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The surest sign of battery trouble is that your car is slow or hard to start. The battery is powering the starter, which must crank the engine against the compression in the pistons. This requires lots
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The surest sign of battery trouble is that your car is slow or hard to start. The battery is powering the starter, which must crank the engine against the compression in the pistons. This requires lots of power, particularly in vehicles with diesel engines. Worn batteries may recover temporarily with a jump start, but a battery that continually needs more than one jump start is done.
Don’t take any risks. The modest cost of replacing the battery is well worth avoiding the stress caused by a roadside or parking lot breakdown. Car and truck batteries are either conventional lead-acid or the more advanced absorbent glass mat (AGM) design commonly seen in vehicles that are equipped with engine stop-start systems. If you are unsure of the size, amp hour rating or cold cranking amps needed for your vehicle, check the existing battery’s label or consult your manufacturer owner’s manual. In this article you’ll find six of the best car batteries to keep you charging down the road.
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The surest sign of battery trouble is that your car is slow or hard to start. The battery is powering the starter, which must crank the engine against the compression in the pistons. This requires lots of power, particularly in vehicles with diesel engines. Worn batteries may recover temporarily with a jump start, but a battery that continually needs more than one jump start is done.
Don’t take any
...Read More
The surest sign of battery trouble is that your car is slow or hard to start. The battery is powering the starter, which must crank the engine against the compression in the pistons. This requires lots of power, particularly in vehicles with diesel engines. Worn batteries may recover temporarily with a jump start, but a battery that continually needs more than one jump start is done.
Don’t take any risks. The modest cost of replacing the battery is well worth avoiding the stress caused by a roadside or parking lot breakdown. Car and truck batteries are either conventional lead-acid or the more advanced absorbent glass mat (AGM) design commonly seen in vehicles that are equipped with engine stop-start systems. If you are unsure of the size, amp hour rating or cold cranking amps needed for your vehicle, check the existing battery’s label or consult your manufacturer owner’s manual. In this article you’ll find six of the best car batteries to keep you charging down the road.
The Optima 35 RedTop is the go-to battery for everything from commuter cars and pickup to classic hot rods and off-road machines thanks to its high power and reserve capacity, quick starting ability and leak proof lead acid design. It withstands heavy use and is vibration resistant even in harsh conditions, and it can tolerate being stored for lengthy periods of time. Optima’s SpiralCell technology achieves clean, strong power and consists of individual spiral-wound cells comprised of two positive and negative 99.99% lead plates that are precisely coated in lead oxide.
This 12-volt battery offers 720 cold-cranking amps and weighs in at 31.7 pounds. Despite it being labeled a starting battery, the Optima RedTop does feature a 90-minute reserve capacity for constant performance. The RedTop has a good reputation for quality, but there are a few consumer complaints about this battery lasting just over a year before needing to be replaced. If you are looking for a battery to power a vehicle with multiple electronic accessories such as a DVD player, powered sliding doors, or inverters or winches, or if you have a more specialized vehicle like a race car, an Optima YellowTop may be a better solution.
Pros & Cons
Maintenance-free
Spillproof
Vibration resistant
Some buyers report replacement needed after a year
Batteries drain faster in cold weather, and when it comes to extreme temperature tolerance, especially in northern climes, the Odyssey Extreme Series 34/78 – PC1500 battery is the best bang for the buck. It can operate at temperatures ranging from -40°C to 45°C (-40°F to 104°F). The battery’s plates are made of pure virgin lead, which means Odyssey can pack in more plates for more surface area. That equates to more power. The company states that this battery has twice the overall power and three times the life of conventional batteries, and claims it has the highest recharge efficiency of any sealed battery on the market.
Odyssey batteries have been designed to keep up with today’s new electronics-loaded vehicles. The Extreme Series 34/78-PC1500DT model features 850 CCA for strong starting power, even in cold temperatures. However, it weighs a whopping 51.5 pounds. If weight is a concern, either for installation or just carrying more pound around in your car, you may want to keep reading down the list. The Odyssey 34/78-PC1500DT is best used for vehicles that require top terminals, only because some consumer complaints advise that the included side terminals tend to break quicker over time.
