Top Car Batteries that work 2023

Looking for top car batteries that work? 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!

Car batteries are often overlooked during general maintenance. While this may not be much of an issue with modern-day maintenance-free battery designs, the real problem may not show up until the temperature drops and your battery cannot supply enough cranking amps to start your engine. If your vehicle is already displaying signs of struggling to start, you may want to preemptively replace it with the best car battery in 2023 before you’re left stranded.

Interstate Batteries MTP Series Car Battery – Best Car Battery Overall

The best car batteries combine strong, reliable starting performance with a long warranty just in case anything goes wrong, and Interstate understands this down to a science. The MTP series is, as Interstate claims, the best flooded (i.e. standard, non-AGM) battery that the company offers.

It’s offered in over two dozen of the most common battery sizes, and are commonly found at auto repair shops and tire dealers. Cold cranking amp performance varies depending on the size, but Interstate batteries generally carry a higher CCA rating than many OE batteries.

As of May 1, 2019, the warranty period for all MTP-series batteries is 30 months free replacement, followed by a prorated amount of 45% between months 31-48, 25% between months 49-60, and 10% between months 61 and 72.

Need any more reassurance that Interstate batteries are a popular go-to choice? Costco has discontinued their Kirkland Signature battery line and has opted to carry Interstate batteries in their place. Costco may have a different warranty policy, however – be sure to check before you buy.

Review:

Optima batteries are quite expensive and are recognized for their durability and ability to work in all conditions and orientations. They have batteries for different types of cars (SUVs, trucks) and not just the standard cars.

The Optima 34/78 RedTop is designed to give you a powerful energetic 5-second starting bust. Its lifespan is twice longer than conventional lead-acid batteries. Added features include a fully sealed casing and maintenance-free.

If you want a battery to serve you throughout the lifespan of your vehicle, then DieHard is your best bet. They offer a range of car batteries including premium line and heavy duty.

The DieHard 38217 Advanced Gold AGM Battery is recommended for heavy loading capacity and a complex mechanism due to its ability to hold ample charge. It has a special design to enable it to sustain itself even in harsh conditions and protect it from any leaks.

Review:

The ACDelco 48AGM is a long-lasting battery that comes with an insurance plan. It is highly charged receptive and has lengthy cycling capabilities thanks to its AGM technology. The battery can stop and start your car with almost no maintenance procedures or glitches involved.

The ACDelco 48AGM is immune to spills and leaks because the electrolyte is held permanently in the glass mat separator. The battery’s oxygen recombination mechanism reduces water loss and provides a maintenance-free performance.

The constant pressure maintained in the plates reduces the active mass that the grid loses. As such, the car battery can last longer than traditional batteries. The ACDelco 48AGM also comes with a 36-month free battery replacement plan.

However, the battery terminals, posts and other linked spots contain lead compounds, which can cause grave health problems like reproductive health complications and cancer. That’s why you should wash your hands properly after handling the AGM battery.

Review:

The Odyssey PC680 Battery’s performance improvements and clever design can power vehicles through harsh environments. It is more durable than regular batteries thanks to its rugged construction and leak-proof AGM design, which makes it resistant to shock and vibration.

The AGM battery can deliver up to 400 cycles for eighty percent depth of discharge. The Odyssey PC680 Battery also features pure lead plates, which can deliver two times the power output of traditional batteries.

It is perfect for all-terrain and high performance vehicles like snowmobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, light aircraft and personal watercraft. The battery’s leak-proof and absorbed glass mat design also improve its resistance to corrosion, internal gas recycling, and conductivity. Moreover, it can last longer than its deep-cycle counterparts.

Each cell is equipped with a safety release valve, which works together with strong intercell connections to reduce the effects of vibration. Since there are no dead gaps between the cylinders, the battery’s reserve capacity has increased to forty percent.

Types of Car Battery

Here are the most common types of car battery and its uses.

•Deep Cycle

A deep cycle battery is built to last longer and provide more power than regular lead-acid starting batteries. It’s usually used for marine applications. A deep cycle battery costs more than a standard starting battery.

•Starting

Starting batteries are designed to supply power to the car’s ignition system and starting motor. It provides brief bursts of power and needs to be recharged frequently.

•Wet Cell

A wet cell battery is also known as a budget battery. This type of battery requires regular maintenance to replace the fluid that’s lost over its service life.

•Lithium-Ion

A lithium-ion battery is lighter and smaller than regular batteries. It’s often found in electric and hybrid cars. Lithium-ion batteries are designed to store more energy, but they have a shorter battery life compared to other kinds of batteries.

•Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries

If you don’t want to perform any maintenance, you should consider getting a Valve Regulated Lead Acid battery. Since Valve Regulated Lead Acid batteries are completely sealed, they are leak-proof and don’t need any additional maintenance. AGM and Gel Cell batteries are the main types of Valve Regulated Lead Acid batteries.

What is a Good Quality Car Battery?

It’s frustrating when the auto battery suddenly dies and you can’t find the jumper cables. As a motorist, it is important to learn more about your car battery, so you will know when to replace it. After all, it will lose strength over time.

You should know which car battery is the right choice for your vehicle. Start by reading the owner s manual that contains important details such as battery type, age, and size. You can also ask for the opinion of a local car parts dealer so that you can make an informed decision. To make it easier for you, here are some tips to help you find the best vehicle battery that fits your car and budget.

