Group 35 AGM Car Battery - 12V 55Ah 650CCA Automotive Replacement Battery

Did you know your 12-volt car battery actually holds a bit more power? When fully charged and at rest (engine off), a healthy battery should read around 12.8 volts.

Once your engine starts, the alternator takes over, supplying power to your car’s electrical systems—like the lights, stereo, power windows, and seats—while also recharging the battery. With the alternator in action, your battery voltage typically ranges between 13.8 to 14.8 volts.

Keeping an eye on your battery’s voltage can help you detect potential issues early and ensure your vehicle stays powered up and ready to go!

The size of your vehicle’s battery is more important than you might think. Batteries are installed in a designated tray and held down to prevent movement, and their height must be within limits to avoid contact with the hood, cables, or posts. Terminal positioning and style are also key factors that influence ease of installation.

But battery size isn’t just about fitting properly; it’s about ensuring the battery has the right power capacity to start your engine and support its electrical components. A battery with insufficient capacity may struggle to start your engine, especially in cold weather, while one with excessive storage capacity can put unnecessary strain on your vehicle’s charging system.

A battery size chart is an essential reference tool that categorizes various battery group sizes by the Battery Council International (BCI). It also lists crucial specifications such as battery dimensions, Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), and Reserve Capacity (RC). This information helps you choose the right battery that meets your vehicle's specific requirements.

Battery size charts are organized into three key categories to help you select the best fit for your needs. Each aspect is vital for ensuring your vehicle operates smoothly.

Battery Group Numbers

These numbers represent the physical dimensions and terminal placements of a battery, ensuring it fits snugly in your vehicle's battery tray and aligns with the cable connections. Typically, BCI group sizes are represented by two numbers, or a combination of two numbers and a letter. In some cases, more than one BCI group size can fit a vehicle.

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)

CCA measures the battery’s ability to start the engine in cold weather. A higher CCA rating translates to better performance in low temperatures. Similar BCI group sizes often share a minimum CCA rating, though you may find options with higher CCA for enhanced cold-weather performance.

Reserve Capacity (RC)

RC tells you how many minutes a fully charged battery can deliver a specific load before its voltage drops. It indicates how long your vehicle can run on battery power alone if the charging system fails. RC is especially important for running accessories, such as lights or electronic features, when the engine is off.

To select the right battery size, always consult your vehicle’s manual or the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct BCI group size. Using the wrong battery size can lead to poor connections, premature wear, or even damage to your vehicle’s electrical system.

Additionally, climate plays a significant role in determining the right battery capacity. In temperate climates, a battery with a lower CCA rating may suffice, while colder climates require batteries with higher CCA for reliable cranking power and better performance in extreme temperatures.

Modern vehicles have an increasing number of electrical systems, such as GPS, infotainment screens, and power windows, which demand more energy. For these vehicles, a battery with a higher RC rating may be necessary to handle the additional load when the engine is off and to keep your vehicle's electrical systems running smoothly.

Experiencing erratic voltage jumps? Here’s how to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

✅ Clean the Battery Terminals – Remove any oxidation or corrosion using a specialized battery terminal cleaner or corrosion remover. This ensures a strong and stable connection.

✅ Check the Ground Wire – Inspect all grounding points, especially where the battery connects to the vehicle’s chassis. A loose or faulty ground can cause voltage instability. Tighten or replace if necessary.

By maintaining clean and secure connections, you can stabilize your battery’s voltage and keep your vehicle running smoothly!

Installing a new battery only to find that your car still won’t start can be frustrating. Here’s a checklist of possible causes and solutions to get you back on the road.

1. Is It the Right Battery for Your Vehicle?

Ensure that you’ve installed the correct battery type. While physical size is important, battery chemistry matters too. If your vehicle requires an AGM or EFB battery, replacing it with a standard lead-acid battery could lead to performance issues.

2. Check Your Key Fob Battery

A dead key fob battery might prevent your car from starting due to immobilizer security features. Try replacing the small coin-sized battery in your fob, or consult your owner’s manual for a backup start method.

3. Verify Proper Battery Installation

• Ensure the battery terminals are securely tightened—they shouldn’t wiggle when moved by hand.
• Double-check polarity—accidentally reversing the cables (positive to negative and vice versa) can damage the alternator, wiring, and fuses.

4. Accidental Power Drain

For vehicles without automatic lights, leaving the headlights, interior lights, or marker lights on overnight can drain the battery. If this happens:
✅ Fully recharge the battery
✅ Ensure all lights are turned off

5. Could It Be a Bad Starter?

If you hear only a single loud click when turning the key, the starter motor may be faulty. This issue mimics a dead battery, so replacing the battery won’t help.

6. Check for a Blown Fuse or Faulty Relay

A blown starter fuse or relay could be preventing the car from starting. Try swapping the starter relay with a known working one to test if this is the issue. If a fuse is blown, there may be an underlying electrical issue causing excessive power draw.

7. Alternator Problems

If your battery dies while driving, your alternator may not be charging it properly. Possible causes include:
⚡ A bad alternator that’s not producing enough current
⚡ A broken serpentine belt preventing the alternator from working

8. Engine-Related Issues

A seized engine won’t turn over, which can mimic a dead battery or starter failure. Diagnosing engine problems can be complex, so you may need professional assistance.

9. Parasitic Battery Drain

If your new battery dies within hours or days, there could be a parasitic draw—an electrical component consuming power when it should be off. Identifying the culprit requires specialized knowledge, but a mechanic can trace circuits to find the drain.

If none of these fixes resolve the issue, it might be time to seek professional help.

