The workshop consumables checklist: what to keep on the shelf
Batteries
How to choose the right battery for your vehicle
Choosing the right battery is not just about size and price. It is about matching the battery to how you drive, where you drive, and what your vehicle demands of it.
Key considerations
Four things decide which battery is right for a vehicle:
- Vehicle type and age: a modern car with stop-start or a smart alternator needs a battery built for it; an older vehicle is less fussy.
- Electrical accessory load: spotlights, fridges, winches and stereos all draw from the battery, especially with the engine off.
- Cold cranking amps (CCA): the starting power the battery delivers in the cold. Meet the vehicle's requirement; more is not better unless the vehicle calls for it.
- Reserve capacity: how long the battery can run the vehicle's electrics without the alternator. It matters for vehicles with parasitic draw, such as alarms, trackers and always-on electronics.
Fit the physical battery too
Beyond the ratings, the battery has to fit the tray, clear the bonnet, put the terminals on the correct side and use the terminal type the leads expect. The vehicle finder on this site narrows the range to batteries that fit, which takes the guesswork out of that part.
Short version: RedPoint matches your battery to your lifestyle, whether that is stop-start city driving, regional farm work or long-haul transport. Ask us to recommend the right fit; a well-chosen battery saves you money and headaches.