•Size and specs

Car batteries come in various sizes. Batteries are usually categorized based on length, height and width. Refer to the car manual to find out the exact group and size of your car battery. If you can’t find your manual, you can consult with a professional auto battery service station or car mechanic. The battery should perfectly fit the car’s battery tray to avoid any kind of damage, spill, or loose-fitting.

•Cold Cranking Amps CCA

Cold cranking amps indicates the ability of a battery to start a car engine in cold weather. Batteries with a high CCA rating have greater starting power. You should consider the CCA rating if you reside in a cold climate. Replacing a car battery with one that has a low CCA rating may lead to poor performance.

•Age

Make sure the car battery is new. Look at the date stamp code, which can be found on the cover of the battery. Codes vary. Some manufacturers use digits to indicate years, while others use letters to specify months. Regardless of your option, you should choose the freshest car battery possible. Avoid purchasing a car battery that has been sitting on the shelf longer than 6 months from the manufacture date.

•Reserve capacity

Pay attention to the reserve capacity of the battery because it indicates how long it will last on its own in case the alternator fails. If you want to use a battery that delivers maximum power, you should pick one with maximum reserve capacity because it can run for a long period. It can also recharge faster and deliver more output. High capacity car batteries are expensive, but they are worth it.

•Maintenance

You will find maintenance free and low maintenance batteries. The latter has a cell cap on top that’s used for adding water. Low maintenance batteries are usually preferred by those who live in a warm climate. Maintenance free options such as AGM batteries are fully sealed and don’t need water. These batteries are more expensive than low maintenance ones.

•Warranty

You can’t be completely certain that the battery will work as the manufacturer says they will, so it’s best to choose one with a long replacement period. Most car batteries come with a partial reimbursement period and free replacement period. So if it stops working, you can get a new battery for free. The warranty period differs from one battery to another.

•Storage capacity

Each car has a different power requirement. The storage capacity of car batteries is measured in Ah (Ampere-hour). Batteries with a high Ah have a higher capacity and starting power and longer battery life.

•Position and type of terminals

The position of the battery terminals is important because it affects the car’s polarity. Close contact with the car’s metal shell can cause a short circuit, which can damage the electronic components of your car. That’s why you should which side the battery’s positive terminal is found.

How to Extend the Lifespan of a Car Battery

Even if you buy maintenance free car batteries like AGM batteries, there are still some things that you should do to make sure that your battery will function at its peak capacity. Check the cables and car battery terminals frequently to ensure there is no rust building up. Corrosion buildup can prevent your car from starting. If there’s a buildup of corrosion, you should use a wire brush or post cleaner to get rid of it. Don’t forget to apply a layer of protective grease to reduce or prevent future buildup. In case you have a low maintenance battery, you should consider buying a hydrometer so that you can check the cells individually.

You should have your car battery examined by an expert mechanic at least once a year. Although most batteries today don’t need maintenance, it’s still a good idea to have a professional mechanic run tests on the battery load. If you live in a place with cold weather, you can test the battery every four years.

And if the battery starts underperforming regularly or becomes cracked, you should replace it with a new one. Every car battery has a limited lifespan, but proper maintenance and timely servicing can help enhance its battery life. Consider replacing your battery if it is unable to recharge, worn out or damaged.

Car batteries meet their death at the end of their life cycle. The factors that affect a battery’s life cycle include temperature, cycle life, and time. A life cycle of eighteen months to three years is normal for a car battery.

Batteries don’t die abruptly upon reaching their maximum cycle life. They start deteriorating faster and need to be recharged often. The cycle life of a battery is between 500 and 1200. It could still have 700 to 1000 cycles until it reaches the end of its lifespan.

If you’re wondering what to do with your old battery, you can turn it up for recycling. A new automotive battery isn’t quite cheap. You can get some of your money back by giving it up for recycling. Replacing the car battery is a dangerous procedure, so it’s best to leave the job to the pros. But you can also look for a car supply store in your area that will install the best battery brand for free.

FAQ

Q. Why did my car battery stop working?

A. Car batteries die if they drain lower than their minimum voltage or if they’ve not been used for a long time. Even the best car batteries will eventually wear out, especially if you drive your car every day.

Q. Is it alright to use a cheap battery?

A. Yes, you can. However, it’s better to spend a bit more for a high quality automotive battery. Cheap batteries usually have a shorter lifespan compared to more expensive models and need to be replaced often. Highly rated car batteries usually last between 3 and 5 years. The best batteries can last longer.

Q. When is the best time to replace the car battery?

A. Replace your car battery if it’s 8 years old/older, has low acid or fluid levels or is leaking. It’s also time to buy a new car battery if you need to jumpstart your current one often.

Conclusion

The choice of choosing the best car battery brand and size will still depend on your perception. You can always read car battery reviews to get an idea about the best brand out there. What we have given you is just a guide to narrow down your selection.

It’s also a good idea to check your owner s manual, so you can determine the right battery type and brand that can fulfill your vehicle’s electrical needs. Before buying highly rated car batteries, make sure to consider your previous experience with them.

A car batter brand that has served you for a long time without any problems is a good option. You can check out these car batteries on Amazon, but do take note that we may get an affiliate commission if you purchase something through our links.