The 7 Best Car Batteries For The Money in 2024
Without your battery, your precious vehicle is not going anywhere, period. The battery is a critical component that gets your car going. Its health affects whether your vehicle can run smoothly or at all.
Therefore, buying the best car battery that is suitable for your specific vehicle as well as knowing how to take care of it is among the most important car maintenance jobs for every car owner. This not only ensures optimal performance but will also prevent unnecessary damage to other parts and components.
It’s normal to change the battery once or twice throughout the life of your vehicle. Some of them simply wear out from repetitive charging and discharging, while in case of the careless drivers, some might die prematurely and require expensive car battery replacement.
Securing the best car battery with superior performance and lifespan is therefore one of the best things you can do for your four-wheeled investment. And the next best thing is to understand the specific type of battery you have and how to care for it so that it will provide you with excellent service for many years to come.
Whether you are a novice or a veteran, you have come to the right place. If you are familiar with auto batteries and know exactly what you’re looking for, dive right into our updated handpicked list of the very best car batteries with in-depth reviews.
Otherwise, spend some more time understanding the different types of batteries, the best car battery brands, how long they last, and other useful information to get the most out of your batteries.
Car Batteries Basics
What do the batteries do?
The battery is the vital component that gets your car running. Without it, you’re not going anywhere. Batteries are composed of “cells”. These cells are what contain the actual energy needed to start and run your car.
When you turn the key, a chemical reaction occurs inside the battery. The battery converts this chemical energy into electrical energy and it delivers this electrical energy to the starter to power your car.
Power to run the car is stored in the battery and is measured in voltage. A battery is fully charged when it holds 12.6 volts or above. When a battery goes down to 12.2 it is only 50% charged, and when it is below 12 volts the battery is “dead” and needs to be replaced.
Not only does your battery provide the energy required to start your car, but it’s also stabilizing the voltage in order to keep your engine running healthily.
What happens if you have a weak battery?
When you have a weak battery, your car ends up putting additional stress on the charging system or the alternator and the starter motor. These parts can malfunction because they’re drawing excessive voltage to compensate for the lack of battery power. If you do not inspect, test and charge or replace your batteries if needed, you could wind up replacing expensive electrical parts–typically without warning.
Understanding Basic Battery Types
Before jumping into the car battery reviews, educate yourself about their types, which will come in handy when you will be shopping for the best auto battery.
Car batteries can be broadly categorized into two groups if we’re talking about their function: starting batteries and deep cycle batteries. Each type comes with its own unique benefits, which you should know about before making any decision.
Another way to categorize car batteries is by their design and technology. Design-wise, there are three types: lead-acid batteries are the most commonly used in vehicles nowadays, while Lithium-ion batteries and NiMH batteries are later and more advanced inventions.
Starting (SLI) Batteries vs Deep Cycle Batteries
Our handpicked list of the very best car batteries does include products that can act as both starting batteries and deep-cycle batteries. Understanding how they differ will help you decide whether you are willing to pay for such versatility.
Starting batteries are also called cranking batteries or SLI batteries, which stand for “starting, lighting, and ignition.” SLI batteries provide a large amount of energy in very short bursts in order to crank your engine as well as power your lights and other electrical accessories.
As a result, only a small part of the starting battery is discharged quickly, typically with a shallow depth of discharge of only about 2% to 5% of the battery’s capacity.
In contrast, a deep cycle battery is a battery designed to handle many thousands of cycles of deep discharge and recharge over its lifetime. While technically, it is possible to cycle the battery down to 20% without “killing” the battery right away, it is recommended by professionals and full-time campers to keep the average maximum discharge at around 45% to 50% to maximize the lifespan of the battery.
Another key difference in comparison with starting batteries is the speed of discharge. Deep cycle batteries are also designed to discharge slowly, thereby providing steady power for several hours at a time instead of delivering an instant surge of high voltage for a very short time. This feature makes deep-cycle batteries ideal for camping applications.
