Varta H3 Dynamic SLI · Car battery 100Ah 830A

If the car manufacturer lists any extra step in the handbook, follow it. More detail in how to replace the car battery. 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). What matters most is the terminal order: removing, negative (−) before positive (+); refitting, positive (+) before negative (−). In between, with the engine off and the key out, release the clamp and fit the new battery the same way round as the original, positive on the right (polarity).

There is no exact figure: for a battery such as the Varta H3 (conventional), a reasonable guide is 4 to 6 years in regular car use without Start-Stop. What weighs most: temperature (cold makes starts harder and intense heat evaporates the electrolyte), frequent short trips, the condition of the alternator and charging system, power draw while parked and maintenance, not forgetting the type of car and Start-Stop.

The Varta H3 takes up 353×175×190 mm (length, width and height, terminals included), the European L5 case size, with a B13 hold-down. Before buying, measure the space in your car: one extra millimetre can stop the hold-down clamp from closing.

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. A change of polarity from the original means longer cables or a reconfigured system and can cause a short circuit: check it before ordering.

Its EAN-13 barcode is 4016987167458. The ETN, the European identifier in parts catalogues, is 6004020833162, also written 600 402 083; and the manufacturer's reference is H3. It belongs to the Varta Dynamic SLI range. Any of them pins down this exact battery.

Three routes: the "Compatible vehicles" tab on this page, with the vehicles verified by our technical team; your number plate in the finder, from which DGT/DVLA/KBA detect model and engine; and WhatsApp, with make, model, engine and year, during business hours (Mon–Fri 10:00–13:30 and 16:30–18:00 (Spanish time, CET)). Our database holds 963 verified vehicle versions for the Varta H3. The car manufacturer's specifications always take priority over our tables.

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 H3, 100 Ah (830 A cranking).

A technology step up: sealed AGM, with stronger cranking and a noticeably longer life than the H3 when the car draws a lot of power. Compared with the H3 it has 5 Ah less and 20 A of cold cranking more. It costs 81,64 € more. Choose it if your car required it from the factory or if you want the longest-lasting battery for this size; for normal use without Start-Stop, the H3 is plenty.

A technology step up: EFB for cars with basic Start-Stop, in the same tray as the H3. Compared with the H3 it has 5 Ah less and 20 A of cold cranking more. It costs 33,65 € more. Pays off in cars with lots of stops and starts; for normal use without Start-Stop, the H3 is enough.