Battery for 2010 prius

It is a special type of battery (AGM) that most cars don't have. A few auto parts store chains do have this type of battery in stock. Pep Boys is where I bought the one for my 2005 Gen 2 in 2012.

So you might not have to buy a new one at a Toyota stealership. Depends on what's available in the Metro San Antonio area.

 

No reason whatsoever, unless you want and are willing to pay a premium for whatever additional warranty coverage a dealership may claim to offer. 12V battery replacement is a DIY job. Just make sure to get the correct size/format/capacity 12V aux battery.

 

Here is one auto parts store with the battery. I believe my son ordered his Gen 2 battery from Amazon.

EDIT: Oops. Apparently I did not paste my AutoZone link. Is is more expensive anyway for the same battery.

 

I would not rule out the dealership parts department without at least checking price and availability. Their battery will for sure be exact fit, and I believe the warranty is pretty good now?

That said, there are aftermarket options. In Canada Canadian Tire sells a Motomaster battery (rebadged Exide) that is dimensionally identical, proper vent port and post size. There's also an Optima Yellow Top battery (the kind that look like a six pack), again: correct dimensions, etcetera. Both of these options (the Motomaster in particular) are cheaper, and have higher Cranking Amp ratings. I went with the Optima about 16 months back, next time I might try the Motomaster.

Here's some notes:

OEM battery info (measurements taken directly):
Battery id: S46B24R GS YUASA
length: 9 3/8" (238 mm)
width: 4 7/8" (124 mm)
height: 8" (203 mm) (plus posts)
post dia's:
Pos: 13 mm (approx)
Neg: 10 mm (approx
Weight: 310

----
Optima Yellow Top:
Group Size: GR#51JIS: 46B24R
CCA: 450
CA: 575
Length: 9.272 in
Width: 5.024 in
Height: 8.885 in
web page:
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Canada Tire alternative:
MotoMaster Eliminator Ultra model 10-5122 (rebadged Exide battery)
----
Above Canadian Tire battery is rebadged:
Exide FP-AGM51JIS
----
Bosch Premium Performance Battery Group Size 51
Part # 51-440BAGM

 

Ummm I believe Canadian Tire is Canada only, although they are a great store chain. O/P is in Texas.

 

Yes, I'm aware of OP's location.

I note their battery is a rebadged Exide. It's a pretty typical example too: automotive chain store sells rebadged batteries at lower price. Costco's Kirkland brand, for another example.

 

Hey sorry if I came off snippy.

 

Not at all.
I used to shop at Canadian Tire all the time, including for fuel when I was in Toronto Canada in the 70s.

 

I've been using a $35 riding lawn mower battery for months. The price of the 12v batteries for our cars is highway robbery.

 

Before and after my switch to Optima. I had to put one washer under a bracket connection (location id'd by arrow). The bracket's a very fussy design, doesn't adopt to even the slightest variations.

OEM:


(I highlighted the + and - symbols with silver marker: otherwise they're hard to see.)

Optima (a little blurry):

 

I hope you're not a smoker, joe because if the battery you bought is not vented to the outside and you smoke your Prius might go up in smoke someday. Not worth the savings by a long shot.

 

CCA is not an important spec as the 12v doesn't actually start the ICE engine so it doesn't need the power that a normal ICE car battery would, It only starts the electrics and runs accessories. And after the electronic controls start the traction battery takes over to start the ICE.

 

Maybe though a battery with higher Cranking Amps is also better at enduring phantom loads, if the car's sitting periodically for 2~3 days between uses? Or recover from an accidental drain? I'm not sure, just speculating.

 

The Optima Yellow is supposed to be better at deep cycling than the typical lead-acid battery, I believe.
The Optima Yellow is an AGM battery.

AGMs are built to better stand up to repeated draining and recharging cycles than standard batteries. They are becoming standard equipment in more cars because modern features such as fuel-saving stop-start systems, electronic safety and convenience features, and power outlets for mobile electronics all increase the demand for power.

From Best Car Battery Buying Guide - Consumer Reports

 

I agree, the battery that fits the prius is a rip off. I have had one of these in my 2010 for over 2yrs and still good. Install is easy, just run the original terminal bolts through the new battery terminal and use 1 1/2" wood block under the hold down, real easy to do.

12V 35Ah AGM Sealed Lead Acid Battery Replaces UB12350 Group U1 | eBay

 

what's wrong with getting a battery at the dealer? quick, simple, effective.

 

$200