In addition, the typical charging efficiency in a deep cycle battery is 85-95%, the very best can even approach 98%, which is much higher than that of regular starting batteries.
1. Lead–Acid battery
Lead acid batteries are the most common type, which relies on a lead-acid chemical reaction to get things moving. Lead acid batteries fall into the “SLI” category.
Once the battery jolts the engine to life, power for the car is supplied by the alternator. Most vehicles come with a generic SLI battery from the factory.
This category is further divided into flooded, gel, and Absorbed Glass mats. To learn more about the unique features and pros and cons of each type, jump to the next section “Types of Lead-Acid Batteries”.
All three types work under the same concept: one lead plate and one lead oxide plate are submerged in an electrolyte solution of sulfuric acid that triggers a reaction between the two plates.
A combination of such two plates is called a cell, where the chemical energy is stored in the battery. A typical lead acid battery has six cells. Each cell is able to produce about 2-volts of energy. In most car batteries you have six cells, and therefore a 12-volt battery.
The sulfuric acid will trigger a reaction on the lead dioxide plate, causing the plate to produce two things: ions and lead sulfate. The ions produced by the lead dioxide plate react to the adjacent plate to produce hydrogen and lead sulfate.
The result is a chemical reaction that produces electrons. The electrons race around the plates and generate electricity. The electricity flows out of the battery terminals to start your engine and power the electrical devices like radio, interior lights, and headlights.
What is interesting is that this chemical reaction is entirely reversible, which is why you can jumpstart your battery and continue to charge it throughout the duration of its life. By applying current to the battery at just the right voltage, lead and lead dioxide will form on the plates and you can reuse your battery until it retires from old age and requires replacement.
While charging a lead acid battery, the battery generates oxygen and hydrogen gas, which can be explosive. This is why batteries are typically mounted under the hood, where they dissipate and do not become condensed. When installing a battery in the trunk, a firewall must be installed to protect the passengers. The battery box must also be vented to the exterior of the vehicle.
The newcomers to the automotive battery realm are lithium-ion batteries and NiMh batteries. These batteries are commonly used in rechargeable applications for cell phones and other portable devices. Compared to the old lead acid batteries, these two are very stable and hold a charge for a long period of time, with the ability to release that charge quickly.
2. Lithium Ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are very similar to the NiMh batteries below. Lithium batteries are the most efficient battery type and hold a static charge for the longest, which explains their whopping price. These batteries are becoming more prevalent in high-performance applications, especially where performance requires the batteries to be as light as possible.
In fact, Porsche recently replaced the conventional lead acid batteries, which typically weigh around 40 pounds, with Lithium Ion, which weighs only about 13 pounds. Such an upgrade came with a replacement cost of $1700.
The only downside is Lithium Ion batteries are not ideal for use in very cold weather, as they can be damaged in temperatures below freezing.
3. NiMh batteries
NiMh batteries charge fast, but they have a faster discharge rate when idle. These are the types of batteries used in hybrid vehicles.
NiMh batteries use hydrogen-absorbing alloy as the negative electrode, and nickel oxyhydroxide as the positive side.
Types of Lead-Acid Batteries
“Flooded” batteries
This type of deep cycle battery, also called wet-cell battery, requires two important maintenance processes. Firstly, flooded lead-acid batteries lose water during the charge cycle. They must be refilled regularly with distilled water every 2-4 weeks as needed to function properly and stay healthy.
Note that you should only use distilled water since non-distilled water, like tap water, has small particles and contaminants, which weaken the battery chemistry.
Secondly, flooded lead acid batteries should be equalized occasionally to make sure each cell is equally charged. You can do this by applying a controlled overcharge once every 30-90 days. More on the instructions for a controlled equalizing charge in the Frequently Asked Questions at the end of this guide.
Another distinct feature is that flooded batteries produce gas when overcharging. This gas must escape to avoid damage to the battery via some type of ventilation, which is why this type of battery is sometimes called a vented cell battery.
