When it comes to car ownership, there are many (literal) moving parts that drivers must be aware of. Ensuring your car is consistently in safe and working order means getting regular oil changes, brake checks, and not ignoring any blinking dashboard lights in the hope they’ll go away on their own. While there are many crucial parts to a car, one thing it literally can’t run without is a battery.
Car batteries are one of the easiest parts of a car to replace on your own. Many auto shops will also install a battery for you at a minimal cost. Car batteries last an average of three to five years, with their price tag a nominal cost compared to replacing some bigger ticket items on a car (pray for your air conditioner).
When purchasing a battery for your car, considering the make and model are obvious must-dos. Still, it’s also essential to always buy a battery that’s been manufactured within the past six months. Car batteries should have a high reserve capacity, which keeps the car running even when battery-draining events occur, such as a malfunctioning engine or accidentally leaving the lights on. Battery life, maintenance-free versus low maintenance, terminal position and more are also important factors to consider.
We’ve rounded up the best car battery models available online that will keep you driving for miles.
1. Odyssey 65 Automotive and LTV Battery
Packing an impressive cold cranking amp rating of 950, the Odyssey 65 Automotive and LTV Battery is one of the best car batteries available today. With a high CCA, the Odyssey 65 is a great everyday battery and ideal for people who live in cold climates. It’s also a good fit for people who leave their cars unused for extended periods, with the Odyssey boasting the highest recharge efficiency of any sealed lead battery on the market and capable of 100% recharge in less than six hours. The Odyssey 65 has a non-spillable design and mounting flexibility for easy install and its vibration resistant.
Pros: The Odyssey 65 has a 70% longer cycle life compared to conventional deep cycle batteries.
Cons: Some options may be more economical.
2. Optima RedTop Starting Battery
Get up to three times more life with your battery when using the Optima RedTop Starting Battery. The Optima is a 12-volt battery that has a cold cranking amp rating of 720, making it a suitable choice for all-weather drivers, even those living in extremely cold conditions. The Optima is a maintenance-free battery that doesn’t require any added distilled water throughout its life. The Optima has a capacity of 44 amps per hour, making it powerful enough to use on large SUVs, including Cherokees, Wranglers, the Compass, and the Grand Wagoneer.
Pros: The Optima is 15 times more resistant to vibration than other batteries, making it one of the most durable options available.
Cons: At 90 minutes, the Optima has a shorter reserve time than both Odyssey models and is therefore not a good choice for people who leave their cars unattended for extended periods.
3. XS Power Car Audio Battery
If your car has a sleek audio set up with subwoofers and high-end speakers, you want a battery that can deliver the power necessary to get the best sound quality. For that, we recommend the XS Power Car Audio Battery. The AGM battery has a max amp of 3,300 and a cranking amp of 1,000. The XS Powers comes with everything you need for an install that is fast as the battery, including terminal hardware and short brass post adapters.
Pros: The XS Power is not only designed to deliver superior audio, but it’s also the preferred battery for racing, with the XS Power tested in cars, trucks, boats and more, with top speeds of 300 mph.
Cons: Some options may be more economical.
4. ACDelco Advantage AGM Automotive Battery
For a battery that is maintenance-free and can be installed immediately, try the ACDelco Advantage AGM Automotive Battery. The ACDelco has a cold cranking amp rating of 325 and a reserve capacity of 70. The 12-volt battery is one of the lightest available at just over 31 pounds and is made with an absorbed glass mat design, which better matches the needs of the Toyota Prius. The ACDelco is 100% spill-proof and has a high cycling capacity.
Pros: The ACDelco is specially designed to match the eco-needs of the Toyota Prius.
Cons: The ACDelco is an AGM battery and, therefore, should not be charged with a traditional starting and lighting ignition battery charger.
5. Odyssey 75 Automotive and LTV Battery
For a battery that is resilient to extreme heat and cold ratings (-40 degrees Fahrenheit to 113 degrees Fahrenheit), we recommend the Odyssey 75 Automotive and LTV Battery. The Odyssey 75 has an impressive reserve capacity of 145 minutes and is high-voltage stable for extended periods, specifically 400 cycles at 80% of the depth of discharge. Easy to install with a non-spillable design and vibration-resistant shell, the Odyssey 75 is a great buy for the money. Like the Odyssey 65, the Odyssey 75 has the highest recharge efficiency of any sealed lead battery on the market and capable of 100% recharge in less than six hours
Pros: The Odyssey 75 has a life span of up to 10 years, much higher than the average battery. It’s also significantly lighter than the Odyssey 65.
Cons: The Odyssey 75 has a CCA rating of 760, which is lower than the Odyssey 65.
6. DieHard Advanced Gold AGM Battery
Named America’s Most Recommended Car Battery by Women’s Choice, the DieHard Advanced Gold AGM Battery is easy to install and has an extended life. The DieHard provides 20 times more vibration protection safeguards to extend the life of the battery by twice as long when compared to conventional lead-acid batteries. The DieHard includes a power full-frame optimized negative and positive set of plates that prevent electrical shorts, which can significantly decrease the lifespan of a battery. The 12-volt battery has a cold cranking amp of 775 and a reserve charge of 120 minutes, making it an excellent option for drivers in all weather conditions and those who hit the road every day or every few weeks.
Pros: The DieHard protects its internal components through an enhanced electrolyte suspension system that is designed to absorb more electrolytes.
Cons: The DieHard is 8 inches high and might be too tall for some cars.