Every car needs a 12-volt battery to work, whether it is electric or gasoline powered. Even electric cars need them to power the lights, fans, and other devices. 12-volt batteries are important and will continue to be important for a long time. If you’ve noticed that automobile batteries don’t last as long as they used to, your intuition may be correct. The increasing number of electrically powered systems in today’s standard car – like heated and cooled seats, start/stop systems, or car multimedia systems – places an extra strain on the battery, especially in cold climates.
We’ve done a lot of research to find the best batteries for Honda. We looked at Consumer Reports, expert opinions, and ratings from users on popular shopping sites. We also looked at our own personal experience.
Most Popular Car Battery Types
There are more choices for 12-volt batteries than ever before: lead-acid batteries, gel cells, absorbed glass mat batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and so on. It might be difficult to shop for a battery when your vehicle doesn’t start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide, so you can make an informed decision and get back on the road as quickly as possible.
Most car batteries are still lead-acid batteries, and this means that there are lead plates in sulfuric acid. Technology has changed, but the battery’s internal chemical composition remains the same.
Honda Requirements About AGM or Flooded Lead-Acid
The usual “flooded” lead-acid design of 12-volt automobile batteries is still in use, and the lead plates in these batteries are immersed in a solution of sulfuric acid. Most new Honda automobiles and trucks continue to employ flooded lead-acid batteries, and most drivers will be able to replace them by themselves.
Many of these batteries are sealed and have caps allowing replenishing the electrolyte and distilled water. The great majority of contemporary lead-acid batteries, on the other hand, are hermetically sealed. There is still a sulfuric acid sloshing inside, and if the battery case cracks slightly, the acid can seep out. The vents may allow electrolyte to spill out if it’s tipped sideways.
If you have a car or truck that comes with AGM batteries, you should use AGM batteries. If you don’t, the battery may not last as long, and it could create warranty issues. Some vehicles have sensors that detect the type of battery, so if you switch to a different type of battery, the control system may need to be reprogrammed.
Best Car Batteries for Honda
If you’re looking for the best car battery for Honda, the Dual Purpose Battery is a great option. This battery is designed for hot and cold climates, so it should last no matter where you live. It has a high reserve capacity and cold-cranking amps, comes with a three-year warranty and It’s also maintenance-free, so you don’t have to worry about checking the water level or adding acid.
The is a great choice for those who live in cold climates, as it has a high CCA. It is the cheapest one, but it also comes with a three-year warranty.
Finally, the Car and Truck Maintenance-Free Battery is a good choice for those who are looking for a battery with start-stop technology, and it has high cold-cranking amps.
Which Car Battery Lasts the Longest?
It’s no secret that different car batteries last for different lengths of time. So, which one do you buy if longevity is your number one concern? You should keep in mind a few things when trying to find the best car battery for Honda.
The first is that not all batteries are made equal – some are designed for short term use while others are built for extended life. When buying a battery, always read the fine print to see how long the manufacturer expects it to last.
The next thing you need to consider is the climate where you live. If you live in a hot and humid area, you’ll need a battery to withstand those conditions. Batteries designed for cold weather may not last as long in the heat.
The lifespan of a battery can be shortened if it is not properly maintained. AGM batteries do not require maintenance, but you should still take care of your battery by keeping it clean and making sure the terminals are free of dirt and corrosion, checking for build-up on the terminals, and having a mechanic test the battery every year.
Is AGM Battery Much Better for Honda?
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries have a fiberglass mat between the lead plates that soaks up the acid. The battery is then sealed, making it maintenance-free. Honda says that AGM batteries are required on some new models like the Odyssey, Accord, and Crosstour.
The AGM battery design became popular over the last decade or so as owners sought ways to make their batteries last longer. Batteries with fiberglass mats don’t need to be topped off with water and don’t sulfate as much as standard flooded lead-acid batteries. The downside of AGM batteries is that they can be more expensive.
The AGM was designed to correct the misbalance between cranking power and reserve capacity. Because the sulfuric acid has been totally absorbed in matted glass fiber surrounding the lead plates, AGM batteries are spill-proof. AGM batteries are less influenced by vibration than flooded lead-acid and typically have greater reserve capacity for a given number of cranking amps. They’re less prone to damage from a severe discharge, which means they might live longer even if you forget to switch off your headlights.
Few Factors to Find the Best Car Battery for Honda
Reserve Capacity and Amp Hour Capacity
This is the amount of time the battery can run your car’s accessories if the engine is off. A higher reserve capacity is better. Reserve Capacity is measured in minutes, Amp Hour in AH, and shows how long the battery will provide power at a certain rate.