“Sealed” batteries
Sealed batteries are also lead-acid batteries like the flooded type, however, as they are “sealed”, they eliminate the hazards associated with acid spills or leaks and they allow for a maintenance-free design.
Easier to maintain, sealed batteries do not require water refilling and equalizing charge. They require very little maintenance other than the occasional check-up on the battery’s state of discharge using a multimeter or a voltmeter to read the voltage of the battery.
Gel batteries
Gel batteries are absolutely spill-proof and almost maintenance-free. Their cells contain acid that has been turned into a solid mass by adding Silica Gel, so it is impossible for them to spill acid even if broken.
However, gel batteries have several disadvantages. One is that they must be charged at a lower voltage than the other three types of deep cycle batteries. If overcharged, voids can develop in the gel which will never heal by themselves, causing a loss in the battery’s capacity. In extremely hot climates, water loss can cause premature battery death in 2-4 years.
Secondly, they will be permanently damaged if they are fast-charged using a regular charger. Such fast charging will generate excess gas that can damage the cells since these batteries produce gas when overcharged just like flooded batteries.
AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries
AGM batteries are also sealed, spill-proof, maintenance-free, and will not leak acid even if broken. Being the most recent and advanced invention and offered at about the same price point as the gel type above, AGM batteries offer significant advantages over both the traditional flooded batteries and gel batteries.
In particular, the best AGM battery has the highest charging efficiency, tolerates a much deeper depth of discharge than flooded batteries without suffering damages, and can very well withstand low temperatures. They are also much more resistant to vibration and impact, which makes them ideal for a greater number of camping applications too.
AGM batteries also have smart features like electronic safety, convenience features, fuel-saving stop-start systems, and power outlets for mobile electronic devices. To enjoy all these benefits, you have to pay about 40% to 100% more than normal batteries like lead-acid batteries.
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7 Best Car Batteries: In-Depth Review
AGM batteries are becoming the most preferred type of automotive battery thanks to their well-rounded performance and superior value for money. Thus, in this best car battery review article, we only focus on reviewing the best-rated car batteries using AGM technology.
If you know exactly what you’re looking for, dive right in. Otherwise, skip to the next section to learn the most important buying criteria and other tips to select just the best car battery for your needs.
1. Odyssey PC680 Battery | Best of the Best
Odyssey PC680 Battery is the first name in our list for being the most well-rounded product. If you are looking for a double-duty battery, Odyssey will be a perfect choice for you: it works both as a starting battery and a solid deep cycle battery that can withstand deep discharges without suffering any deterioration or permanent damages.
Odyssey PC680 can handle up to 400 cycles at 80 percent depth of discharge. This is truly wow-inducing, given that most batteries can only withstand up to 50 percent of discharge, or else they would die prematurely.
Thanks to these capabilities as well as its excellent charging efficiency, this battery is also popular among campers and RVers. With strong and rugged construction, this battery can tolerate shock and vibrations. Therefore, it can work well even if you drive in rough terrains. Besides, the design of Odyssey PC680 contains pure lead plates which prevent spills.
Another benefit of Odyssey PC680 is this battery has thrice the lifespan and twice the power of the average AGM batteries sold in the market. And extreme temperatures would have minimal impact on its performance, as this battery is designed to overcome extremely hot or cold weather, enabling it to last as long as possible.
With such superior performance yet offered at a reasonable price point, Odyssey PC680 is often hailed as the best car battery for the money, in 2021 or many years after. The only problem with this battery is it is prone to overcharging.
Things we liked:
- Double functions: as a starting battery and a deep cycle battery
- Lightweight and compact
- Powerful enough to start RVs with a lot of onboard accessories because of its high 750 cold-cranking AMP rating
- Durable, can withstand vibration and shock
Things we didn’t like:
- High risk of overcharging
- Terminals not included
2. XS Power D6500 Battery | Editor’s Choice
According to its manufacturer, car owners can use the XS Power D6500 as an additional battery to supply extra power needed for an aftermarket system or as a replacement for the standard battery. It is ideal for 3000-4000W car audio sound systems.
