Most car owners do not think about their car batteries until they suddenly develop issues and fails to start their cars. That is when it becomes an emergency, which usually results in arriving very late at your destination or not even getting there at all.
You don’t want to have your car battery halt your journey, especially when an emergency is involved. So, it is essential to invest in a high-performance and reliable car battery.
If you are wondering which car batteries are the best among the hundreds on the auto market today, have no fear. By the time you read this article to the end, you will be able to make an informed decision about the car battery that is most suitable for your car.
How to Choose the Best Battery for Your Needs
Finding out and selecting the best car battery for your needs depends on the following factors:
- The climate where you live
- The terrain you regularly drive your car
- The amount of strain you subject your car battery through, e.g. listening to the radio when your engine is off, etc.
- The power output
- The costs
- The size of the car
Types of Batteries
Auto batteries come in several shapes and sizes, even though each one serves the same purpose of powering your vehicle. The following are some of the commonly used types of car batteries out there:
Starting, Lighting and Ignition (SLI)
Starting, Lighting and Ignition car batteries are prevalent since the majority of the cars out there use them. They help to start the vehicle and provide adequate power to ignition, radio, lights, and so much more.
SLI car batteries provide power in short bursts since they have a shallow charge cycle. This means you need to charge them frequently.
Lithium-Ion (Li-ion)
Lithium-Ion car batteries store a tremendous amount of energy which is even more than conventional. They are compact, lightweight, and can be recharged within a short time.
However, these types of auto batteries are not as common as others. And the reason for this is because Li-ion batteries are incompatible with most of the automobiles that people drive.
They are ideal for electric and hybrid cars, and these days, a growing number of vehicles that use this type of battery are flooding the auto market.
Li-ion auto batteries have one, significant drawback: they have a very short lifespan.
Deep cycle batteries
Deep cycle auto batteries are powerful, especially in terms of providing power. They also perform exceptionally well over an extended period.
And that is why they are generally used in cars, electric vehicles, golf carts, marine vehicles, etc.
Wet Cell batteries
Wet – or flooded – cell batteries are pocket-friendly, and that is because they do not provide the same cycle life as Value-Regulated Lead-Acid batteries (more on that later). These types of auto batteries also require consistent maintenance in order to replace lost electrolytes.
And they are called flooded or wet batteries because they come with a liquid that creates battery electrolyte.
Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA)
Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid batteries are sealed entirely, which makes them leak and spill-proof. Batteries with these unique features do not require any form of maintenance.
This, of course, is great news if you’re one of those who believe adding water to your car battery’s cells is a total waste of time. But since VRLA batteries are sealed, they cannot be serviced.
This means that if such a car battery starts developing problems, the only solution is to replace it with a new one.
There are two sub-types of Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid batteries, namely Gel Cell and AGM batteries.
Gel Cell batteries use a silica-based electrolyte and perform remarkably well for deep-cycle applications. AGM batteries, on the other hand, deliver a very high rate of power, but in short bursts when compared to other sealed batteries.
Battery Sizes
Installing a car battery that is the correct size is essential. The terminal locations must align appropriately with the cables in your vehicle. If the terminals are in the wrong spot, those cables may not reach the battery or fit tightly enough.
Therefore, check an in-store fit guide or your owner’s manual to find out what you need.
Here are the common battery sizes:
- 24/24F (top terminal)
- 34/78 (dual terminal)
- 35 (top terminal)
- 47 (H5) (top terminal)
- 48 (H6) (top terminal)
- 49 (H8) (top terminal)
- 51R (top terminal)
- 65 (top terminal)
- 75 (side terminal)
Important Car Battery Features and Specification
Here are a few essential aspects of the best car batteries:
Longevity
The longevity of a car battery depends primarily on the driving conditions that your automobile can handle as well as the climate. Batteries in this category do not come cheap, so you must have deep pockets in order to lay your hands on one.
However, such batteries tend to serve you for a very long time, thereby saving you a lot of money in the end.
Power
Car batteries must have impressive outputs since engines, sound systems, air conditioning, etc. also sap a lot of juice. You must ensure that the car battery you go for has more than enough power or capacity to keep all the components running very smoothly for extended periods.
Maintenance
Free or low-maintenance batteries are the best options to go for. However, the climate you drive in also matters when choosing between them.
For example, if you live in an area with a warm climate, a low-maintenance battery should be your choice since you can readily distill water in order to cool it down.
