When your battery starts to fail, it’s important to test and replace it before it leaves you stranded. So, pull out your multimeter or get to the auto parts store to see what’s up. Then, get the correct replacement battery to keep your vehicle starting up strong.
What’s the best battery for the 2013 Ford Focus?
Across all its trim levels, the 2013 Ford Focus uses the 96R flooded lead-acid battery. If you want more power, think about upgrading to the absorbent glass mat (AGM) or Optima battery instead.
As you learn more about automotive batteries, you have the best chance at selecting the ideal option for your 2013 Focus. Use this guide to dig into the details, and you’re sure to walk away with all the info you need.
Battery Group Sizes Explained
The battery group size helps you zero in on the best fit and power level for your vehicle. When you select the right group size, your battery will securely sit in the tray, hook up to the cables, and produce the perfect amount of power for your car.
For the 2013 Ford Focus, you’ll need to get the 96R battery. All trim levels use this option since it provides the best balance of power and reliability for the build.
Variations exist across all brands, but overall, the 96R’s dimensions should be around:
- 9 inches long
- 7 inches wide
- 7 inches tall
This ensures the battery fits snugly in the tray and doesn’t interfere with the hood closing.
In this group size, batteries have a minimum of 590 cold cranking amps, though more is better, of course. The capacity should be at least 50 amp hours, while the reserve capacity is usually around 95 minutes.
Lead Acid, Lithium-Ion, or SLI?
The 2013 Focus came with a flooded lead-acid battery due to its lack of auto stop/start technology. It also doesn’t have enough high-tech accessories to demand a more powerful battery.
Since the flooded batteries are not usually sealed, you’ll need to commit to regular maintenance to keep them working right. So, every time you change your oil, check the water in your battery and top it off with distilled if it’s low.
Also, check for corrosion on the terminals and brush them clean to keep power flowing through the system. If you want to bow out on all that maintenance, an absorbent glass mat battery might be a better option. AGM batteries generate more power and handle fast recharging cycles with ease.
If you want a more performance-minded option, look to the Optima brand. They produce batteries for tuner cars and many other vehicles with upgraded engines and sound systems.
OEM vs. Aftermarket: What’s the Difference?
Ford equipped the 2013 Focus with their Motorcraft battery from the factory. Their branded batteries are required through the warranty period and remain an option well after coverage expires. You just have to go online or to the dealership to buy a Ford Motorcraft battery.
If you go with an OEM battery, you get a generous 100-month warranty. If it goes dead in the first 36 months, they will replace it free of charge.
Aftermarket battery warranties don’t even come close to offering that level of coverage. Instead, you get up to 36 months of protection and it doesn’t even include full replacement. The retailer will prorate the cost of the battery and give you a refund on the remainder.
As far as the specs go, both OEM and aftermarket batteries have around the same cold cranking amps, capacity, and reserve capacity. Their power rating aligns with the group size specs, though some brands differ a bit.
Thinking About Buying an Aftermarket Battery? Here’s What We Suggest
If you want to go OEM, you’ll have to shell out the big bucks to get a replacement battery. Although the warranty coverage is pretty sweet, working its cost into your budget might be another story.
Thankfully, you have many excellent aftermarket options to consider from brands like Duralast and Optima. You just need to check their specs to get the best battery for the money.
Look for ones with cold cranking amps above 590 and a capacity of at least 50 amp hours. Also, check the reserve capacity to verify it’s 95 minutes or more.
Beyond that, look at the reputation of the auto parts store or other retailer you want to go to. They should be well known for honoring their warranties without a problem. That way, you can avoid the extra stress if you need to get the cost of your battery prorated before you buy a new one.