Indeed, XS Power D6500 has plenty of power to crank even the most power-hungry performance vehicles, thanks to its ability to put out 1070 cranking AMPS with a maximum output of 3900 AMPs.
Coming fully sealed in a heavy-duty reinforced ABS plastic case, another benefit is that D6500 can resist physical impact and extremely high temperatures. The 3-year manufacturer’s warranty is another proof that this battery is very durable.
Things we liked:
- A replacement or supplement for standard car battery
- Solid construction, leak-proof and maintenance-free design
- Perfect for 3000-4000W car audio systems
- Resists physical impact
- 3-year manufacturer’s warranty
Things we didn’t like
- A little pricey
3. Optima 34/78 RedTop | Editor’s Choice
Hailed as one of the best deep cycle battery models, Optima 34/78 RedTop is designed to deliver the most energetic 5-second starting burst, and its lifespan is twice longer than conventional lead-acid batteries. Hence, it should be easy to understand that your engine will fire up immediately after you turn your car key.
What makes the Optima 34/78 Red Top battery different from its competitors is it is loaded with tightly coiled columns of pure lead instead of being loaded with impure lead flat sheet-like conventional batteries sold in the market. This smart design ensures unbeatable output, ultra-low ohms, and maximum vibration resistance. This product comes with a 36-month warranty.
An important note if you opt for this battery: Slow drain kills these batteries. If you keep this battery unhooked, except when you use it, it’ll work well with one of the best amp levels and the longest lifespan you’ll ever see. But if you leave it hooked in the car for a long time, the slow drain will make it fail faster than the cheapest battery you can buy.
Things we liked:
- Powerful 5-second starting burst
- Lasts up to twice as long as conventional batteries
- Perfect for classic cars, daily drivers, weekend racers, and show cars
- 36-month warranty
Things we didn’t like:
- Doesn’t fit all vehicles
4. VMAX857 AGM Battery | Best Bang for the Buck
VMAX857 is consistently rated as a reliable deep-cycle battery that still functions well after repeated deep discharges. This makes them suitable for a number of camping applications, and a favorite option for recreational vehicles as well as small boats. However, this battery cannot be used for cranking purposes.
The VMAX857 AGM Battery is definitely among the best car batteries regarding value for money. In addition to the leak-free design and heavy-duty VMAX grids that allow for a longer lifespan, its dimensions are 7.7″L, 5″W, and 6.1″H and it weighs only 25 pounds, making it exceptionally compact and easily transportable.
Things we liked:
- Heavy-duty VMAX grids provide better performance over a longer time
- Compact and lightweight
Things we didn’t like:
- Not to be used for cranking purposes
5. ACDelco 94RAGM Automotive Battery
ACDelco 94RAGM has it all: superior power, efficiency, and lifespan. ACDelco 94RAGM is notable for providing about 80 AMP hours of energy and an impressive 800 cold-cranking AMPS. Thus, this cool battery is ideal for every type of vehicle, from heavy trucks to sports cars, except for BMW cars. Its excellent cold-cranking AMPs mean it can still deliver excellent performance even in extreme environments.
ACDelco 94RAGm has high-density negative paste which helps to enhance overall battery life and performance. Additionally, ACDelco 94RAGM is designed with a Calcium-Lead positive grid, which allows for low resistance, thus better conductivity and higher efficiency.
Another superior feature is the use of enhanced life alloy or silver-calcium stamped alloy, which extends the battery’s cycle life and improves performance. It is also a pressure-tested and sealed battery with vent caps to prevent any kind of leaks and provides resistance to extreme shock.