Pros & Cons
Operates in extreme temperatures
Extreme deep cycling capability
70% longer cycle life compared to conventional deep cycle batteries
Side terminals reported to break
Even by car battery standards, it’s heavier than an anvil
The ACDelco Gold B24R Hybrid battery features an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) design which allows for the high cycling capabilities that hybrid vehicles need for optimum performance. They are, after all, constantly shutting off and restarting their engines. According to the manufacturer, this battery’s valve-regulated gas recombinant technology provides up to three-times the cycle life of conventional auto batteries in traditional vehicle applications. As an added bonus, its leak-proof pressurized valve system prevents acid and dry-out damage to the terminals. This particular battery, the Advantage AGM series, is specially designed to fit most Toyota Prius models.
Offering just 325 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), the ACDelco Gold B24R needs to be stored in more regulated temperatures. If you take your hybrid car for frequent short distance drives or plan to store it for a long period of time, ACDelco recommends that you test the battery every 2 months to make sure it maintains a voltage of 12.4 or higher to ensure a longer life. The purchase includes a 24-month warranty, which may come in handy as a few buyers do sometimes report a short lifespan.
Pros & Cons
Best for hybrid vehicles
AGM technology
3-times the cycle life of conventional auto batteries
Limited vehicle fitment
Only 325 cold cranking amps
Packs in more charging cycles, but doesn’t last as long as some regular batteries
Antigravity Batteries’ heavy-duty ATX30 Lithium Ion Battery boasts an unusual combination of traits, it’s the most powerful lightweight and compact battery on the market. Rated for an electrifying 970 cranking amps and 48-amp hours, it weighs just 7.81 pounds. It offers twice the capacity of competitor lithium batteries of the same size and twice the life cycle of lead acid batteries. Folks who own specialized vehicles such as heavily accessorized touring motorcycles, racing and street performance vehicles, and even experimental aircraft, are well-served by the Antigravity battery. Car terminal adapters are sold separately.
The ATX30-HD model features a lighted voltage indicator test button that simplifies checking the battery’s charge level. It also offers a full battery management system (BMS) which protects the battery from over-charge and discharge. The BMS paired with thermal protections makes this the safest battery with the longest life cycle possible. Its compact size measures 5 inches wide, 6.5 inches long and 6.8 inches tall. This unusually compact unit may require custom mounting hardware, but the battery can be mounted in any orientation for maximum space-saving in motorsports or custom vehicle applications.
If you’re serious about the performance of your vehicle or need to power an extensive audio system, the XS Power D3400 battery comes out on top in regards to power output and reserves. Using the highest energy density chemistry known in AGM batteries, this 12-volt battery is capable of a jolting 4,000 watts, which will power even A$AP Rocky’s speakers. It offers a striking 1,000 cranking amps at 32°F, and up to a 135-minute reserve capacity. The XS Power company employs accredited labs to be doubly sure their batteries are a product that customers can count on.
The D3400 XS Series does weigh in rather heavy at 48 pounds, but can be mounted in almost any position. It features top M6 terminal bolts and does not come with battery posts, however, cables from the existing battery are easily removed and mounted directly to the battery. If your application demands it, battery posts can be purchased separately.
AUTOMOTIVE PURE LEAD AGM: Compatibility Fit Guide available under Product Guides & Documents. Interstate Batteries MTZ line delivers more than 10,000 starts at 5% depth of discharge (DOD). Designed for Car, Van, Jeep, SUV, Truck requiring an AGM Battery, or having lots of accessories & plug-ins. 800 cold cranking amps (CCA), 3X more life than flooded batteries & 40% more cranking power, making them Outrageously Dependable
2X-3X MORE BATTERY LIFE: Expected service life is 2X more than a conventional lead alloy AGM battery, & 3X longer life than conventional flooded battery. Interstate’s cranking & true deep cycling automobile battery produces 400 cycles at 80% DOD, while delivering 40% more power for 5-second engine cranking. Most other batteries do 1 or the other, but this battery does both. Group size 34, 12 volt, 63 amp hours. 10.82 x 6.76 x 7.84” (LxWxH)
THE PURE MATRIX ADVANTAGE: Equipped with Pure Matrix power to deliver super-premium battery life & power for starting & accessories. Some batteries serve up more starts, & others deliver deep cycling. Our line does both - in a bigger way. 99.99% pure non-alloy lead & an efficient ultra-thin plate design means deeper cycles, rapid recharges, & superior cycle life
Genuine ExpertPower Battery - The Most Trusted And Highest Reviewed Sealed Lead Acid Batteries On Amazon
Battery Type - 12 Volt 7 Amp 20 Hour Sealed Lead Acid Battery With F1 Terminals
Ease Of Mind -All Of Our Batteries Are MAINTENANCE FREE and VALVE REGULATED
METHODOLOGY
Forbes Wheels surveyed batteries for passenger cars, SUVs and trucks that are commonly available to consumers in the U.S. We considered a broad range of user end-ratings, expert reviews and personal experiences in our selection. Each battery that made the list was rated on amperage, power reserve capacity, reliability, ease of installation and overall value.
