Is it taking a little longer for your Mazda 3 to get the engine going on cold mornings? It might be time to have that battery replaced.
What is the best battery for the Mazda 3?
According to the Mazda 3 owner’s manual, you will need a 12-volt 60Ah/20HR or 12V-65Ah/20HR SLI battery for the 2.0L or 2.5L Skyactiv engine. If you have a Mazda 3 that features the i-ELOOP regenerative braking system, you will need a Q85.
Unlike your TV remote or game controller, buying a battery for your car is a little more complicated. Learn more about battery technology and which one is just right for your compact Mazda 3 in the following FAQ.
How do Battery Groups Work?
When shopping for a replacement battery for your Mazda 3, you will need to know to what group it belongs. It uses a Group 35 battery.
Groups are designated by the physical size of the battery pack. It is generally determined by adding the length, height, and width of the battery to reach the total inches. Group 24 batteries are about 10″ L x 6″ W X 8″ H. Most auto parts stores and online shops allow you to drop the make, model, and engine of your car in a search engine, and they will show you only batteries that are in the proper group for your machine.
Do I have a Choice of Lead-Acid, Lithium-Ion, or SLI for My Mazda 3 Replacement Battery?
Most cars on the road today use an SLI battery (Starting, Lighting, and Ignition). They’re also known as a Standard Flooded, a lead-acid based rechargeable battery. They last anywhere from four to eight years when the car operates under common conditions. They require easy routine maintenance to top off the water.
The SLI battery delivers enough power to start your engine and provides support to operate a wide variety of power accessories while you are on the move. It is your most economical choice when replacing your Mazda 3 battery.
Lithium-ion batteries are generally reserved for use in hybrid or plug-in electric cars and deliver more power over an extended period of time. They are expensive, as they are actually running the electric motor that propels the car. Your Mazda 3 does not need a lithium-ion battery.
There is another option called the Deep Cycle or Absorbent Glass Mat battery type. It was developed for industrial or marine applications, but with many cars featuring a huge collection of power upgrades like lift gates, killer audio systems, and power convertible tops, the extra cranking power of an AGM can be an excellent upgrade for your ride. It can cost you about twice compared to an SLI but may last longer on your luxury high-performance vehicle.
Is there a Difference Between OEM and Aftermarket Batteries for My Mazda 3?
Mazda does not specify a manufacturer for the battery in the Mazda 3. For this part, the OEM specs are 12-volts that can deliver 3 amps of power for 20 hours, resulting in its 12v/60ah/20hr description. Any battery that you find on the replacement market with that description and fits the Group for your car will provide the power you need.
When reviewing which battery is best to buy, you will want to check the battery warranty. Some are rated to last just three or four years, while others can start your car for up to 84 months. The batteries with longer lifetimes will also perform better on extremely hot and cold days.
Our Recommendation for the Best Aftermarket Replacement Battery for the Mazda 3
One of the best-rated batteries our favorites for the Mazda 3 is the Optima Redtop battery. It is an AGM style battery and comes with a three-year replacement warranty. It will cost you about $200. Many local auto parts stores will install the battery for free. If you go back to your dealer to have the battery replaced, expect to spend an extra $100 for the convenience factor.
It is a maintenance-free battery. You never need to top off the water like on the more traditional SLI-type battery. It has a faster recharging ability, so your battery will be ready to start the car on a cold morning even after spending a day on short errands around town.
If your Mazda 3 includes the regenerative braking feature, the owner’s manual recommends returning to the dealership for battery maintenance or replacement.
Photos: Mazda