Cold Cranking Amps or CCA
This measures how much power the battery can deliver at freezing temperatures (0 degrees Fahrenheit). If you live in a cold climate, you’ll want a battery with a high CCA.
All 12-volt car battery has these two important requirements. However, these requirements can sometimes work against each other. A powerful battery that can start a big truck won’t necessarily keep the headlights on for 30 minutes. Batteries in all Honda cars keep the balance between the reserve capacity (RC) and cold cranking amps (CCA). Much of the inventions around the lead-acid battery over the last 100 years have been focused on improving this balance.
Use Correct Battery Group Size
The correct group number is the first item you’ll need for a 12-volt automobile battery replacement. The case size, or group number, establishes basic measurements agreed upon by vehicle and battery manufacturers. There are many different group numbers for various car applications. Usually, these numbers have two digits (24, 35, 49) or a letter and number (H6, H8). Most Honda cars use a Group 51R battery. Some models may use a different size, like a Group 35 battery.
With the correct group number, your new battery will fit in the car’s battery compartment designated by the Honda manufacturer, with the positive and negative post terminals on the correct sides and in the proper positions to connect the car cables. If you can’t discover the battery group number in your owner’s handbook, you can use our website.
The group number is most significant in the context of case size. Reserve Capacity and Cranking Power are not necessarily linked. The minimum cold-cranking amps for your vehicle’s model and the reserve capacity (in amp-hours) are suggested by automobile manufacturers.
Honda Battery Sizes by Car Models and Years
| Honda Model | Car Years | Battery Group | Battery Size (Length x Width x Height) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Insight | 2019-2022 | 51R | 9.375'' x 5.0625'' x 8.75'' in (238 x 129 x 223 mm) |
| Honda Insight | 2010-2014 | 151R | 7.4375'' x 4.9375'' x 8.875'' in (188 x 125 x 225 mm) |
| Honda Insight | 2000-2006 | 51 | 9.375'' x 5.0625'' x 8.75'' in (238 x 129 x 223 mm) |
| Honda Odyssey | 2018-2022 | 48 | 11'' x 6.9375'' x 7.5'' in (278 x 175 x 190 mm) |
| Honda Odyssey | 1995-2017 | 24F | 10.75'' x 6.8125'' x 9'' in (273 x 173 x 229 mm) |
| Honda Accord | 1983, 2014-2015, 2017-2021 | 51 | 9.375'' x 5.0625'' x 8.75'' in (238 x 129 x 223 mm) |
| Honda Accord | 2018-2021 | 48 | 11'' x 6.9375'' x 7.5'' in (278 x 175 x 190 mm) |
| Honda Accord | 2018-2021 | 47 | 9.5625'' x 6.9375'' x 7.5'' in (242 x 175 x 190 mm) |
| Honda Accord | 1994-1997, 2008-2017 | 24F | 10.75'' x 6.8125'' x 9'' in (273 x 173 x 229 mm) |
| Honda Accord | 2003-2017 | 51R | 9.375'' x 5.0625'' x 8.75'' in (238 x 129 x 223 mm) |
| Honda Accord | 1998-2007, 2010-2013 | 35 | 9.0625'' x 6.9375'' x 8.875'' in (230 x 175 x 225 mm) |
| Honda Accord | 1990-1993, 1996-2002 | 24 | 10.25'' x 6.8125'' x 8.875'' in (260 x 173 x 225 mm) |
| Honda Accord | 1983-1989 | 26 | 8.1875'' x 6.8125'' x 7.75'' in (208 x 173 x 197 mm) |
| Honda Accord | 1980-1982 | 45 | 9.4375'' x 5.5'' x 8.9375'' in (240 x 140 x 227 mm) |
| Honda Civic | 2017-2021 | 47 | 9.5625'' x 6.9375'' x 7.5'' in (242 x 175 x 190 mm) |
| Honda Civic | 1992-2000, 2002-2021 | 51R | 9.375'' x 5.0625'' x 8.75'' in (238 x 129 x 223 mm) |
| Honda Civic | 2006-2015 | 151R | 7.4375'' x 4.9375'' x 8.875'' in (188 x 125 x 225 mm) |