Things we liked:
- Enhanced lifespan and performance
- Advanced design: Calcium-lead positive grid and enhanced life alloy/ silver calcium stamped alloy
Things we didn’t like:
- Cannot be used for BMW cars
6. Optima D35 YellowTop Battery
If you are looking for a small car battery with excellent performance, Optima D35 YellowTop is a good fit for you. This extra compact and portable battery makes it ideal for smaller cars and boats.
This battery is designed to provide deep-cycling capability and a lot of power to meet your vehicle needs if your car has a lot of extra accessories. It is powerful enough to start a small or mid-sized outboard motor with the ability to deliver 650 cold-cranking AMPs. This battery has a 98-minute reserve capacity.
Rest assured that this battery can withstand a lot of abuse on the road and will stay with you for a long time. A feature that sets it apart from competitors is its durable and thick plastic exterior for excellent vibration resistance. This small yet tough battery offers 15 times the average level of vibration resistance compared to other models on the market.
This Optima D35 YellowTop is also hailed as one of the most environmentally friendly and safe for users. It is also a good product for seasonal use as it has a very low self-discharge rate, allowing you to store your car all wintertime without any trouble. The only downside is its high risk of overcharging.
Things we liked:
- Compact and portable
- 650 cold-cranking AMPs
- Superior vibration resistance
- Reserve capacity of 98 minutes
Things we didn’t like:
- High risk of overcharging
7. DieHard 38217 Advanced Gold AGM Battery
DieHard 38217 is ideal for the F150 range. It has a lifespan of up to twice that of an average lead-acid battery and is often rated as one of the best deep cycle batteries for a wide number of applications.
DieHard 38217 is recommended for vehicles with heavy loading capacity and a complex mechanism because of its ability to deliver and maintain sufficient charge.
A feature that makes DieHard special even among the heavy-duty batteries, is its exceptional 850 CCA ratings, which allows it to function well even in extreme weather conditions. Another highlight is its advanced design with electrolyte suspension and safeguards internal components.
Things we liked:
- Up to 2x lifespan
- Huge cranking power
- Extreme temperature-resistant
- Advanced design
Things we didn’t like:
- The size is a bit small
Criteria For Choosing the Best Car Battery
Cold-cranking amps
Cold-cranking amps (CCA) is a measure of how well the battery starts an engine during extreme cold weather and is a crucial car battery ratings. Each vehicle model requires a certain amount of amperage to start, especially in cold weather. If your battery doesn’t have sufficient amperage to turn over, it won’t start.
To check the CCA rating of a particular battery, look for a label on the top or the side of the battery case and look for a number followed by “CCA.” Otherwise, check your owner’s manual specifications for a minimum CCA rating. If the battery in your car isn’t the car’s original, you’ll need to look up the accurate battery CCA rating for your particular vehicle.
If you live in a cold climate where temperatures can go well below freezing point, you may want to look for a battery with a higher CCA rating to prevent no-start issues in cold mornings.
Reserve capacity
Reserve capacity indicates how long a battery can run a vehicle if the charging system, which consists of the alternator, stator, and rotor, fails. In general, 30 minutes of power is considered average, while 2 hours and above are considered superior reserve capacity.
A way to test actual reserve capacity is to measure the amount of time it takes a fully charged battery to be discharged down to 10.5 volts, which is the typical fully discharged state. At that level, the car will be unable to start without a jump-start. Another way is to measure how long you can accidentally leave the headlights on and still get the car started without needing a jump-start.
Lifespan
Battery life is tested by repeatedly discharging and recharging the battery until performance drops to unacceptable levels. Such a test is typically performed at a test temperature of about 75°C or 167°F to mimic the high underhood temperatures during the summer, which is the most detrimental condition for the battery’s health and lifespan. Frequent exposure to high temperatures deteriorates batteries quickly due to increasing plate corrosion and the electrolyte needed for current vaporizing more quickly.
