.

Best Car Battery Brands for Vauxhall & Where‑to‑Buy

Brand Why It’s Good Typical Tech Shop
Varta / Bosch Strong OE presence, robust AGM/EFB lines EFB, AGM Search Varta AGM
Exide / Tudor Well‑regarded cycling life & cold performance EFB, AGM Exide AGM
Yuasa Popular in UK retail; dependable CCA ratings Flooded, EFB, AGM Yuasa picks
  • Where to buy (UK): Online marketplaces, local parts shops, tyre/battery chains, and main dealers.
  • Pros: Online = wider selection & fast delivery; dealer = coding/support; local shop = testing & fitting.
  • Tips: Take your reg/VIN and the old battery’s label for exact match; ask about disposal & coding fees.

How to Check Freshness & Authenticity

  • Date code: Prefer stock < 6 months old. Many brands stamp week/year (e.g., 24/25 = week 24 of 2025).
  • Seals & vents: Caps intact, no acid marks; AGM/EFB should have proper vent ports.
  • Open‑circuit voltage: Healthy new battery ~12.6–12.9V (AGM at upper end). Request a printout if possible.
  • Packaging & labels: Check serials, holograms, and clean terminals; avoid scuffed or reboxed units.

Car Battery Warranty Tips

  • Understand free replacement vs pro‑rata.
  • Keep receipt + install record (or dealer service invoice) for claims.
  • Follow fitment rules (don’t downgrade tech) to avoid denial.
  • Use a compatible charger (especially AGM) to keep warranty valid.

Vauxhall Car Battery Installation Guide (DIY or Shop)

  1. Save settings (optional): Use an OBD memory saver if available.
  2. Access & safety: Park flat, ignition off, gloves/eye protection, open bonnet. Some models have covers/brace bars—remove carefully.
  3. Disconnect: Negative (–) off first, then positive (+). Note vent tube orientation.
  4. Remove hold‑down: Undo clamp/bracket; lift battery straight up (it’s heavy).
  5. Prep new battery: Verify size, polarity, venting. For AGM/EFB, remove transport bungs and attach vent tube correctly.
  6. Install & clamp: Seat flat; refit hold‑down snug (avoid over‑torque). Refit covers.
  7. Reconnect: Positive (+) first, then negative (–). Lightly grease terminals.
  8. Start & check: Start engine; ensure start‑stop/charging lights clear after a short drive.
  9. Coding/adaptation: Some Vauxhalls benefit from battery registration (IBS). A dealer or capable scanner can reset battery stats for best charging and S/S behaviour.

Vauxhall Car Battery Maintenance & Longevity

  • Drive longer than 20–30 mins weekly to keep SOC healthy; frequent short trips? Use a smart charger.
  • For seasonal/low‑use vehicles, connect an AGM‑safe maintainer.
  • Keep terminals tight/clean; check body earths if you see random warning lights.
  • Avoid deep discharge; start‑stop systems resume gradually after full recharge.
  • Check parasitic drain if the car sits and goes flat—dash cams, trackers, and old head units can pull current.

Signs You Need a New Battery

  • Slow cranking, dimming lights at idle, or start‑stop disabled frequently.
  • Electrical gremlins after overnight park (clock resets, warning clusters).
  • Battery older than 4–6 years or repeatedly jump‑started.
  • Load test shows weak CCA or state of health below ~70%.

Contact Vauxhall Customer Service & Support

Vauxhall Car Battery FAQs

Do Vauxhall cars with start‑stop need EFB or AGM batteries?
Yes. If your Vauxhall was factory‑equipped with start‑stop, use an EFB (good) or AGM (best). Do not downgrade to a standard flooded battery as it can shorten life and disable start‑stop.

How long should a Vauxhall car battery last?
Typically 4–6 years for EFB/AGM in moderate climates with mixed driving. Short urban trips, extreme heat/cold, or lots of accessories may reduce life to ~3–4 years; gentle long drives can extend it.

How much is a Vauxhall car battery?
Expect roughly £120–£200 for quality flooded, £150–£260 for EFB, and £200–£350 for AGM (size‑dependent, e.g., H5/L2, H6/L3, H7/L4). Dealer coding or fitting may add £30–£100.

Which battery sizes fit common Vauxhall models?
Many small/compact models use H5/L2 (LN2), mid‑size often H6/L3 (LN3), and larger/premium H7/L4 (LN4). Always verify by VIN, tray dimensions, and terminal layout before purchase.

Do I need to code/register a new battery on my Vauxhall?
Recommended on start‑stop and newer models with a Battery Management System (BMS). Coding tells the ECU the new battery’s type/capacity so charging and start‑stop work correctly.

Can I upgrade from EFB to AGM?
Yes—upgrading EFB to AGM is generally acceptable and can improve durability and charge acceptance. Keep the same physical size and capacity range; never downgrade AGM to flooded.

What are signs a Vauxhall battery is failing?
Slow cranking, intermittent start‑stop, dim lights, electrical glitches after start, older than 4–6 years, or poor results on a load/conductance test. Frequent jump‑starts are another red flag.

Will a higher Ah or CCA battery damage my car?
No, if it’s the correct size and coded properly. A modest increase in Ah/CCA is fine. Never change voltage, polarity, or exceed tray/hold‑down limits.

Should I trickle‑charge my Vauxhall if it’s not driven often?
Yes. Use an intelligent (AGM‑safe) maintainer if the car sits more than two weeks. It preserves charge, supports the BMS, and helps start‑stop remain available.

Bottom line: Identify whether your Vauxhall has start‑stop, confirm the size code (063/075/096/110 are common), and choose the newest EFB/AGM you can with solid CCA and a 3‑year warranty. For quick shopping, start here: 096 AGM, 110 EFB, 063 Flooded.
Best Car Battery for Vauxhall – Top Picks for Every Model