Buying guide for Best car batteries
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With so many gadgets that you constantly need to recharge, it’s easy to think that a car battery is what makes your gas-powered vehicle run. But that’s actually not the case. For the most part, a car battery has one primary purpose: to start your vehicle.
Think about how much energy it would take to get a large boulder rolling. Similar to how it would take a lot of energy to overcome inertia and move that rock, it takes a powerful battery to start a vehicle with a larger engine. In other words, the amount of battery power you need correlates directly with the type of engine you have.
Also, since every vehicle's engine has a slightly different layout, the space under the hood is not consistent from car to car. This means the right car battery for your vehicle must physically fit in your vehicle.
The manufacturer knows how much power is required to start your vehicle. For convenience, they list this information in the owner's manual. It’s listed as cold-cranking amps (or cranking amps).
You can find the recommended battery size in the owner's manual as well. This is listed as a Battery Council International group number. The CCA (or CA) and BCI group number can also be found on the battery that’s already in your car (if you can read the label). However, as a word of caution, it is still best to refer to your owner's manual in the event that someone installed the wrong battery in your vehicle.
Armed with this knowledge, as well as a few details on the different types of batteries, price range and helpful tips and tricks, you can confidently choose the right battery for your vehicle — like our top choice, the XS Power AGM High-Output Battery.
Best car batteries
The XS Power is a high-output 12-volt battery with 1,000 cranking amps and BCI group size 34. It is an AGM battery that is sealed and spill-proof with ultra-low internal resistance. If you want a lot of power to fuel your devices and drive your stereo system, this is a model to consider.
The battery has quarter-inch terminals. At 48 pounds, it’s a little heavier than some models, but the performance it offers is worth the extra effort involved in transport and installation. If you’re looking for the battery that BestReviews has chosen as the best of the best, here it is.
If you’re looking for a battery that fits your budget as well as it fits your car, consider EverStart's Platinum AGM battery. It offers vibration resistance, extended life, high performance in a wide range of temperatures and a four-year free replacement warranty. The rugged case is made of polypropylene, and the battery gives you 750 cold-cranking amps. It is leak-resistant with a top terminal design.
The battery has up to 120 minutes of reserve capacity and is BCI group size 65. The EverStart is made to handle power-hungry options such as heated seats, GPS systems, DVD players and even start/stop technology.
This is one of Optima's YellowTop batteries. It is specifically designed for use in cars with higher-than-average electrical loads. The company employs a unique manufacturing process that uses spiral-wound lead plates instead of flat ones to achieve greater power efficiency. This helps make the battery suitable for vehicles with lots of luxury features, such as powered sliding doors, self-closing hatches, DVD players and other bonuses.
This battery only weighs 36.4 pounds, but it offers 650 cold-cranking amps and over 300 discharge/recharge cycles. Thanks to the spill-proof casing, this battery can be mounted in virtually any position needed.
Because many of today's vehicles come loaded with far more electrical components than vehicles of the past, Odyssey has created a battery that can keep up with the ever-growing demand. The plates in this battery are not made of lead alloy; the company uses pure lead to pack more plates into each battery. The more plates a battery has, the more surface area it has, which translates to increased power.
This battery offers up to 400 cycles with more power and a longer life (up to 10 years) than other batteries. Like other batteries, this one is vibration-resistant and spill-resistant.
Optima makes three types of batteries that can be quickly distinguished by the color of their tops: red, yellow and blue. This model is a RedTop battery, which means it’s suitable for a stock vehicle where starting is the primary function and an alternator monitors the battery so it can deliver charge as needed.
The Optima offers the user 800 cold-cranking amps, and it has a reserve capacity of 100 minutes, so it can deliver a more consistent performance. It is manufactured to be vibration-resistant and provide optimal starting, even in cold weather. This battery is powerful enough for trucks and SUVs.
This is the Motorcraft Tested Tough Max AGM 12-volt battery. It weighs only 40 pounds and is BCI group size 48. This model comes with a 36-month free replacement warranty and an impressive limited warranty coverage for 100 months (with unlimited mileage). It offers 760 cold-cranking amps and has a reserve capacity of 120 minutes.
The battery is designed to handle the added challenge of powering the technology found in today's high-end vehicles. The Motorcraft Tested Tough Max battery can handle high-heat conditions without diminished performance, and it is the only authorized original equipment replacement for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.
The ACDelco Gold battery is a maintenance-free battery that’s spill-resistant and leak-resistant. It offers an impressive 900 cold-cranking amps and is BCI group size 49.
To help resist vibrations caused by the road, this battery is internally pressurized. The case is ribbed for rigidity, which also helps with added durability. It features silver calcium stamped alloy for increased cycle life and improved performance.
The company has tested this battery to make sure there are no electrical shorts that could decrease its lifespan. This model is designed for luxury vehicles with a high electric load due to extra accessories.
Types of car batteries
Valve-regulated and lead-acid (VRLA) batteries
VRLA batteries are low-maintenance batteries that don’t require adding any water as wet cell batteries do. They are completely sealed, though, which means they usually can’t be repaired. If the battery goes, it must be replaced.