Long life is especially important if you make many short trips that don’t allow much time for recharging. That said, if you plan on keeping your vehicle for up to 10 years, a higher-grade battery that is designed to last longer would be a wiser investment. Otherwise, a lower-grade battery that will get you by in the meantime might be a better option if you’re on a budget.
Other Factors To Consider
Tip 1: Choose the right type of battery for your vehicle
We all know that every vehicle requires a specific type of battery. Each vehicle needs a different amount of power and a differently sized battery.
For instance, many cars come with AGMs to support an increasing array of electrical components, and the charging system may be configured specifically for an AGM battery. Thus, you need to check your vehicle’s maintenance guide to know what kind of battery is suitable for your car.
- If you lose the maintenance guide, you will need to take your car to a repair shop and ask a mechanic to identify the type of your car battery.
- If you go camping often, especially if you like boondocking without electrical hookups, you must get a deep cycle battery on top of your usual cranking battery for powering your appliances and devices.
- Because climate has a huge impact on the way a car battery works, you should choose a battery appropriate for your local weather conditions. Cold-weather batteries are often labeled “N” or “North”. Hot-weather batteries might be labeled “S” or “South”. In some cases, owners can replace an AGM battery with a traditional flooded one to boost longevity in hot climates, but it’s best to consult a mechanic first.
- If you are an off-road driver, a battery that can endure constant vibrations will be a better choice for you.
Tip 2. Choose the right size
Batteries come in a variety of sizes and it’s important to choose the right size. If the terminals are in the wrong place, your car’s cables might not reach or they might not fit securely.
To determine the right fit for your vehicle, check your owner’s manual or an in-store fit guide. Below is a battery size groups for your preference.
- Size 24/24F (top terminal): Fits most Acura, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan, and Toyota vehicles.
- Size 34/78 (dual terminal): Fits many large Chrysler vehicles, 1996 to 2000 GM pickups, SUVs, plus mid-sized and large sedans.
- Size 35 (top terminal): Fits most Japanese nameplates, including Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and recent Honda vehicles.
- Size 47 (H5) (top terminal): Fits Buick, Chevrolet, Fiat, and Volkswagen models.
- Size 48 (H6) (top terminal): Fits many Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Volkswagen, and Volvo models sold in the European and North American markets.
- Size 49 (H8) (top terminal): Fits many Audi, BMW, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz models sold in the European and Asian markets.
- Size 51R (top terminal): Fits many Honda, Mazda, and Nissan.
- Size 65 (top terminal): Fits large cars, trucks, and sport-utility vehicles from Ford or Mercury.
- Size 75 (side terminal): Fits some General Motors mid-sized and compact cars and a few Chrysler vehicles.
Tip 3: Pick a maintenance-free battery
Thanks to advanced technology, most car batteries nowadays are maintenance-free and don’t need any special attention. However, do note that the flooded type of lead-acid batteries require more maintenance. They lose water during the charge cycle, thus they are required to be filled with distilled water only every 2-4 weeks as needed to function properly and stay healthy.
Furthermore, flooded lead acid batteries should be equalized occasionally to make sure each cell is equally charged. You can do this by applying a controlled overcharge once every 30-90 days.
Therefore, if you are not a handyman or would want to save time, you should buy a maintenance-free battery whenever possible, which is either a gel type or a fuss-free AGM.
Wonder how to test a car battery, check this video!
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Tip 4: Avoid purchasing old batteries
Batteries lose their strength even when we store them carefully. Therefore, you should always buy a new one that was manufactured within the last 6 months to make sure what you buy is the best car battery at that time.
Tip: To know how old your battery is, you can check the four- or five-digit date code on the cover of your battery case. The first part of the code is key and consists of a letter and a digit, for instance, D11. A letter is assigned to each month: A for January, B for February, and so on.
The number that follows denotes the year: for instance, 8 for 2008, 9 for 2009, 0 for 2010, 11 for 2011, 12 for 2012, and so on. So “D11” means in April 2011, the battery was shipped from the factory to local battery wholesale distributors.
