Group 58 and 58R Batteries: Alternatives and Recommendations

Group 58 and 58R batteries are mid-size cranking batteries used in some passenger cars, sedans, SUVs, and even boats as affordable and reliable Starting, Lighting, and Ignition (SLI) battery.

Group 58 and group 58R batteries share the same dimensions but different battery terminal orientations. Also, many brands that offer both group 58 and group 58R batteries offer batteries that are internally different - group 58R batteries often have better discharge characteristics than group 58 batteries.

Published: October 5, 2022.

Group 58 and 58R Batteries Features and Specifications

BCI group 58 and group 58R batteries share the same physical dimensions, but they have different terminal orientations.

The physical dimensions are (L x W x H) 10 1/16 x 7 3/16 x 6 15/16 inches (10.0625 x 7.1875 x 6.9375 inches, 255 x 183 x 177 mm).

Also, group 58 batteries have a positive terminal to the LEFT, and group 58R batteries have a positive terminal to the RIGHT (hence the "R").

Group 58/58R batteries are almost exclusively designed as starting, flooded, lead-acid batteries.

As such, most of them are NOT maintenance-free and NOT spill-proof - they must be mounted in a vertical position, and from time to time, it is up to the user to check the electrolyte height and to add distilled water when/if required.

On the other hand, during the warm season, maintaining the battery properly may prolong its lifetime significantly.

On average, group 58/58R batteries feature a nominal capacity of ~43-48 Ah, Reserve Capacity of 75-100 minutes, CCA of 500-610 Amps, CA 615-750 Amps, and they weigh between 28 and 32 pounds (~12.7 - 14.5 kg).

The following comparison chart lists some of the most popular group 58 and 58R batteries with their most important features and specifications:

Since many brands offer both 58 and 58R battery groups, when changing the battery in your car, be sure to check the wiring and choose the battery that best suits your needs.

Note: Personally, many cars don't like to have their batteries disconnected, and some of them may even lock themselves completely. If You have to change the car's battery, consider doing it in the certified workshop and/or dealership, where they can replace the battery without the car's electric system losing power. Also, they can take your old battery and recycle it properly.

Group 58 and 58R Batteries Replacements and Alternatives

Group 58 and 58R batteries are sometimes hard to find locally, and since they are flooded with lead-acid batteries, there are some limitations when ordering them from online shops.

Also, some car owners simply want maintenance-free, spill-proof batteries for their cars for obvious reasons.

Several battery groups are a close fit to the group 58/58R batteries, just be sure to check exact dimensions, terminal orientation, hold-down system, discharge performances, and similar:

• Group 58/58R dimensions: 10.0625 x 7.1875 x 6.9375 inches, 255 x 183 x 177 mm, group 58 terminal orientation +/-, group 58R terminal orientation -/+.
• Group 96R battery dimensions: 9.5 x 6.9375 x 6.9375 inches, 242 x 175 x 175 mm; fits the group 58/58R dimensions, terminal orientation -/+, performances very similar to 58/58R batteries, mostly flooded lead-acid batteries, but Odyssey manufactures AGM dual-purpose Odyssey ODP-AGM96R (96R-600) battery (Amazon link, link opens in the new window).

• Group 47 (H5, L2, 55L2) batteries dimensions: 9.6875 x 6.875 x 7.5 inches, 246 (242) x 175 x 190 mm; fits the group 58/58R battery compartment, except it is ~0.5 inches taller; terminal orientation -/+. Group 47 batteries are offered as both starting and dual-purpose AGM Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) batteries. Due to the larger internal volume, group 47 batteries are somewhat heavier than group 58/58R batteries, but they also feature better performances in terms of capacity, RC, and CCA. If You are looking for an AGM group 58/58R battery, and group 47 batteries can fit your battery compartment, and the terminal orientation is not a problem, then the group 47 batteries are probably your best option.

Note: Amazon links ('Model' column) open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.

• Group 34/34R battery dimensions: 10.25 x 6.8125 x 7.875 inches, 260 x 173 x 200, slightly longer, narrower, and one inch taller; due to the larger internal volume, group 34/34R batteries are both heavier and have better discharge characteristics than the group 58/58R batteries. Also, group 34/34R batteries are far more popular and offered as lead-acid and lithium batteries and as deep-cycle, dual-purpose, and starting batteries. If it can fit your battery compartment, a good choice as a replacement for the group 58/58R battery - just be careful about terminal orientation and hold-down system.

Note: Amazon links ('Model' column) open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.

Long Story Short: Group 58/58R batteries are cranking/starting, flooded lead-acid batteries that must be regularly maintained, especially during warm seasons.

Considering their size and weight, they have good CCA/CA values and should not be used for anything except engine cranking - they are typical SLI batteries.

If You are looking for a dual-purpose or even a deep-cycle battery of similar dimensions, feel free to check Group 34/34R batteries.

If You can't find a group 58/58R battery locally and especially if You want to use an AGM battery of similar dimensions, consider one of the Group 96R, Group 47, or Group 34/34R batteries.

Note: there are other similar battery groups, but the size differences are relatively large.