Introduction
The battery is one of the most important parts of a car as it provides a spark to start the engine. This spark is the electric current stored in the battery. Moreover, the battery powers all the electronics including navigation, lights, power windows, and infotainment systems. All car batteries store and convert chemical energy into electrical energy. However, they are available in different sizes and voltage ratings. This means there is a specific car battery size for different types of cars.
The more powerful your car battery is, the more time you will save when starting the engine. It is important you maintain your car battery and make sure you replace it on time. In this article, you will read about all the basics of a car battery, when it is better for you to replace it and the best car battery you should go for.
| Images | Product Name | Our Rating | Our Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Duracell Advanced DA62 Car Battery | 98% Rating | Read more |
 | Optima Batteries 8025-160 25 RedTop Starting Battery | 96% Rating | Read more |
 | ACDelco 94RAGM Professional AGM Automotive BCI Group 94R Battery | 97% Rating | Read more |
 | Odyssey 34M-PC1500ST TROLLING Thunder Marine Dual Purpose Battery | 95% Rating | Read more |
 | XS Power D5100R XS Series 12V 3,100 Amp AGM High Output Battery | 97% Rating | Read more |
**Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
Types Of Batteries
There are three types of batteries available in the market today. The first and oldest type of battery is the lead-acid battery. It comprises electrodes made of lead and dipped in an acidic solution. The second and slightly advanced type of battery is the nickel-metal hydride battery. The third and the most advanced battery you can find is the lithium-ion battery, which retains a charge for a significantly longer time.
A majority of people use lithium-ion batteries since the early 2010s. A major reason for this is these batteries are suitable for hybrid cars.
How To Maintain Your Car Battery
A car battery connects to a generator that charges the battery the whole time you are driving. This ensures the battery has enough energy to start the engine the next time you sit in your car. However, all car batteries have a limited lifespan and while some car batteries wear out after a certain period, some become useless due to poor maintenance. Moreover, the battery can also die out if you don’t use it for a few months.
Therefore, it is important to maintain your car battery if you want it to last longer and perform better. There are different ways you can keep your car battery in good shape. If your car has a lead-acid battery, you must check the water or acid level in the battery every week and fill it accordingly. You should also make sure you dust off the carbon that collects on the terminals of the battery. If you plan to park your car for more than a week, you must take the battery out and keep it in its original box.
This will save the battery from draining out. It is important that you take your car to a mechanic for a checkup if the car does not start. Furthermore, make sure you switch off the ignition completely and turn off all the switches after you park. If you leave the lights, stereo or even the ignition on, the battery would become weak.
The climate also affects the battery’s performance, so if you live in a relatively colder place, the battery is likely to last longer. However, if you live in a hot and humid climate, take your car to a professional for checkup and testing every six months.
What To Look For While Buying A New Car Battery
If your car takes a lot of time to start and if the lights have become dimmer, it is time to replace the battery. However, going for car battery shopping is quite strenuous. You should consider some factors before buying a brand new car battery. You will find hundreds of brands available in the market. This wide range of options comes more as a challenge than a blessing. With so many brands, it becomes confusing for people to choose the best car battery.
The first and foremost factor you should consider is the size of the battery according to your car. Different sizes mean different voltages so if you bring home the wrong size, it might not be able to start the engine or be too big to fit. You must know the right size and voltage. The second thing you must ensure is the battery is no more than six months old. The older the battery is, the weaker it would be. Check the manufacturing date on the battery. Always go for a fresh battery as it would last longer and would be better for the engine of your car.
While purchasing the battery, look for the manufacturer’s warranty. A warranty card ensures the battery is brand new and will work properly for at least a year. Also, make sure you keep the warranty card/slip safe so in case the battery dies within the warranty period, you can replace it without any hassle. However, if there is none, do not buy it.
Another thing you should check is the battery’s durability test so you would know how it would perform in a given climate. Some batteries do not feature a handle or a loop for safe and easy handling. However, a handle is a bonus. Once you buy the best car battery, you must not throw away your old battery. It is important that you dispose of it off with complete precautions or give it away for recycling. You can also give it to the supplier in exchange for a discount on your new battery.
The 5 Best Car Batteries Reviewed
To make the screening process much easy for you, here are five car batteries that we found to be some of the best car batteries currently available in the market.
1. Duracell Advanced DA62 Car Battery
Duracell is one of the leading companies in the industry. Their products are long-lasting and durable. The brand has been providing its customers with high-quality batteries for many years. The DA62 is one of Duracell’s most selling batteries. More than 95% of the people who bought the Duracell Advanced DA62 praise it. The amazing and long-lasting battery received an overwhelming response from the customer in terms of outstanding ratings and reviews. However, some customers did not like the product and returned it.