Tip 5: Purchase a battery that has a good reputation
Buying a battery that has a lot of reviews is a smart choice as this battery is tested by auto enthusiasts and consumer communities. All you have to do is read reviews or check consumer reports on commercial sites selling the battery to get information about the battery or other types of batteries sold there.
A safe bet is to grab one from a major manufacturer with positive reviews. You can find in the next section a list of the most prestigious car battery brands with proven track records.
Also: Recycle your old battery
You cannot dump a car’s battery just anywhere as the battery’s lead and acid are toxic. But they can easily be recycled, and most retailers will dispose of the old ones for you. Sometimes when buying a new battery at a store, you might have to pay an extra small amount that will be refunded when you return the old battery.
Need a new car battery? Watch the video below to know how to choose the right type:
Best Car Battery Brands For Lasting Performance
If you are well-informed and know what suits your vehicle best, feel free to grab a lesser-known battery, especially if you have had a positive experience with a particular model before. Otherwise, going for reputed brands is your safest bet.
Prestigious manufacturers often offer better customer service, plus if you are opting for a popular model from a big brand, you will be able to gather more reviews and instructional videos from fellow drivers. Below are the biggest names in the market with many of the best car battery models:
1. DieHard batteries
DieHard batteries from Sears are considered one of the best car battery manufacturers these days. Initially, the core purpose of manufacturing this battery was to make it last longer than the car, and has accomplished it to some extent, though. This far-fetched battery product can improve your car’s performance as it comes with medium, heavy, and premium duty lines.
Well-rounded performance, plus the capacity to start well even in extremely cold weather, it’s such a steal that these batteries cost less than $100. Sears also offers 3-year warranties, which is quite desirable.
2. Odyssey
Odyssey is a great battery brand that you have to take into your consideration. This company has been creating a wide range of batteries that are both durable and reliable by using the latest innovations and technologies, leading them to the top of the battery market.
Their products are superior and have a longer lifespan compared to other competitors. Odyssey batteries are suitable for most applications from industrial, commercial, automatic, and military uses.
3. NAPA
NAPA offers eighty-four series of car batteries for every kind of vehicle and every kind of weather too. The brand also makes batteries of many sizes. Several batteries from NAPA are consistently included in best car battery lists from reputed organizations like the Consumer Report.
This brand makes tough deep-cycle batteries that can function well in the hottest and coldest weather. The market price of these batteries costs from $100 to $200. For such a price, the manufacturer’s twenty-four-month warranty is particularly decent.
4. Kirkland
You can only buy this battery brand at Costco in the US. This brand offers products with high recital and AMP ranking at half the price of comparable models from competitors.
Kirkland’s batteries are known to be efficient and built to last, with excellent weather resistance. In fact, you can get a full refund if the battery falls short, regardless of the cause.
5. Optima
Known for its superior AGM batteries, Optima offers three product types: red top for automobiles, blue top for RV’s and marines, and yellow top for deep cycle batteries. With fast charging time and unbeatable power, the best car batteries from this brand cost around $125 to $150.
6. AC Delco
AC Delco’s batteries will free you of headaches, thanks to their vigorous quality test. The corrosion-free terminal and the massive reservoir make the batteries from this brand last long and deliver reliable service for many years down the road. Despite all these qualities, AC Delco batteries are highly affordable, making them popular with budget buyers who do not want to sacrifice performance nonetheless.
7. Duralast
Duralast is a brand owned by the same manufacturer that makes DieHard and Sears. This brand is up to par with DieHard in many aspects, despite its extremely agreeable average price tag.
8. EverStart
One of the eminent car manufacturers in the US, Johnson Controls is the creator of EverStart batteries. This brand’s car batteries are so affordable that you can buy a solid piece for some $80, but don’t underestimate its performance. You can find these high-quality batteries at WalMart with a free installation fee.
Car Battery Maintenance
How long do batteries last?
