If your 2009 Civics engine seems sluggish when you start it, or if you’re unable to get your engine to start at all, you might be dealing with a bad battery. Fortunately, battery replacement is relatively simple and inexpensive.
What’s the best replacement battery for a 2009 Honda Civic?
The recommended replacement battery for the 2009 Civic is a 12-volt, OEM battery with a 51R group size and a minimum of 310 cold-cranking amps (CCA).
With so many car batteries on the market, how can you be sure you’re choosing the right one for your 2009 Honda Civic? We’ve got you covered with specific recommendations for your model and more information below.
Battery Group Sizes: What You Should Know
One of the most important specifications you’ll need to look at when shopping for a 2009 Honda Civic replacement battery is its group size. Cars are designed to fit batteries with specific dimensions, after all.
Group sizes on a battery are indicated with numbers, letters, or a combination of both. Typically, a battery group size is two or three digits long. You’ll see some common group sizes as you shop, including 24, 25, 35, and 51R.
The 2009 Honda Civic requires a 51R battery. Batteries with this distinction typically measure 9 3/8″ long, 5″ wide, and 8 3/4″ in height. These batteries also tend to weigh around 30 pounds, though this can vary.
Choosing a battery with a different group size means it won’t fit properly in your car (or not at all). Terminal location can also vary by group size, it is crucial to stick with a 51R replacement for your 2009 Civic.
Battery Types and Other Terms to Watch For
You’re also likely to come across different types of batteries as you shop, which can make things more confusing. How are you supposed to know, for example, if your car needs a standard battery or a deep-cycle battery?
Let us help.
A standard starting, lighting, ignition (SLI) battery is the most “basic” type of battery available for a gas-powered vehicle. These batteries store and release energy in a large burst to start your car, and then recharge using the alternator.
There’s nothing wrong with an SLI battery, especially if you drive an older model without many electricity demands. Some of these include an engine start/stop system, a robust infotainment system, etc.
However, suppose your vehicle has many electronic upgrades or has been equipped with an engine start/stop system. In that case, you might benefit from upgrading to a deep-cycle battery, such as an absorbent glass mat (AGM) option.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Batteries: Which Should You Buy?
When choosing a replacement battery for your 2009 Honda Civic, it’s always best to go with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. This means replacing your battery with the exact same brand and type your car was made with.
An OEM part typically comes with a warranty, helps retain your vehicle’s value, and was designed specifically for your car. Aftermarket batteries, on the other hand, may come without warranty coverage.
Of course, with an older model like the 2009 Civic, OEM batteries (and other OEM parts) are not always cheap or easy to come by.
You can learn more about the exact OEM battery used in your 2009 Civic by checking out your owner’s manual. There’s a good chance your local Honda dealership may still have some OEM batteries in stock or can order one for you.
Our Recommendations for an Aftermarket Battery
While these aftermarket batteries may not have been made specifically by your car manufacturer, they will still meet or even exceed your car’s specifications. And if you buy from a reputable brand, it will probably come with a warranty.
Not sure where to begin with an aftermarket replacement battery for your 2009 Civic? The “battery finder” tool on Auto Batteries is a great resource, allowing you to enter your exact make and model.
From there, you can also get personalized battery recommendations based on your driving habits. We plugged in the 2009 Civic sedan with its standard 1.8L four-cylinder gas engine to determine which aftermarket battery is recommended.
Our findings? An AGM replacement battery with a 51R group size and a minimum of 310 CCA is best, although models without lots of electrical upgrades may also be well suited for a less expensive SLI battery with the same specs.
If you live in a climate that sees harsh and cold winter conditions, pay special attention to the CCA rating on your replacement battery. The higher the CCA, the better the battery will be at starting your engine in cold temperatures.
Keep in mind, also, that batteries tend to lose some starting power as they get older. Because of this, it’s never a bad idea to buy a replacement battery with a slightly higher than recommended CCA if you live in a harsh climate.
Looking to replace your own battery? Get some helpful tips and tricks specific to the 2006-2011 Honda Civic sedan on this YouTube video tutorial. Also, don’t forget to properly dispose of or recycle your old battery.
Photos: Honda
