Whether your car is electric, internal combustion, or remote-controlled, it will have a battery. Here we focus on internal combustion and what you need to know before making a purchase.
There are two types of batteries: lead acid and absorbed glass mat (AGM). Lead acid batteries are an older technology—you don’t have to refill them with distilled water anymore—while AGMs are modern and fit in vehicles with more advanced electrical systems. You can swap an AGM battery into a car that came with lead acid, but not vice versa.
Lead acid batteries cost less, but they won’t hold a charge as long as an AGM. According to Consumer Reports, AGM batteries are 40 to 100% more expensive than lead acid ones, but can tolerate discharging better. (Those are best if your vehicle sits for longer periods of time.) They’re also better for cars with high-powered stereo setups or other extra electrical demands.
Both types come in a variety of sizes; terminal locations vary from top to side. Some batteries have both. Make sure your size matches up to the vehicle battery you’re replacing, no matter the type. The average battery lifespan, says The Family Handyman, is four to six years.
The two main stats to look for, according to AutoGuide, are cold cranking amps and reserve power. CCA measures how well a battery can start in cold weather—more important for buyers in northern states—while reserve capacity is how long a battery can run if your charging system fails. You should also see cranking amps advertised on your battery label. The difference between cranking amps and cold cranking amps is that cranking amps are measured at 32 degrees Fahrenheit and cold cranking amps are measured at zero degrees Fahrenheit.
This list is culled from the best-ranking batteries from the sources above; we expect you’ll find something for everyone. Just make sure to check your sizes and requirements!
This Optima battery has 800 cold cranking amps and a reserve capacity of 100 minutes. Optima claims it’s resistant to vibration and is spill-proof, so it can be mounted in virtually any position.
This AGM battery has 850 cold cranking amps and 140 minutes of reserve power. Quality acid circulation helps the battery remain cool and extend its life.
The Tested Tough Max lead acid battery only has terminals on top but provides 850 cold cranking amps. It has a very strong reserve of 150 minutes. Motorcraft batteries are good for Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles.
This expensive battery from XS Power can be mounted in any position and is spill-proof. It is designed to bolt into most automotive, truck, and marine applications. This battery doesn’t advertise cold cranking amps, but it does throw 1,000 cranking amps at 32 degrees.
This size of Champion AGM battery has a 48-month free replacement warranty, 1,000 cranking amps and 850 cold cranking amps. Its reserve capacity is 140 minutes.
This YellowTop comes with 750 cold cranking amps and 120 minutes of reserve power. Like the RedTop, this battery is resistant to vibration. It features both front and side posts and weighs in at 43 pounds.
This DieHard has a cold cranking amp rating of 740 and 115 minutes of reserve time. This AGM model has higher vibration resistance and lasts longer than standard flooded (lead acid) batteries.
This Odyssey AGM battery has 135 minutes of reserve and 850 cold cranking amps at zero degrees and 1,050 cranking amps at 32 degrees. It has both top and side terminals.
This battery has top posts, 850 cold cranking amps, and 150 minutes of reserve time. It comes with a 36-month warranty and was designed to withstand severe temperatures.
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