UK driving mixes constant stop‑start city traffic, motorway blasts, frosty mornings and damp, salt‑laden winters — all of which stress car batteries. Below you’ll find the right battery type for your car, UK fitment sizes, trusted brands, and exactly where to buy and get fitted nationwide. We’ve also added handy links to compare AGM and EFB start‑stop options, plus useful kit like a smart charger and OBD2 memory saver.

Table of Contents

Quick Picks (By Use Case)

  • Daily commuters (no start/stop): Quality flooded lead‑acid or EFB. Compare Type 063, 075, and 096 sizes common in UK cars. ~£70–£150 fitted.
  • Cars with idle stop/start: EFB (value) or AGM (premium). Browse EFB or AGM. ~£120–£260 fitted.
  • Cold‑weather reliability (Scotland/northern England): AGM with higher CCA and larger H5/H6/H7 footprints. Shortlist high‑CCA AGM.
  • Short‑trip city use: AGM or EFB plus a smart maintainer to prevent sulphation.
  • Audio/performance builds: AGM with higher Ah/RC and tight voltage stability. Check 80Ah+ AGM.
  • 4×4, towing & caravanning: AGM starter or separate starter + 12V deep‑cycle AGM with a DC‑DC charger.

Car Battery Types in United Kingdom Comparison

Type Best For Pros Watch Outs Typical UK Price Shop
Flooded Lead‑Acid (Wet) Older cars without start/stop Lowest price; widely available Lower cycle life; hates deep discharge ~£60–£120 Compare
EFB Most modern start/stop cars (OE fit) Better cycling than wet; good value Less tolerant than AGM for heavy loads ~£100–£180 Compare
AGM Premium start/stop, cold climates, audio High CCA, spill‑proof, deep‑cycle capable Costs more; needs correct charging profile ~£140–£260 Compare
LiFePO4 (Motorsport/Specialist) Track cars, weight‑sensitive builds Very light; high cycle life Pricey; cold‑weather limitations; BMS critical ~£250–£700 Compare

Car Battery Size & Fitment Size United Kingdom

Common UK Size Alias (EN/DIN) Typical Use Search on Amazon
Type 063 Small footprint Superminis, small hatchbacks 063 options
Type 075 Many UK petrol compacts 075 options
Type 096 / L5 / H7 EN H7 (L=353mm) Mid/large saloons, diesels, SUVs 096 options
H5 (L2) / H6 (L3) / H7 (L4/L5) EN/DIN footprints Modern Euro platforms, start/stop H6 AGM | H7 AGM
JIS (e.g., 46B24R, 55D23L) Japanese spec Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Subaru JIS examples

Best Car Battery Brands in United Kingdom

  • Yuasa (GS Yuasa): UK market leader with extensive OE fitment and distribution; strong EFB/AGM lines. Typical £90–£220. Browse Yuasa.
  • Varta: German brand under Clarios; excellent AGM (Silver Dynamic AGM) and EFB ranges. ~£110–£240. See Varta AGM.
  • Bosch: S3/S4/S5 and S5 A (AGM) with robust warranties and wide UK coverage. ~£95–£230. Compare Bosch AGM.
  • Exide: Established OE supplier; strong EFB/AGM catalogues for Euro platforms. ~£100–£220. Search Exide.
  • Duracell Automotive: Reliable EFB/AGM options common in UK retail. ~£100–£210. View Duracell.
  • Banner: Austrian brand known for high CCA and Euro fitments. ~£110–£230. Explore Banner AGM.
  • Odyssey: Premium AGM for performance/audio, high reserve capacity. ~£180–£320. See Odyssey.
  • Lucas / Lion: Value‑focused UK aftermarket lines via factors; good for non start/stop. ~£70–£140. Browse Lucas.