Technical specifications
Most batteries are rated according to a variety of factors which include cold-cranking amps (CCA), amp hour, and reserve capacity. CCA refers to the number of amps a car battery can produce when the temperature plummets to zero degrees Celsius.
Value for your money
Most people make this error of thinking – and believing – that the more expensive an item is, the better. But that is not true in any way, at least when you are talking about car batteries.
Therefore, be at liberty to examine the prices of each car battery you come across, the benefits they offer as well as their respective shortcomings. This will enable you to make an informed – and cost-efficient – choice when you shop for a car battery.
Longer warranty
Unexpected things happen every day, and issues with car batteries can ruin someone’s plans for the day. This is why you should always go for an auto battery with a good warranty.
A good warranty should have a minimum of 3 years for the replacement warranty. If you can invest in a car battery with a more extended warranty than the minimum, by all means, go for it. However, such batteries can be costly.
Besides, if your car battery dies too soon, you can easily replace it. Some auto batteries can last up to 10 years and even outlive its expected lifespan.
However, this depends on how often you use your automobile.
Size
You should only go for or use a car battery that is compatible with your vehicle in terms of size. This is to prevent any mechanical vibration or accident.
Therefore, go through the manual to get more information about this, according to the model and make of your automobile. You must ensure that the size of the battery you go for fits neatly into the car’s tray inside your car’s hood.
Our Top Picks
1. XS Power D3400 XS Series Car Battery
The XS Power D3400 Series Car Battery is a quick-to-start AGM auto battery and great for idling and driving. It is vibration proof and comes with a seal that prevents spillages.
The XS Power XS Series Car Battery provides exceptional performance in all weather and accommodating to most vehicles out there.
2. Kinetik KHC2400 2400-Watt, 12-Vault Power Cell
The Kinetik KHC2400 2400-Watt, 12-Vault Power Cell is a lightweight but powerful car battery that is suitable for smaller vehicles.
The vibration and heat resistance that comes with this brand offers you two fantastic qualities in one battery. Another key feature that makes this outstanding car battery one of the most sought-after is its long lifespan. This ends up saving you a lot of money over time.
3. Odyssey PC680 Battery
If you are looking for a car battery that offers the best value, you should go for the Odyssey PC680 Battery. It is a deep-cycle battery whose performance is unparalleled.
It is an excellent choice for electric cars and is known to defy severe weather conditions. The cold-cranking amps of the Odyssey PC680 Battery also set this brand apart from its competitors, thereby ensuring you that driving in cold winter will be nothing to worry about.
4. Optima Batteries 8171-767 YellowTop Prius Battery
This deep-cycle, long-lasting battery is the ideal choice for those who drive power-hungry vehicles that are loaded with several aftermarket accessories.
The YellowTop battery delivers up to 3 times longer than its competitors, thanks to its superior SpiralCell technology. It also recharges very fast, and users can discharge and recharge it more than 300 times, thereby boosting the consistency of power output.
It comes with a spill-proof body that is designed to withstand extreme heat or weather conditions. The YellowTop battery is also mountable at different locations on a vehicle.
5. Optima Batteries 8004-003 34/78 RedTop Starting Battery
The 34/78 RedTop from Optima is another great starting battery that can withstand extreme temperature. It is the perfect option for you on off-road vehicles.
It comes with a spiral cell design which makes it deliver juice powerfully and is safe for both the environment and road users. The 34/78 RedTop is also leak-proof, can be mounted in any position and takes a profound leap forward when it comes to longevity and performance.
Which is the best battery for cold weather?
The XS Power D3400 XS Series Car Battery is the best for use in cold weather
Which is the best battery for warm weather?
Optima Batteries 8171-767 YellowTop Prius Battery is the best choice if you are looking for a car battery that operates in warm weather.
How Much is a Good Car Battery?
Typically, a car battery costs between $75 and $120. However, this depends on a few factors, such as battery type, etc.
Conclusion
Your car battery can ruin your plan for the day if you don’t maintain it properly. This is why you need to know how auto batteries work as well as the best conditions they achieve exceptional performance.
It is believed that this car battery review has provided exhaustive details about the types of car batteries, features, etc.
Finally, always check your owner’s manual before you install a new battery in your vehicle. And when you replace your old battery with the new one, make sure you administer adequate maintenance.
