Finding affordable truck and car battery is not exactly a fun job. But it can be extremely frustrating to experience a dead battery and the best way to avoid this is by learning about car battery performance, quality and other battery features.
Let’s start with the basics. Car batteries come in a variety of weight, lengths, height, cold cranking amps (CCA), and amp-hour. The average life span of car batteries is around 3 to 5 years but this isn’t to say an excellent brand can churn out one that will last up to 10 years.
| Image | Product | Detail | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Optima Batteries 8004-003 34/78 RedTop Starting Battery |
| Price |
 | ExpertPower 12v 33ah Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery |
| Price |
 | VMAX857 AGM Marine Deep Cycle HI Performance Battery |
| Price |
 | UPG 85980/D5722 Sealed Lead Acid Battery |
| Price |
 | ACDelco Gold 94RAGM 36 Month Warranty AGM BCI Group 94R Battery |
| Price |
 | WindyNation AGM Deep Cycle Sealed Lead Acid Battery |
| Price |
 | DieHard 38217 Advanced Gold AGM Battery |
| Price |
 | GLI Lithium-ion Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery |
| Price |
On the other hand, its life span can be shorter if you have poor driving habits or live in extreme weather conditions. According to Battery University, factory defects is a low 7% of the total number of car batteries manufactured which suggests that if a car battery stops working or does not work at all, it’s most likely either a bad fit or human error in picking the right one.
Of all the factors that were considered in reviewing the best car batteries, we put the most emphasis on performance. Your car battery should consistently perform at optimum level regardless of the number of car accessories.
Therefore, if you want to enjoy your high performing car stereo, it‘s important to consider battery performance because there is a chance of draining the battery with the wrong choice, especially with an upgraded stereo or other accessories.
Top and Best Car Batteries List
1. Optima Red Top Series Batteries
Key Features:
- Zero leaks
- Maintenance free
- 2x longer life
- All weather resistance
- 5 second starting power
- High vibration resistance
Review:
The Optima Red Top Series is a 6 cell AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) type with 800 CCA that uses 99.99% pure lead. This allows electricity to flow faster because there are no impurities and is capable of holding voltage longer.
Compared to conventional car batteries, this battery has much more internal surface area and a stronger structure that is completely sealed and able to hold its shape no matter what the conditions are.
The Optima Red Top car batteries have a 3 year warranty and are well known for holding voltage. But they need to be charged soon after starting the engine because they are not meant for deep cycling. This battery consistently gets high ratings for performance and reliability. It is also known to extend far beyond the 5 year battery life experts say is the maximum life span for car batteries. This means huge savings!
On the downside, the battery cannot be left idle for long periods and requires a special charger (like a trickle charger), which is sold separately. Also, if you buy your Optima battery from a non-accredited dealer, you will not be allowed to claim warranty.
2. XS Power D Series Batteries
Key Features:
- Heavy duty, pure lead
- Leak proof, no spill
- Maintenance free, valve regulated
- Vibration and shock resistant with reinforced plastic
- 3 years warranty
Review:
Another of CarAudioNow’s best automotive battery series is the AGM XS Power D Series, also called “audio batteries” as compared to the S Series which is their “racing battery.” The D Series batteries have 1,000 CCA and low internal resistance which means it offers outstanding power even if you have ton of energy-hungry electronics and accessories feeding on the battery.
Although it is more for open hood, it works just fine under the hood and in almost all positions. The XS Power D Series batteries are very universal as well, and can be used on all types of vehicles from classics to the latest models.
On the downside, you will need to purchase an AGM charger and possibly, terminal posts. There have also been feedbacks about problems in performance in warm climates.
3. Odyssey Extreme Series
Key Features:
- Shock and vibration proof
- Limited 2 to 4 year limited warranty
- Mounting flexibility
- Corrosion resistant, flame retardant
Review:
Two of the reasons why the Odyssey Extreme Series is in our list of best auto batteries is: 1. High recharge efficiency and 2. Cranking power. This car battery series also has deep cycle reserve power and can work under even the coldest temperatures. It is known to reach over 2250 amps in 5 seconds which is more than double that of ordinary batteries.
Also made with pure lead, this AGM series has more plate surface area and uses AGM technology for 15% more power. It has a charging time of about 4 to 6.
Factors to consider when buying Best Truck Battery
1. Battery Type
When choosing the best car battery, the type of battery will highly matter because it will determine how well and long the battery will serve you. There are three main types of batteries available in the market; AGM batteries, Lead-acid batteries, and Lithium-ion batteries.