Where to Buy Car Battery in United Kingdom

  • Halfords (stores & Autocentres)
  • Address (example store): 635 London Road, High Wycombe, HP11 1EZ
  • Contact: 0345 504 5353 (national); local numbers vary
  • Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00–20:00; Sat 8:00–18:00; Sun 10:00–17:00 (typical)
  • Euro Car Parts (nationwide trade & retail)
  • Address (example branch): Unit 250, Kings Norton Business Centre, 43 Melchett Road, Birmingham B30 3HP
  • Contact: 0121 433 2033 (branch); 0203 784 0000 (customer services)
  • Hours: Typically Mon–Fri business hours, Sat AM; check local branch
  • Kwik Fit (battery test & fitting)
  • Address (example city): Multiple centres across Manchester
  • Contact: 0800 222 111 (national); centres vary
  • Hours: Typical centres Mon–Fri 8:30–18:00; Sat 8:30–17:00; Sun 10:00–16:00
  • ATS Euromaster (tyres, MOT, batteries)
  • Address (example centre): 1A Sawmillfield Street, Glasgow G4 9SJ
  • Contact: 0141 332 1945
  • Hours: Commonly Mon–Fri 8:30–17:30; Sat 8:30–17:00; check centre
  • Tayna Batteries (online specialist & counter)
  • Address (warehouse/counter): Phoenix House, Unit 6A Kinmel Park, Bodelwyddan LL18 5TY; historic counter: High Street, Abergele LL22 7AR
  • Contact: 01745 823399
  • Hours: Typically Mon–Fri 08:30–17:00; Sat 09:00–16:00
  • RAC Mobile Battery Fitting (home/office)
  • Address: Mobile service nationwide
  • Contact: 0808 164 9361
  • Hours: Booking lines daily; fitting slots vary by area

Buying Car Battery in United Kingdom Guide and Tips

  • Match the tech: Start/stop cars need EFB or AGM. Do not downgrade to standard flooded. Upgrading EFB→AGM can be fine if space and charging profile allow.
  • Code the battery (where required): Many modern cars (BMW, VAG, Ford, etc.) require registration of the new battery so the charging system adapts. Ask for BMS reset.
  • Spec that matters in the UK: Look at CCA for winter starts, Ah for reserve capacity, and RC for accessories. Diesel and large petrol engines benefit from higher CCA.
  • Check orientation & terminals: UK batteries come in left/right positive layouts; verify before buying. Height must clear braces and bonnet insulation.
  • Warranty reality: 3–5 years is common. Keep the receipt and ensure correct fitment to avoid voiding claims.
  • Maintenance: If you drive mostly short trips, use a smart maintainer monthly, especially in winter.
  • Safety: Use a memory saver when disconnecting to preserve radio codes and settings on some cars.
  • Disposal: Retailers must take your old battery for recycling; many offer a surcharge refund when you return a like‑for‑like unit.

Car Battery United Kingdom FAQs

How do I know if my car battery is failing?
Slow cranking, dashboard battery/charging warnings, dim headlights at idle, and repeated start/stop disable messages are common signs. A conductance/voltage test will confirm.

Can I replace an EFB with an AGM?
Often yes — AGM is a common upgrade on start/stop cars for better cycling and cold performance. Ensure the physical size matches and the vehicle is coded/registered to the new battery.

How much does it typically cost to replace and install a car battery in United Kingdom?
Expect roughly £70–£120 fitted for basic flooded types, £100–£180 for EFB, and £140–£260 for AGM. Mobile fitting services may add a convenience premium.

What’s the typical car battery warranty in United Kingdom?
Most reputable brands offer 3–5 years depending on range (value vs premium/AGM). Terms require correct application and installation.

How are car batteries recycled in United Kingdom?
Lead‑acid batteries are classed as hazardous waste but are highly recyclable. Retailers and civic amenity sites accept old units; factors reclaim a core and send batteries to licensed smelters where lead, plastic, and acid are recovered.

Do I need to code/register the new battery?
Many modern cars do. If your handbook mentions battery registration or you have IBS/BMS hardware, ask the fitter to perform it so the alternator charges correctly.

What charger should I use at home?
Use a smart charger with selectable chemistry (Flooded/EFB/AGM) and temperature compensation. For vehicles parked outside, consider a weatherproof maintainer with quick‑disconnect leads.

Will a higher Ah battery damage my car?
No, provided the footprint/terminals fit and your alternator can charge it. Higher Ah simply means more reserve capacity; CCA must still meet or exceed OE spec.

Bottom line

  • Match chemistry to your start/stop system
  • Choose the correct size (063/075/096, H5/H6/H7)
  • Prioritise CCA and Ah for UK winters and accessories
  • Buy from trusted UK brands and retailers with fitting & coding
  • Maintain with a smart charger if you do short trips
Best Car Battery in United Kingdom: Top Brands & Where to Buy