How long does a car battery last?
Batteries for cars, trucks, and SUVs typically remain in peak condition for three to five years, but they gradually deteriorate and lose charging capacity until there’s not enough juice to start the engine. Vehicle owners should periodically check their battery’s condition. After three years, it’s best to test annually at the least. An overall inspection of the battery and its connectors is recommended at every oil change. If a car battery test proves deterioration, or if your vehicle’s lights or electronic devices are showing signs of age such as appearing dim, it may be time for a replacement.
How do I know if I need a new car battery?
If the battery charge warning light illuminates on your dashboard, or if the starter motor turns the engine over slowly, chances are good that it’s getting near time to replace your battery. In older vehicles, dim incandescent headlights when the car is idling indicates a weak battery. Or, if your vehicle’s headlights seem dim at night, rev the engine while in park or neutral. If the headlights get brighter as the engine revs, the vehicle’s battery is likely failing. If you fit a new battery and find that it soon goes dead, you may need a new alternator, the device with charges the battery while the engine is running.
Why does a car battery lose charge?
Batteries use an electrochemical process to generate electricity from stored chemical energy. They have a finite number of charge and discharge cycles until the amount of energy a battery can store and the maximum power it can output begins to degrade. Cold and hot temperatures will cause batteries to degrade faster, but any battery that's unused will discharge (as many office-commuting drivers learned in 2020). Batteries in vehicles that are solely used for short trips may never have the chance to fully recharge, which only causes the battery to age faster. Other factors, such as vibration from rough roads or loose hardware, a malfunctioning vehicle charging system and humidity can play havoc with batteries.
What type of battery do I need? How many cranking amps do I need?
When choosing the right battery for your vehicle, the battery type, group size, terminal configuration, and cold cranking amps (CCA) or amp-hour (Ah) rating must be considered. The group size is based off of your vehicle’s model and engine type and takes the orientation of the battery terminal and the exterior measurements of the battery case into account. All batteries are assigned a group number that is visible on the side or top of the case. Make sure that the group size number on the new battery matches your existing vehicle battery and that the CCA or Ah match the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. Installing an incorrect battery could cause damage to the vehicle’s electrical system, for example, if the terminal locations create a short circuit with nearby components. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual if you are uncertain about which battery to buy.
What’s the difference between a starter battery vs. a deep cycle battery?
Starter batteries are designed to provide a quick and short burst of energy to start an engine efficiently. Once the engine is running, the alternator begins producing current to serve the vehicle's electrical demand while simultaneously recharging the battery. Traditionally, deep cycle batteries provide greater long-term energy delivery but far less instant on-demand power. This makes them preferable for golf carts, electric trolling motors for boats, off-grid energy storage, RVs and campers. There is, however, an emerging class of batteries that perform both as a starting battery and a deep cycle battery. A few manufacturers make models aimed at the marine market that feature two sets of terminals, one for the starting circuit and one for the trolling motor. That technology has moved into the automotive realm. Many companies are producing batteries with huge reserves of power and impressive cranking grunt on demand for starting a vehicle. These are generally more expensive and buyers may have to do a bit of research to make sure this type of battery is compatible with their vehicle.
Is a cheap car battery worth it? Are expensive batteries really better?
