If your Chevy Cobalt is struggling to start, you might just be dealing with an old battery. If your battery is more than a few years old, have it tested for free at a local dealer. This will tell you if you’re due for a replacement.
What’s the best replacement battery for a Chevy Cobalt?
Exact battery recommendations will vary based on model year and other factors. However, the 2010 Cobalt requires an SLI flooded battery with a T5 group size and a minimum of 590 cold-cranking amps (CCA).
Not sure what to look for in a replacement battery for your Chevy Cobalt? We can explain. From group sizes and CCA to battery types and more, we’ll cover it all in plain English below, so you can stop stressing.
Battery Group Sizing 101
As you can probably imagine, it’s important to start with the right battery size. Just like you wouldn’t use AAA batteries in a TV remote that calls for AA batteries, you shouldn’t use the wrong size battery in your car.
As long as you buy a replacement battery with the same group size as your car’s original battery, you shouldn’t have any problems with fit or terminal location. Typically, battery group sizes are two to three digits long and contain numbers, letters, or both.
While exact battery group size recommendations for the Chevy Cobalt may vary by model year, the most recent model year (2010) requires a T5 group size. This means the battery should measure about 9.5-inches long, 6.9-inches wide, and 6.9-inches high.
T5 is a relatively common group size for car batteries—especially on earlier Chevy models. You can almost always find the group size of a battery by simply looking at its label.
Battery Types and More
There are two types of battery technologies that may be suitable for your Chevy Cobalt. For most models, a standard starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) flooded battery will suit your needs just fine.
These batteries are about as basic as they get, providing a burst of power to your car’s engine and then recharging through the car’s alternator. This battery type is also maintenance-free, so you can forget about it after it’s installed.
If your Cobalt is equipped with any electrical upgrades, such as a premium sound system or infotainment system, then you may want to spring for an absorbent mat glass (AGM) battery.
These batteries provide greater starting power, making them a suitable choice for cars with higher electrical draws. They also come in a “non-spill” design, so they can be mounted and installed in any position.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Batteries: Which is Best?
Because the Chevy Cobalt was only produced from 2005-2010 model years, finding original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts can be difficult. This applies to locating OEM batteries as well.
Still, if you’re able to get your hands on an OEM battery, this is the recommended replacement type. These batteries are made by Chevrolet for Chevrolet vehicles and will come with the best warranty as well.
Not sure where to find an OEM battery for a Chevy Cobalt? Your local Chevy dealership is probably the best starting point. When none are in stock, they may be able to order one for your car.
If You Do Go Aftermarket, We Suggest…
If you can’t find a reasonably priced OEM battery, you may have no choice but to buy an aftermarket replacement from a third-party company. As long as you choose a reputable company with a warranty, there’s nothing wrong with this.
If you’re looking for the right aftermarket battery for your Cobalt, Auto Batteries has a great tool that can make recommendations based on your model year and driving habits.
For example, we entered information on a 2010 Chevy Cobalt with a standard 2.2L gas engine and found that the recommended replacement is an SLI flooded battery with a T5 group size and a minimum of 590 cold-cranking amps (CCA).
Speaking of CCA, keep in mind that this is the minimum rating recommended. Because CCA refers to a battery’s ability to start an engine in cold weather, you may want to go even higher if you live in a particularly harsh climate.
If you’ve purchased your replacement battery from a dealership or major auto supply retailer, installation of your new battery will probably be included with your purchase. Disposal of your old battery might be included as well.
If you decide to go the DIY route, you can follow this YouTube tutorial for a step-by-step guide on replacing the battery on a 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt.
You’ll also want to check and see if your old car battery can be recycled; if so, you can take it to almost any battery retailer and recycle it there. Otherwise, you’ll need to make sure you’re disposing of it properly.
Photos: Chevrolet