Pros
- Suitable for a wide range of sedans, crossovers and even SUVs
- 242 x 175 x 175 mm
- Amp-hours: 62AH
- 5-year guarantee
- Affordable price tag
- Durable casing
Cons
- Heavy
- Not suitable for heavy-duty vehicles
If you want a car battery that is highly reliable, extremely affordable and lasts long, you should definitely consider buying the Advanced DA62 by Duracell. You can order it online from various trusted sites, including Amazon.com.
2. Optima Batteries 8025-160 25 RedTop Starting Battery
Optima is one of the top brands when it comes to car batteries. It is in the business for many years now and operates worldwide. This Mexico-based company provides high quality and long-lasting car batteries. Optima’s car batteries are quite durable and long-lasting and come with an attractive warranty so you would not have to worry about your engine not starting.
The 25 RedTop is Optima’s most successful car battery as it produces and delivers great power. The climate does not affect this model so it is easier for you to start your car in cold winter mornings. While this model is suitable for a variety of cars, off-roaders who drive heavy-duty 4×4 vehicles prefer it.
Pros
- 12-Volt
- 6 13/16 x 10 5/16 x 7 5/8-inch
- Lightweight body (39.5 pounds)
- Un-paralleled starting power even in bad weather conditions
- Reserve capacity of over 90 minutes
- 720 Cold Cranking Amps
- Vibration resistant for better durability
- 36-month replacement warranty
- Unique spiral design
- Strong body ensuring safety
- Attractive red top
Cons
- Expensive
- Less warranty period as compared to most rival brands
- Not fit for all cars
The Optima 25 RedTop is an amazing product that comes with a number of attractive features. If you own a sporty and heavy-duty 4×4 or love going off-road on extremely rough terrains, you should invest in this battery. It is available on various well-trusted vendors and websites including Amazon.com.
3. ACDelco 94RAGM Professional AGM Automotive BCI Group 94R Battery
ACDelco Professional Automotive AGM Batteries are one of the most known car batteries in the market, especially in the US. The company is in the industry since a long time and remains in the good books of the customers.
ACDelco 94RAGM is not the latest but the most advanced battery that ACDelco offers to its customers. This model is successful as it is highly engineered and not only lasts long but also performs great. A majority of the customers are happy with this product. However, a small chunk of the customers is not satisfied with this model and do not give it a good rating.
Pros
- Leakproof design
- Calcium lead positive grid for ensuring a low resistance and maximum conductivity
- High-density negative paste to increase backup time and improve performance
- Vent cap design
- Competitive price tag
- High-quality plastic
- 36-month replacement warranty
Cons
- Heavy
- Not suitable for heavy-duty vehicles
- Slow recharging
You can get this product from various trusted online vendors and websites, including Amazon.com. Before you place your order, make sure you look for discounts and deals. Also, ask for the warranty card from the supplier.
4. Odyssey 34M-PC1500ST TROLLING Thunder Marine Dual Purpose Battery
Odyssey Batteries perform better than most batteries out there. The extremely powerful car batteries by Odyssey make sure all the electronics in the car are safe and get just the right level of power. While the Thunder Marine by Odyssey is ideal for boats, many car owners use it. This battery starts the engine of your car or boat within seconds so you can simply get inside your car and drive off.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- 3 to 4 years replacement warranty
- 12 volt
- Fast recharging
- Heavy-duty body and casing
- Temperature and weather tolerant
Cons
- Expensive
- Performance depreciates after some time according to most buyers
- Heavy
A majority of customers are happy with the performance of this car battery. If you are looking for a battery that is suitable for your car and boat, this is the product for you. You can get this product from a number of reliable websites including Amazon.com.
5. XS Power D5100R XS Series 12V 3,100 Amp AGM High Output Battery
XS power manufactures amazingly durable and shock-resistant car batteries. Moreover, the brand is famous for its wide range of batteries for different types of cars. The D5100R is currently the most advanced car battery XS Power has to offer and it comes with a number of features.
Pros
- 12 Volt, 60AH
- Leak and spill-proof
- Vibration resistant
- Can be adjusted in different positions
- Long-lasting performance
- Affordable
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty vehicles
- Heavy
- Low quality plastic top
This battery is available on various sites including Amazon.com. If you are planning to change your car’s battery, you might want to consider the D5100R by XS Power.
Conclusion
If you do not want to get late because of your car’s almost dead battery and want to make sure the engine performs great too, you must consider replacing the current battery. With the five battery reviews above, you must make choose the one that suits your car and your budget the most. However, if you find it difficult to select one of these five, you can simply opt for the Duracell Advanced DA62. The company is new in the car batteries market but the features of their batteries are superior to other brands.