The Honda Civic was first introduced to the public as a 1973 model in 1972. As of this writing, the Civic is now in its 11th generation and has proven to be one of the most-popular and best-selling cars in both the United States and Canada.
With so many of these Hondas on the road and all the miles they accumulate over time, it’s inevitable that their batteries will need to be replaced at some point.
So which battery fits your Honda Civic? In many cases, the answer isn’t as simple as mentioning one size, because as the Civic has gone through 11 different iterations, there are bound to be changes that have taken place, which may impact the battery that is best-suited and designed specifically to fit in your Honda.
However, the Civic is one of those rare exceptions, that has remained relatively-constant in its battery needs over the years, regardless of the generation of car or size of engine.
This guide offers tips on picking the battery for Honda Civic to improve your time behind the wheel.
What type of battery does the Honda Civic use?
Honda Civics take a variety of batteries based on their year and sub-model.
Common battery sizes for Honda Civics are BCI Group Sizes 51R and 47 and Duracell Ultra makes several levels of battery for your Honda Civic like the Duracell Ultra Gold Flooded battery and the Duracell Ultra Platinum AGM.
For a premium battery experience, we have options for Honda Civics from Optima Battery as well.
What to Look for When Picking Out a Car Battery
Choosing a car battery can be a bit overwhelming. Cold-cranking amps, group size, reserve capacity — what does it all mean? Let’s break down some of the common terms you’ll run into when buying a battery:
- Battery Group: The first thing you’ll want to consider when picking out a new battery is the battery group — also called the BCI (Battery Council International) group. It determines the dimensions, voltage (6V or 12V), and terminal locations of your battery. To ensure that your battery fits, you’ll want to match your battery group to your specific vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations, which can be found in your owner’s manual.
- Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): If you live in a cold climate, you’ll need to consider CCA. This number is correlated to how well a battery can operate in cold temperatures. The higher the number, the more powerful the starting power of the battery is. Even if you don’t live in a frosty region, looking at CCA may be a good idea, since it’s a decent gauge of the overall starting power of the battery.
- Reserve Capacity: A battery’s reserve capacity refers to how long the battery can deliver power to your vehicle without help from the charging system. The larger the reserve capacity, the longer the battery can provide power on its own.
Want to make sure you pick out a good battery?
How much does a battery cost for a Honda Civic?
Replacement batteries for your Honda Civic will range in price from around $175 for a Duracell Ultra flooded battery and up to $280 for an Optima Yellow Top AGM battery. All Honda batteries come with free replacement warranties that range anywhere from 2 to 4 years.
How long should a Honda Civic battery last?
How long a battery will last in your Honda Civic will depend on it’s care and use. Most batteries in your Civic will last 3-5 years if they are properly maintained. However, if you neglect your battery and don’t clean the terminals and check for corrosion, it could need replacing much sooner.
What Are Weak Car Battery Symptoms?
Look and listen for these early warning signs of a dead battery:
- Slow engine crank. Here’s what happens when a battery works properly: the starter takes electrical energy stored in the battery and converts it into mechanical energy to crank the engine. If you hear the engine cranking slowly, you may have a dying battery.
- Clicking sound when you turn the key or press the start button. Uh-oh! Your battery may be too weak to sufficiently crank the engine.
- Dim headlights. The lights just aren’t getting the power they need. Lights are vital to your safety because they enable you to see other drivers and let them see you, so take note if they aren’t shining as brightly as they should.
- Problems with electrical components. Most modern cars have many electronic accessories, and each draws upon the battery for power. When you find these accessories aren’t performing as they should, it’s one of the weak car battery symptoms.
- Dashboard warning light illuminated. Does your car have a battery dashboard warning indicator? Generally, it’s in the shape of a car battery and comes on when the battery is not charging properly or has an internal problem. IMPORTANT: When this light comes on, don’t ignore it! Have your battery professionally inspected as soon as possible.
- The battery case is swollen. If your car has recently endured a hot wave or a cold snap, it’s a good idea to pop the hood and take a look. The battery case can swell when exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures, and this can lead to an “electrically dead” battery. If this happens, the battery cannot be recovered and will have to be replaced.
Conclusion
To determine the battery, for a Honda Civic vehicle involves taking into account aspects such as the car’s specifications and its impact, on the environment. By considering these factors car owners can guarantee the durability and dependability of their vehicles.
By making informed decisions they can improve their driving experience by ensuring efficient rides leading to greater satisfaction while on the road.