Varta A8 Dynamic AGM · Start-Stop battery 60Ah 680A

Yes. AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) technology, 60 Ah and 12 V: sealed lead-acid, with the electrolyte held in glass fibre. Its advantages: more charge/discharge cycles than a conventional battery and better heat tolerance. It is also required in cars with advanced Start-Stop and regenerative braking.

Yes, the AGM technology of the A8 is built for Start-Stop. AGM batteries support advanced Start-Stop and regenerative braking thanks to their higher cycle count. It works once fitted; on most modern cars, registering it via OBD is advisable so the alternator applies the optimum charging profile. The general recommendation is EFB for basic Start-Stop and AGM where there is regenerative braking (it handles more cycles), unless the car manufacturer says otherwise.

On most cars it is a 15-30 minute job needing only a 10 mm spanner (up to twice as long when the battery is under a seat or in the boot). With the engine stopped and the key removed, always start with the negative (−) terminal, then the positive (+). Free the clamp, swap the battery without turning it round (this one has positive on the right) so the polarity stays the same, and reconnect in reverse: positive (+) first, negative (−) last. If the car has Start-Stop or BMS: a) the technology must match the original (AGM or EFB) or be higher, because a conventional battery would fail within months; b) undo the negative cable at its nut, leaving the IBS sensor in place; c) it is advisable to register the battery via OBD so the alternator applies the proper charging profile. Our blog guide covers it in detail; if the owner's handbook describes a different procedure, follow the manufacturer.

There is no exact figure: for a battery such as the Varta A8 (AGM), a reasonable guide is 5 to 8 years in mild-climate car use with Start-Stop. Actual lifespan varies with climate (cold starts, heat evaporating the electrolyte), with usage and short journeys, with the condition of the alternator and charging system, with power draw while parked and with maintenance; the type of car and Start-Stop also count.

Measure your car's battery tray first; if the battery exceeds it by even a millimetre, the hold-down clamp may not close. Length × width × height: 242x175x190 mm (L2 case). Height is measured to the top of the terminals. Hold-down: B13.

It has the positive on the right (polarity). Put it in front of you, terminals towards you: the post with the red ring and the + sign is the positive. Compare it with the battery you are replacing: if it does not match, cables must be lengthened or the system reconfigured, with a risk of short circuit.

The quickest way is to enter your number plate in the finder: DGT/DVLA/KBA detect model and engine. You can also look at the "Compatible vehicles" tab, verified by our technical team, or send us make, model, engine and year on WhatsApp; we answer during business hours (Mon–Fri 10:00–13:30 and 16:30–18:00 (Spanish time, CET)). If our table and the car handbook disagree, go with what the manufacturer says. Our database holds 556 verified vehicle versions for the Varta A8.

See the "Equivalents" section of this page for the recommended options at the same performance level. Mind the technology: in Start-Stop cars an EFB is not swapped for a conventional battery. Interchangeable means the same dimensions, same polarity, same Ah and same CCA; for the A8, 60 Ah (680 A cranking).

The Tudor alternative that fits where the A8 goes, with the same polarity. Compared with the A8 it has 2 Ah more. It costs 10,60 € less. A straight swap with nothing to adapt; the difference is the price and the brand you prefer.

The Exide alternative that fits where the A8 goes, with the same polarity. Compared with the A8 it has 2 Ah more. It costs 13,00 € less. A straight swap with nothing to adapt; the difference is the price and the brand you prefer.

Many more charge/discharge cycles than a conventional battery and no leaks: that is what AGM technology brings, with the electrolyte absorbed in glass fibre. It is the recommended choice for advanced Start-Stop with regenerative braking (BMW EfficientDynamics, Mercedes Eco, Audi MHEV, Land Rover ECO, Volvo i-Stop) and copes better than an EFB with tilting, vibration and extreme temperatures. The Varta A8 has a capacity of 60 Ah.

On most cars it is not strictly necessary: the alternator detects the new battery and adapts the charge by itself. It is advisable, though, to register it via OBD so the optimum profile applies from the first minute and the battery lasts as long as possible, especially on brands with sophisticated BMS (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volvo, Land Rover). Without registration there is no starting problem: the alternator adjusts the profile within a few days. To do it yourself: VCDS or Carista on VAG, Bimmercode on BMW, iCarsoft. At a workshop with an OBD scanner it takes minutes.