There are two main types of VRLA batteries: gel cell and absorption glass mat (AGM). Gel cell types work best in deep cycles, and they may have issues in extreme hot or cold, so they’re not the best option for cars. AGM batteries provide more power in short bursts than other sealed batteries, so they work well for cars.
Starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) batteries
Most car batteries are SLI batteries, which help start the car and also power the lighting, radio, ignition and other features. They are a type of lead-acid rechargeable battery, but they can only provide power in quick bursts, such as the few seconds it takes to start the car.
Deep cycle batteries
Deep cycle batteries deliver power over a more prolonged period than SLI batteries. They’re not used as often in cars because the battery can run down fairly quickly, making it difficult to drive long distances.
Wet cell (or flooded) batteries
Wet cell batteries contain fluid, such as a combination of lead, sulfuric acid and water, that creates electrolytes to power the battery. They are usually the least-expensive type of car battery, but they require more upkeep than other types.
Lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are found in hybrid and electric cars. They can usually store more energy than traditional car batteries and are fairly lightweight. However, they typically have a short lifespan.
AGM batteries
An AGM battery is an Absorbed Glass Mat battery. This type of battery is similar to a flooded battery, but it has fiberglass that absorbs the electrolyte and stores it in dry form. This offers substantial benefits, such as a higher voltage output, a slower discharge rate, a longer lifespan and more. AGM batteries are suited for individuals who frequently plug devices into their cars.
Start/stop batteries
Many newer cars shut off as soon as they come to a complete stop – for example, at a red light – and then restart when the brake is released. While this reduces emissions without affecting fuel efficiency, the average battery wouldn't last long with this type of abuse. If your vehicle has this feature, you need a start/stop battery.
What to look for in a car battery
Size
Car batteries come in different sizes, which usually fit according to the make and model of your vehicle.
The sizes are divided into groups with numbers and letters to designate each. Some cars can accommodate more than one battery size, but it’s important to choose a battery that’s approved for use in your vehicle.
Consult the car manufacturer’s specifications to determine which battery size is appropriate for your vehicle.
Cranking amps (CA)
CA measures the starting power of a battery. Your owner’s manual should list your vehicle’s requirements when it comes to a CA rating so you can choose the right option for your car.
Cold-cranking amps (CCA)
CCA measures a battery’s starting power in cold temperatures. The rating indicates the number of amps that a 12-volt battery can deliver at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 seconds while keeping the voltage at a steady 7.2 volts.
CCA rating is particularly important if you live in a cold climate. For the best results, choose a battery with the highest CCA rating available that fits the car manufacturer’s requirements.
Battery reserve capacity
A battery’s reserve capacity indicates how long it can provide power if you leave the headlights and other accessories on or if the battery’s charging system fails.
Look for a battery that can supply at least 1.5 hours of reserve capacity. For a higher-performing battery, opt for one with two hours of reserve capacity.
Maintenance
The best car battery is relatively maintenance-free, which means you don’t need to add liquid to it. Look for a completely sealed battery for the least maintenance necessary.
Handle
Car batteries can weigh as much as 40 pounds, which can make them difficult to maneuver. If you plan to install the battery yourself, it helps to choose a model with a handle to make lowering it into the tight confines of a car engine a little easier.
How to tell if your car battery is about to die
- The engine may have a hard time turning over when you start the car.
- Your headlights may become dimmer.
- The AC might start to make strange noises.
- You may notice reduced airflow from the car’s vents.
- The car’s radio volume could become inconsistent.
- Your power windows might open and close more slowly.
Tips for protecting your car battery
- To avoid draining your car battery, do not use the stereo, lights, AC, or heater or run any devices off of the battery when the car isn’t running.
- To keep your car battery’s positive and negative terminals from corroding, treat them with a terminal protector spray every so often.
- Driving your car for longer periods can help prolong the battery life, so try to take the scenic route home every now and then.
- If you’re replacing or otherwise working on your car battery, always remove jewelry and wear safety eyewear and rubber gloves to protect yourself.
- In the winter, park your car inside a well-insulated garage when possible to protect the battery and make it easier to start in the morning.
FAQ
Q. How much does a car battery cost?
A. While it is possible to find a budget battery for less, around $150 is a more typical starting point for a decent low-end battery. On the upper end, you can expect to pay as much as $350 or more. On average, though, a consumer can expect to spend roughly between $250 and $300 to get exactly what they need.
Q. How long will a car battery last?
A. The average car battery will last at least three years. If you live in a colder climate, you may get as many as five years out of it, but four is typical. If you do not drive your vehicle regularly, the battery may only last for two to three weeks. This is why it’s important to start your car and go for a ride at least twice each month.
Q. How does temperature affect a car battery?
A. In hot temperatures, a battery’s capacity increases, but its life actually decreases. In cold weather, the battery has a lower capacity but typically lasts longer.
Q. What should I do with my old car battery?
A. When you purchase a new car battery, many stores will take the old one to recycle for you. In some areas, you’ll actually pay a fee if you don’t turn in your old battery. This is done in an attempt to keep the dangerous lead and acid in car batteries from ending up in landfills.
