Why Type 063 (42–45 Ah) is the UK’s Favourite Car Battery

Why Type 063 (42–45 Ah) is the UK’s Favourite Car Battery

If you’ve owned a small petrol car in the UK, chances are you’ve already lived with an 063 car battery without even realising it. Pop the bonnet of a Fiesta, Corsa, or Micra, and there’s a very good chance you’ll find one sitting there. And if you’ve ever gone battery shopping at Halfords, Tayna, or your local garage, you’ll notice the shelves are full of them.

This is not some weird coincidence. Over the years, the 063 usually rated around 4 to 45Ah has quietly become Britain’s favourite battery size. But why this specific one? Why not a chunkier option like the 075 or something smaller and lighter?

Let’s break down what makes the 063 so popular, why it is trusted by mechanics and drivers alike and whether it is the right fit for your car.

What Exactly Is a Type 063 Battery?

First things first. 063 is not a brand name. It is a battery group code. The code essentially allows you to be sure of three things. The dimensions, the terminal arrangement and the approximate performance range.

In simple terms ask for an 063 and you will receive a battery that will physically fit any vehicle designed to fit it. No fussing about with tape measures or adaptors.

  • Size: roughly 207 × 175 × 175 mm that is about shoebox size.
  • Voltage: 12V (standard for car batteries).
  • Capacity: 42 to 45Ah.
  • Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): usually 420 to 450.

That specification makes it spot on for small to mid-sized petrol engines, the exact kind of engines that are on British driveways.

Why has the Type 063 Battery Become Britain’s Favourite?

There are a couple of simple reasons and they all come down to one issue. The 063 is the correct battery for the vehicles most people drive.

1. A Perfect Match for the UK’s Small Cars

Let’s be honest. Britain loves its small hatchbacks. The Fiesta, Corsa, Polo, Micra… they are everywhere and they don’t need mega power to turn over. They just need the correct size, a used battery that will work in all weather.

The 063 is spot on. Enough CCA to crank off a 1.0 – 1.6 petrol engine, even on a freezing morning, with out the size, weight or price tag of a larger battery. 

2. A Low Cost and Always Available

If you have ever been let down with a flat battery you know how disappointing it is and will never plan that scenario. When you need a battery you need it now not in three weeks. The 063 is so common in the UK about every retailer will keep them in stock.

The price is another big win. You can usually find them from £50 to £80 depending on the brand. Compare that to AGM or EFB start-stop batteries that are often £150+ and you can see the value in it.

And because so many brands make their own make of 063 like Yuasa, Bosch, Hankook, Exide there is always competition to keep the prices sensible.

3. Just Right Performance

A 42 to 45Ah rating with 420 to 450 CCA might not look like anything special on paper but it is exactly what these smaller cars need. Go lower and there is a risk of sluggish starting in winter, and go much higher then you are paying for power that you are not actually using.

That is the brilliance of the 063. It hits the Goldilocks spot. Not too much not too little. Just right.

4. Straightforward Replacement

Here is something customers love. Ask for an 063 and you will get the exact battery you need. No confusing part numbers, no compatibility charts. Garages know it, retailers know it and mechanics certainly know it.

That kind of simplicity is refreshing and takes the stress out of buying a new battery and it reduces mistakes.

5. Proven Use For Decades

The 063 has been a proven performer for years. Drivers trust it because it works. The average driver finds the 063 will last 3-5 years with normal driving however long-term with a smart charger or occasional long drives, you could find an 063 will last longer.

Also being a standard size, you can choose a brand and warranty to suit your individual needs. Do you want premium? Get a Bosch S4. Just want something to last until you sell the work vehicle? Buy a budget brand. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy an Type 063 Battery?

As good as the 063 is, it is not the answer for every car.

  • Start-stop vehicles: These need EFB or AGM batteries that can handle constant stop/start cycles. An 063 would not cut it.
  • Big diesels or SUVs: These engines demand more Cold Cranking Amps. You will likely need something larger like a 027 or 096.
  • High-performance cars with big electrical loads: If you are running aftermarket audio setups, lighting kits or other power-hungry gear, a standard 063 probably would not keep up.

When in doubt, check your car’s manual or use a registration lookup tool.

Quick Look at the Specs

Here is the typical spec range you will see across most brands.

SpecificationsTypical 063 Range 
Voltage12 V
Capacity42 – 45 Ah
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)420 – 450
Dimensions207×175×175mm
Terminal LayoutPositive right
Warranty2 to 4 years

Different brands tweak things slightly maybe a bit more CCA, maybe a longer warranty but the basics don’t change much.

Best 063 Car Batteries in 2025

If you are in the market now, here are a few tried-and-true picks:

  • Yuasa YBX3063: 45Ah, 425 CCA with 3-year warranty. Solid reliability.
  • Bosch S4 063: 45Ah, 420 CCA, 4-year warranty. Great if you want premium confidence.
  • Hankook SMF 063: 45Ah, 440–450 CCA, 4-year warranty. Nice balance of power and value.
  • Exide 063: Known for durability, a trusted all-rounder.
  • Budget options (Autolite, SuperBatt, etc.): Cheaper, usually shorter warranty but fine for older cars or short-term use.

Pro tip: don’t just chase the cheapest price. Saving £10 is not worth it if you lose a year of warranty.

Common Questions About the 063

How long does it last?

Usually 3–5 years. Lots of short trips can shorten its life while longer drives or using a smart charger can help it last longer.

Can I fit a bigger Ah battery instead?

Sometimes yes if it physically fits in the tray and the terminals line up. But sticking with the 063 spec is safest.

Is it OK for diesels?

Only for very small ones. Most diesels need more CCA than the 063 offers.

What are the exact dimensions?

Most brands are 207 × 175 × 175 mm, give or take a couple of millimetres.

Reasons the Type 063 Battery Will Keep Leading well into 2025

While hybrids, electric vehicles (EVs) and start-stop take the spotlight it is good to know the trusty old 063 has not disappeared nor indeed will it for a long time. Why? Because it suits the car millions of Brits are familiar with like a hatchback, small and affordable, basic and easy to source new, and most importantly powerful enough for the job. 

Mechanics love it, garage stock it and drivers depend on it.

Final Thoughts

In a world of confusing part numbers and fancy new battery technology, the Type 063 car battery proves that sometimes keeping it simple is the better option. With ratings of 12V, 42 to 45 Ah ,420 to 450 CCA and dimensions of a compact shoebox this is the ideal partner for the millions of UK hatchback and small petrol cars out there.

So next time you walk into a shop and see rows of them neatly lined up on a shelf type, just remember these are not just blocks of lead and acid they are unsung little workhorses keeping all of Britain’s everyday cars on the road.