Replacing a car battery is a straightforward task, but taking the proper precautions is essential for your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. Here are some key safety tips to follow:

1. Use a Memory Saver
   Consider using a memory saver when replacing your battery. This handy tool plugs into your vehicle’s OBD port or lighter socket to maintain minimal power and preserve your settings—so you won’t lose radio presets or other custom configurations.
2. Correct Cable Connections
   Always connect the positive cable to the positive terminal and the negative cable to the negative terminal. Mixing these up can cause serious damage to your vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Choose the Right Battery Size
   Make sure to install a battery with the correct group size that matches your vehicle’s specifications. A battery that’s too large or too small can cause performance issues or fail to properly power the car’s systems.
4. Have Your Keys Ready
   Keep your keys nearby when installing the new battery. If your car has an alarm system, you may need to disarm it during the process to avoid triggering false alarms.
5. Secure the Battery Properly
   Always make sure to install the battery hold-down securely to prevent any movement. A loose battery can cause vibrations, leading to possible damage to the battery or electrical components.

Taking these precautions will help ensure a smooth, safe, and effective battery replacement.

A dead or failing battery can cause a variety of issues. Recognizing the signs early can help prevent you from getting stranded. Here are key symptoms to watch out for:

1. Sudden, Slow Start
   Cold temperatures naturally slow down your vehicle’s startup, but if you notice a significant delay even when it's not freezing outside, it’s a sign of a weak battery. A slow start that eventually leads to no start at all may be caused by a battery that’s losing its charge. If the battery appears to charge but the issue persists, there could be a parasitic drain discharging the battery while the vehicle is off. A battery test is recommended.
2. Headlights and Power, But No Start
   If your headlights and accessories work, but your car only clicks or buzzes when trying to start, it could indicate that the battery doesn’t have enough power to crank the engine, even though it still operates lower-demand items. In these cases, jump-starting may temporarily get the vehicle running, but you should have the battery tested right away, as relying on the alternator to charge it is not a long-term fix.
3. No Radio or Dim Electronics
   If your radio or other electronics fail to turn on or flicker when the ignition is on, it’s a warning that your battery might be weak. A fully charged battery powers critical systems, including the radio, windshield wipers, and headlights. If these devices are struggling to function, the issue likely lies with the battery.
4. Swollen or Bloated Battery
   A swollen battery is a clear sign of a serious issue. Batteries are designed with a specific size and shape. If your battery appears bloated, it’s usually due to overcharging, which can cause the buildup of hydrogen gases inside the battery. This issue typically occurs because of a faulty voltage regulator, and once the battery swells, it cannot be fixed—it’s time for a replacement.
5. Foul Smell from the Battery
   A strange odor, like rotten eggs, is a red flag that your battery has vented gas and leaked sulfuric acid. This typically happens when the battery is overcharged, and the buildup of hydrogen gas exceeds the battery's ability to dissipate it. This smell is an indication that your battery is in the final stages of failure and could cause additional damage to your engine if not addressed promptly.
6. Your Battery is Old
   Car batteries generally last between three to five years. As your battery approaches the four-year mark, it’s essential to monitor its performance. Even if there are no visible signs of failure, getting a battery test is a good idea to assess its charge and health.
7. Check Engine Light Flashes
   If the check engine light turns on or flashes, it’s often a sign of an issue with the engine, but sometimes it’s the battery causing the problem. A dying battery can trigger the light, so before panicking about expensive repairs, have the battery checked to see if that’s the culprit.
8. Vehicle Starts, Then Dies Immediately
   A car that starts but then dies immediately could indicate a problem with the battery, particularly in certain makes and models. When a battery fails, it can disrupt the constant signals sent to the vehicle’s ECU (engine control unit), causing the sensors that regulate idle speed and fuel to lose their signal. As a result, the engine can start but fail to stay running.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to have your battery tested or replaced. Catching the issue early can save you time, money, and frustration down the road.

When facing electrical issues in your vehicle, follow these steps to diagnose and identify the problem, or at least rule out potential causes.

1. Check Battery Voltage

Start by testing the battery’s voltage using a multimeter. A fully charged battery should read between 12.8 and 13.0 volts. Additionally, ensure that the battery terminals are clean and securely tightened, as loose or corroded terminals can affect performance.

2. Inspect Fuses, Relays, and Battery Cables

Next, examine the fuses and relays for any signs of damage or malfunction. Also, verify that the positive cable is connected to the positive terminal and the negative cable to the negative terminal. If the polarity has been reversed by mistake, you may have burnt components, such as a damaged alternator, blown onboard computer, or melted wiring and connectors, which can lead to significant repair costs.

3. Scan for Trouble Codes

When the Check Engine Light (CEL) turns on, use an OBD-II scan tool to read the codes stored in the vehicle’s system. If the light appeared after installing the battery, clear the codes and continue driving while monitoring to see if the light comes back on. If it does, further investigation will be necessary.

4. Disarm the Alarm

If your vehicle’s alarm is going off, it may simply need to be disarmed. Press the unlock or disarm button on your remote. If you don’t have a remote, try turning the ignition key in the driver’s side door lock, as this can sometimes deactivate the alarm.

5. Test for Parasitic Draw

After your car’s electronics go to sleep, test for a parasitic draw on the battery. Ideally, the draw should be less than 50 mA. A higher draw may indicate an issue with one of the vehicle's electrical systems that continues to consume power when the car is off.

6. Register the Battery (for Newer Cars)

For newer vehicles, especially those requiring EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) or AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries, check if the battery needs to be registered with the vehicle’s computer system. In some cases, this is a procedure that can be done by the car owner, while other vehicles may require dealer-specific software for registration. Failing to register a new battery may cause charging system problems or incorrect battery performance.