Car batteries generally need to be replaced every few years. This is true even if you drive a hybrid model like the 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid. On top of that, each car requires a specific size and type of battery.
What’s the best replacement battery for the 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid?
The recommended replacement battery for a 2005 Civic Hybrid is a 12-volt OEM absorbent glass mat (AGM) battery with a 51R group size and a minimum of 410 cold-cranking amps (CCA).
If that all sounds like gibberish to you, don’t worry. We’re breaking down common car-battery jargon in plain English below so you can confidently buy a replacement battery for your 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid.
Battery Group Sizes: What You Should Know
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all car battery. Vehicles are designed to fit batteries with specific dimensions and terminal locations. This is where knowing your car’s required battery group size comes in handy.
Battery group size refers to the physical dimensions of the battery itself. Most car batteries have either a two-digit number or three-digit alphanumeric group size. In the case of the 2005 Civic Hybrid, the required group size is 51R.
The 51R is a very common size for car batteries, especially on early-2000s Honda models. Specifically, a 51R battery will have the following measurements: 9.30″ long, 5.05″ wide, and 8.85″ in height.
Most auto batteries are clearly labeled with their group size somewhere on the outside of the battery itself, so finding the right size for your 2005 Civic Hybrid shouldn’t be too difficult.
More about Battery Types and Other Terminology
Unlike a car that’s powered exclusively on gasoline, a hybrid car uses a combination of gasoline power and battery power. As a result, a hybrid car actually requires two batteries as opposed to one.
Like a traditional gasoline vehicle, hybrid cars still use a 12-volt battery to power the car’s basic accessories. These batteries typically need to be changed out every few years, though this will vary based on driving habits.
In addition to a 12-volt battery, a hybrid car also uses an electric battery to help power its engine. In modern cars, this typically comes in the form of a lithium-ion battery that uses regenerative braking to intermittently recharge.
A hybrid’s electric batteries tend to last much longer and don’t need to be replaced often. In most cases, you can expect one of these batteries to last for around 100,000 miles.
Most likely, then, if you’re shopping for a replacement battery for your 2005 Civic Hybrid, you’re looking for a basic 12-volt battery.
What’s Better? OEM vs. Aftermarket Batteries
When shopping for a 2005 Honda Civic replacement battery, you can either buy an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) battery or an aftermarket battery. What’s the difference?
An OEM battery comes directly from your manufacturer and will be the exact same type of battery that was installed in your car when it was first built. An aftermarket battery, on the other hand, will come from a third-party company.
In general, using OEM parts is best for your car because these parts tend to come with the best warranty coverage. With an OEM battery, you’ll also enjoy the peace of mind in knowing the battery was made specifically for your car.
You can find out more about the OEM battery on the 2005 Civic Hybrid by reviewing your owner’s manual. With this being an older model, you might have a harder time coming by OEM parts for it.
Check with your local Honda dealer, as this will be the best place to find OEM parts for your car. If your dealer doesn’t have any OEM batteries on-hand, they may be able to order one for you.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Battery
If your dealership can’t locate an affordable OEM replacement battery for your 2005 Civic Hybrid or if you’re just looking to save some money, an aftermarket battery may also be a viable solution.
While an aftermarket battery will come from a third party, there are plenty of reputable aftermarket car battery brands that offer great warranties and quality products. The key is doing your research before you buy.
If you decide to go with an aftermarket car battery, make sure you’re buying a battery with specifications that meet your vehicle’s needs. For a 2005 Civic Hybrid, this means ensuring that the battery has:
- SLI or AGM technology
- A group size of 51R
- A minimum of 410 cold-cranking amps (CCA)
We used the “battery locator” tool on AutoBatteries.com to get these recommendations. However, if you live in an area with harsh winters, you might want to consider a battery with an even higher CCA.
When it comes to replacing your battery and disposing of the old one, your dealership or auto supply retailer will typically include this in your costs.
If not, or if you would prefer to DIY your battery replacement, be sure to follow some basic safety recommendations when handling your car battery. This YouTube tutorial can also be useful as a step-by-step guide.
Proper disposal of your old car battery is also important, as batteries contain chemicals and acids that can be harmful to the environment. Find out more about disposal and recycling methods for car batteries here.