Not all cheap batteries are bad, but generally speaking more expensive batteries will be of higher quality. Most cars and trucks use lead-acid wet cell batteries, which contain lead plates separated by material layers that slow the flow of ions between the plates. Higher quality batteries will use rubber between these plates, but some cheaper batteries skimp and use PVC or other materials. The wiring may also be of lower quality in cheap batteries to save on production costs. These can wear out faster and potentially leak. Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries use a layer of fiberglass, as the name implies, to separate the plates and seal them off entirely. These batteries are tightly packaged inside and fully sealed internally, making them impact-resistant, safer and more powerful. They cost significantly more to make and to replace. An AGM battery can cost more than $300 before installation, which is almost double what a good lead-acid battery costs.
What is a cold cranking amps rating?
A vehicle battery’s cold cranking amp (CCA) rating is an industry standard that defines how well a battery can start a vehicle in cold temperatures. The battery’s CCA rating measures how much electrical power a battery can provide at zero degrees Fahrenheit for 30 seconds while maintaining 7.2 volts of power. A battery should have least one cold-cranking amp for every cubic inch of engine displacement or two cold-cranking amps per cubic inch of displacement for diesels. Never install a battery with a lesser CCA rating than what the vehicle manufacturer recommends because it could cause issues with the vehicle’s electrical system. However, installing a battery with a higher CCA rating will work, but may cause the battery to have a shorter life in hot climates. Note that CCA is not to be confused with cranking amps (CA) ratings, which are based on a less complex test that produces inflated or inaccurate numbers.
What are Amp hours?
The Amp-hours (Ah) rating is the specific measurement of a battery’s capacity that breaks down how long the battery can produce one amp of current per hour before it loses power. For example, a car with a battery rated at 50 Ah will provide a current of 1 amp for 50 hours, 50 amps for one hour, or a combination of amps and hours that will equal 50 amp-hours. Vehicle battery Ah ratings vary widely and could range anywhere between 50-500 Ah.When looking at deep cycle batteries, the amp hour rating will be labeled on the battery or sales packaging or paperwork. If you are unable to find a vehicle battery’s Ah rating, you may be looking at a starting battery, which does not provide continuous power in amp-hours. Knowing how many amp hours your vehicle requires for optimum performance is key. Since higher amp hours mean higher capacity, heavier-duty vehicles should utilize batteries with higher amp-hour ratings. If you are unsure of what amp hour rating is required for your use, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Don’t forget to include any vehicle modifications or add-ons that would increase power draw, like winches or upgraded audio systems. To do this, calculate the run time of your accessories by dividing the battery’s Amp hour rating by the amp draw each accessory. You may need to divide the accessory’s wattage by the voltage to get its amp hour rating.
What is a battery’s C rating?
Car batteries are subjected to constant current discharge. A C rating is a measurement of the rate of time that it takes to completely charge or discharge a battery. For example, a C1 rating means that the battery current will discharge its entire capacity in one hour–that is, if you leave the vehicle’s lights and accessories on while the vehicle is not running. The charge capacity is defined as Ampere or Amp hours (Ah). Temperatures also impact how quickly a battery can charge or discharge. A battery with a higher C rating will deliver more energy for higher performance.
How can I make my vehicles battery last longer?
Extending the life of your vehicle’s battery is as simple as keeping up on regular maintenance checks and servicing. Servicing your car frequently will ensure that an inefficient engine, alternator or other components are not straining the battery. Refrain from leaving your lights or accessories on while the vehicle is off as this will drain your battery and shorten its life. Starting and driving your car at least once per week, for a minimum of about 10 minutes, will prevent the battery from becoming drained from sitting stagnant and will give it time to recharge. If you drive your vehicle off-road or over bumpy streets and dirt roads, check your battery connections as the extra vibrations can cause them to loosen. Lastly, keep your battery terminals and casing free of dirt, dust and debris to ensure a reliable connection.
I am a content manager for Hagerty as well as a freelance automotive writer and photographer. I’m a car nut immersed in the automotive hobby, and I enjoy driving and wrenching on my custom 1961 Cadillac, 1963 Dodge 400 race wagon, 1988 Mazda RX-7 and 2018 Tacoma TRD Off-Road with Escapade trailer.