AGM or absorbed glass mat batteries have become well accepted and known for their efficiency in recharging and discharging in the past couple of years. The best AGM batteries will have easy-to-maintain parts and are produced with an electrolyte solution that works as a catalyst to make the batteries conductive.
Lithium-ion batteries or Li-ion batteries are perfect for storing energy compared to other optima batteries. They are high-performance batteries that are great for trucks and will serve you for up to 10 years. These batteries have an exceptional battery technology designed with lithium ions as a fundamental element of its electrochemistry.
On the other hand, a lead-acid battery is the most common and used by most truck drivers. These batteries are designed with a combination of lead and acid that help to maintain and store the electric charge. This lead-acid battery division Maintenance Free Sealed Lead Acid Batteries (SLA) and Flooded or wet Cells Lead batteries. The Wet-cell batteries are amazingly affordable options, while the SLA are easy to maintain.
2. Reliable Capacity
Reliability Performance will show how long the battery will take to charge fully. A battery should have a powerful electronic system that will simulate the running of your car. An RC with 2.5 amps will be sufficient.
An AGM battery will perform best in this section due to the reserve capacity they are designed with. Absorbed glass mat batteries can hold up to 80 %of the charge if they are fully charged. To examine the reserve capacity, estimate how long it will take to discharge to around 10.5 v fully; 1½ hours of power is the average time, but high-end models will supply power for around two hours.
3. Operating Temperature
You will have to consider the operating temperature of the batteries before purchasing one. Most truck battery manufacturers will emphasize getting the right temperature. This means you will have to consider the temperature and weather status of the place that you will use the battery.
Most truck batteries will function and operate perfectly between 68 degrees to 86 degrees. However, heavy-duty truck batteries will withstand other ranges, and some will even function with temperatures that are as high as 178 degrees and as low as 40 degrees.
4. Battery life
The battery life of a battery is equally important while buying the best battery for your car. Battery life is estimated by regularly discharging and recharging the battery for a long period, like for about two to three months, till the performance goes down to lower levels. The ordinary life prospect of a great battery is usually 4 to 6 years. It is advisable to get a battery with a high-density negative paste which will guarantee longer battery life; however, the lifespan will vary depending on factors like the truck’s electrical system, road and weather conditions.
5. Size and Compatibility
You must choose the car battery size compatible with your car to get enough power and a firm fit that is not too tight or too loose. The best car batteries are available in many sizes, and most companies will indicate the sizes; even so, you should try and fit the battery to get a perfect size.
You can also check the make of your truck, or vehicle and that will be easy to get a compatible and good battery, especially if you are buying from online stores. For the battery to fit in place perfectly, you can consider getting a new battery that is slightly smaller than the one you are replacing.
6. Cold Cranking Amps
Cold-cranking amps ( CCAs ) are the amperage output or the number of currents supplied by your battery. Your truck’s battery should have high CCA ratings. The CCAs are calculated at zero degrees celsius, and you can easily know the right CCA ratings that are more suitable for your vehicle.
Additionally, a battery with high CCAs will perform great even when left unused over a long period and even if used in extreme weather conditions. If your battery has high CCA ratings, it will start your car even with lower CCA.
7. Car Battery Brands
There are many battery brands available today, and it is very important to get a car battery from good and reliable battery manufacturers that will guarantee high-quality truck batteries. Some know brands have been in the market for a while now, like; optima, odyssey, and ACDelco.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Truck Battery
1. What are AGM batteries?
Absorbed glass mat batteries are new types of batteries that are designed to use special saturated glass mats between the plates instead of liquid electrolytes. An AGM or absorbed glass mat battery can be a bit pricey than other liquid batteries; however, they will have more advantages.
2. How many cold cranking amps CCA does a battery need?
The first thing you should know is that a battery is supposed to be large enough to give room for reliable cold starting. One cold-cranking Amp (CCA) is the most recommended for a standard battery for each cubic inch of engine displacement.
Conclusion
After going through our detailed review and guide on the best truck batteries, you can now go ahead and select a battery that meets your needs and is compatible with your truck.
If you want a truck battery that will last longer and keep you hitting the road, then you should not settle for less but the best. Our list above offers some of the best truck batteries on the market with proven performance.
Take your time and select a battery that does what you want and is within your budget. We’ve included both pocket-friendly and quality truck batteries for you to choose from.
After all, we have picked from the best brands such as Optima, Odyssey, AC Delco, and DieHard. These brands offer full support to buyers with a warranty of 2 or more years.
I hope you’ve found what you’ve been looking for? You can also leave a comment or question below, and we will get back to you!