Car batteries last, on average, three to five years. Once your battery is over three years old, it is time for close monitoring.
To know how old your battery is, you can check the four- or five-digit date code on the cover of your battery case. The first part of the code is the key and consists of a letter and a digit, for instance, D11. A letter is assigned to each month: A for January, B for February, and so on.
The number that follows denotes the year: for instance, 8 for 2008, 9 for 2009, 0 for 2010, 11 for 2011, 12 for 2012, and so on. So “D11” means in April 2011, the battery was shipped from the factory to local battery wholesale distributors.
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How to know when your car battery is bad?
Making sure your car battery is charged properly is critical to maximizing its life and better giving you an enjoyable and hassle-free driving experience with your vehicle. The most common signs that your car battery needs charging or must be replaced:
- One of the most obvious signs is the warning battery light illuminated on the dashboard.
- Headlights are dim. When the battery is weak, it does not have enough power to run your car’s electrical components.
- You hear a click, or nothing at all when turning the engine.
- The engine cranks slowly when starting.
- You need to press the gas pedal to start.
- No-starting: The car just refuses to start.
A super convenient way to find out if your battery has enough charge is to use a multimeter. A multimeter measures how much voltage your car’s battery is currently storing, or how much power is stored in the battery.
It is a simple tool to test the state of your car battery at home and in no time, saving you time and money with the mechanics. You can find a multimeter for as low as $8 on Amazon.
For a step-by-step guide on how to safely test your car batteries at home, refer to the comprehensive guides below.
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Float/trickle charger
Batteries are prone to the problem called natural discharge or self-discharge, in which internal chemical reactions reduce the stored charge of the battery without any connection between the electrodes or any external circuit. Therefore, if your vehicle is going to be idle for an extended period of time, for example, you need to put your recreational vehicle into storage in the winter, consider having a float charger to keep it fully charged.
Also known as trickle chargers, storage chargers, or maintenance chargers, these float chargers prevent excessive self-discharge when your battery isn’t used for a long time. To prevent this, the charge rate of a float charge is equal to the battery’s natural self-discharge rate.
Most trickle chargers have built-in circuitry to prevent overcharging so you can leave the charger on 24/7 without worrying about overcharging the battery, although some models do not and can damage a battery by overcharging it. Even though a float charger automatically monitors and charges the battery, it is always recommended that you periodically take a look to make sure that everything is still in good working order.
Jump Starter
Portable battery jump starters allow for convenient jump starts without having to connect two cars. They are becoming increasingly compact too, so you can store them in your vehicle at all times as an emergency tool.
Batteries Maintenance 101
Lead acid batteries
Lead acid batteries must be charged constantly to maintain that charge. Leaving a lead acid battery on the shelf for 6 months will degrade the battery, especially in extremely cold weather.
Cold weather
Extreme cold weather is a no-no for lead acid batteries and Lithium Ion batteries. In severe cold weather, a battery can freeze, which will short out the plates and the battery will no longer charge. When a battery freezes, the sides of the box will bulge.
Corrosion
Corrosion is a problem with all batteries. A little Vaseline on the terminals goes a long way to protect against corrosion. Another solution is a liquid electrical tape, which creates an airtight seal, but it has to be cut off before removing the battery cable.
Cables and Terminals
The battery can only do its job when the connections are intact. Corroded cables and terminals or loose-fitting terminals can limit the alternator’s ability to charge the battery and provide power to the car.
All terminals must fit tightly so that you cannot wiggle them by hand. You have to be careful with side-post terminals, as you can strip the threads and actually break into the case, causing electrolytes to leak out.
Load test
While almost all of today’s car batteries are “maintenance-free,” we recommend having your battery load-tested by a mechanic annually once it is 2 years old if you live in a warmer climate or 4 years old if you live in a colder climate. Doing so tests its ability to hold voltage while being used, and the results will let you know when it’s time to start shopping.