| Honda Civic | 1983-1991, 2001-2005 | 51 | 9.375'' x 5.0625'' x 8.75'' in (238 x 129 x 223 mm) |
| Honda Civic | 1986-1989 | 52 | 7.3125'' x 5.8125'' x 8.25'' in (186 x 147 x 210 mm) |
| Honda Civic | 1980-1982 | 45 | 9.4375'' x 5.5'' x 8.9375'' in (240 x 140 x 227 mm) |
| Honda Clarity | 2017-2021 | 51R | 9.375'' x 5.0625'' x 8.75'' in (238 x 129 x 223 mm) |
| Honda CR-V | 2017-2021 | 47 | 9.5625'' x 6.9375'' x 7.5'' in (242 x 175 x 190 mm) |
| Honda CR-V | 2020-2021 | 51 | 9.375'' x 5.0625'' x 8.75'' in (238 x 129 x 223 mm) |
| Honda CR-V | 1997-2019 | 51R | 9.375'' x 5.0625'' x 8.75'' in (238 x 129 x 223 mm) |
| Honda CR-V | 2014-2016 | 35 | 9.0625'' x 6.9375'' x 8.875'' in (230 x 175 x 225 mm) |
| Honda HR-V | 1998-2021 | 51R | 9.375'' x 5.0625'' x 8.75'' in (238 x 129 x 223 mm) |
| Honda Passport | 2019-2021 | 48 | 11'' x 6.9375'' x 7.5'' in (278 x 175 x 190 mm) |
| Honda Passport | 1998-2002 | 24F | 10.75'' x 6.8125'' x 9'' in (273 x 173 x 229 mm) |
| Honda Passport | 1994-1997 | 24 | 10.25'' x 6.8125'' x 8.875'' in (260 x 173 x 225 mm) |
| Honda Passport | 1996 | 86 | 9.0625'' x 6.8125'' x 8'' in (230 x 173 x 203 mm) |
| Honda Passport | 1994-1995 | 25 | 9.0625'' x 6.9375'' x 8.875'' in (230 x 175 x 225 mm) |
| Honda Pilot | 2016-2021 | 48 | 11'' x 6.9375'' x 7.5'' in (278 x 175 x 190 mm) |
| Honda Pilot | 2003-2015 | 24F | 10.75'' x 6.8125'' x 9'' in (273 x 173 x 229 mm) |
| Honda Fit | 2007-2020 | 151R | 7.4375'' x 4.9375'' x 8.875'' in (188 x 125 x 225 mm) |
| Honda Ridgeline | 2017-2020 | 48 | 11'' x 6.9375'' x 7.5'' in (278 x 175 x 190 mm) |
| Honda Ridgeline | 2006-2014 | 24F | 10.75'' x 6.8125'' x 9'' in (273 x 173 x 229 mm) |
| Honda Vamos | 1999-2020 | 51R | 9.375'' x 5.0625'' x 8.75'' in (238 x 129 x 223 mm) |
| Honda CR-Z | 2010-2016 | 151R | 7.4375'' x 4.9375'' x 8.875'' in (188 x 125 x 225 mm) |
| Honda Crosstour | 2012-2015 | 24F | 10.75'' x 6.8125'' x 9'' in (273 x 173 x 229 mm) |
| Honda Crosstour | 2012-2015 | 51R | 9.375'' x 5.0625'' x 8.75'' in (238 x 129 x 223 mm) |
| Honda Crosstour | 2012-2013 | 35 | 9.0625'' x 6.9375'' x 8.875'' in (230 x 175 x 225 mm) |
| Honda Accord Crosstour | 2010-2011 | 24F | 10.75'' x 6.8125'' x 9'' in (273 x 173 x 229 mm) |
| Honda Element | 2003-2011 | 51R | 9.375'' x 5.0625'' x 8.75'' in (238 x 129 x 223 mm) |
| Honda S2000 | 2000-2009 | 51 | 9.375'' x 5.0625'' x 8.75'' in (238 x 129 x 223 mm) |
| Honda Prelude | 1992-2001 | 24F | 10.75'' x 6.8125'' x 9'' in (273 x 173 x 229 mm) |
| Honda Prelude | 1990-1991 | 24 | 10.25'' x 6.8125'' x 8.875'' in (260 x 173 x 225 mm) |
| Honda Prelude | 1983-1989 | 26 | 8.1875'' x 6.8125'' x 7.75'' in (208 x 173 x 197 mm) |
| Honda Prelude | 1980-1982 | 45 | 9.4375'' x 5.5'' x 8.9375'' in (240 x 140 x 227 mm) |
| Honda Civic del Sol | 1993-1997 | 51R | 9.375'' x 5.0625'' x 8.75'' in (238 x 129 x 223 mm) |
| Honda CRX | 1988-1991 | 51 | 9.375'' x 5.0625'' x 8.75'' in (238 x 129 x 223 mm) |
| Honda Wagovan | 1984, 1986-1987 | 51 | 9.375'' x 5.0625'' x 8.75'' in (238 x 129 x 223 mm) |
| Honda Wagovan | 1986-1987 | 52 | 7.3125'' x 5.8125'' x 8.25'' in (186 x 147 x 210 mm) |
If you can’t find information about your car’s battery in the owner’s manual, use the battery currently installed in your car. We wouldn’t go below the manufacturer’s recommended CCA and Ah minimums because a new battery will wear out faster. It is usually safe to go over the minimums, but you might have to pay more for a battery with a higher capacity.
Warranty
A longer warranty is better, but not all companies offer the same coverage. Some cover replacement costs, while others only cover the pro-rated cost of the battery.
Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Car Batteries for Honda
There are various reasons why a low-cost battery differs from an expensive one. Most costly batteries are high-quality, although this does not imply that all low-cost batteries are poor. Cheap batteries utilize PVC and other materials to limit ion movement between plates, whereas pricey ones employ rubber.
Batteries, like any other equipment, are widely available on the market. However, there are significant differences between low-cost and high-end batteries. The wiring of low-cost automobile batteries is generally poor quality, which wears out quickly and causes leaking. When compared to lower-quality batteries, AGM batteries tend to last longer.
AGM batteries feature a fiberglass layer that separates plates and seals them off completely. This makes these batteries impact-resistant and safe to use. It also leads to increased output and decreased charging time. Therefore, consider its reliability, safety, and durability before you settle on a cheap battery.
A special type of fiberglass insulation between the plates of AGM batteries protects them from moisture and impacts. These batteries are impact-resistant and safe to use as a result of this. It also increases output and lowers charging time. So, before you choose a low-cost battery, assess its safety and dependability.
How Long Do Honda Batteries Last?
The life of a Honda car battery is usually measured in the number of cycles it can go through before it fails. A cycle is defined as a discharge and recharge of a battery. Most batteries are designed to last between 500 and 1000 cycles. If your battery falls below 50% charge, it will significantly shorten the battery’s life. Partial discharges are worse for a battery than complete discharges.
The type of vehicle, how you use your vehicle, temperature extremes, and the age of the battery all affect how long your battery will last. Batteries stored for an extended period of time can lose up to 30% of their charge. AGM and Gel Cell batteries tend to lose less charge than flooded lead-acid batteries.
The best way to prolong the life of your battery is to keep it fully charged and don’t let it discharge completely. If you need to store your vehicle for an extended period, disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. AGM and Gel Cell batteries can be stored discharged without damaging the battery.
On average, car batteries last between three and five years. You may get more or less depending on the conditions listed above. To help you get the most out of your battery, our technicians recommend having a new one installed every four years. However, it is important to know the signs that you need a new battery, so you don’t get stranded with a dead battery. Some common signs are if your car won’t start, the lights are dim when you turn them on, or your radio turns off when you start the car.
Negative factors that reduce Battery Life
If you don’t often use your car or only use it for short trips, the battery will not last as long. If you only use the car for a brief 15-minute commute, try taking a longer route or going on a road trip to help the battery stay charged.
Another two factors that affect how long your battery lasts: the climate where you live and your driving habits:
Watch your driving habits. Leaving the power on when the ignition is off can kill the battery quickly. For example, leaving an interior light on overnight or leaving the key in the ignition will drain the battery.
The climate where you live affects your car. If it’s cold all year, the battery will wear down faster than if it was warmer.
Signs That Your Battery Is Low
When a battery is running low, some drivers don’t realize it until their automobile won’t starts. Fortunately, several warning signals indicate that your battery may need to be replaced. If your car battery is running low, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Car won’t start, or the engine is cranking for longer, and the ignition isn’t turning over as quickly as it used to. The engine turns over slowly. This is the most obvious sign that your battery is low.
- Lights are dim when you turn them on. If the battery is low, the lights will be dimmer than usual. This might be because the battery is low on fluid. In some cars, there is a dashboard light that looks like a battery when the battery is low.
- Radio turns off when you start the car. If the battery can’t power the radio, it will turn off as soon as you start the car.
- Car windows are slow to roll up or down. If the battery is low, it won’t have enough power to operate the electric windows.
- You may also have noticed that your lights are not as bright as they used to be. This might be because the battery is low on fluid. In some cars, there is a dashboard light that looks like a battery when the battery is low.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to charge or replace your battery.
How To Replace a Honda Battery
We have found a video tutorial for you: