If you drive your car until it literally cannot go another mile, you’ll likely wind up replacing the battery of your prized vehicle a few times. That’s why we’ve found the best car batteries, so that you can know exactly what you want before your car battery dies. The best car batteries will be reliable and have the appropriate cold-cranking amps (CCA) and reserve capacity to properly power your vehicle.
Types Of Car Batteries
When deciding which car battery to get, be certain that the battery will fit the specifications of your car. You’ll need to pay close attention to the terminal orientation, size, and shape. If you are unsure of what size and type of battery your vehicle requires, check your owner’s manual.
In addition, it is important to know the different types of car batteries. The two most commonly used types of car batteries that we will focus on are absorbed glass mat batteries and lead-acid batteries.
Absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries can be drained and recharged more times and are used more frequently in newer vehicles. Because of their longevity, they’re often used in high-performance vehicles with a lot of electrical demands.
Lead-acid batteries are the most common and affordable type of car battery. Also known as flooded batteries, they also tend to be the most low-maintenance battery option, although they are not able to be drained and recharged as many times.
Key Features To Look For In The Best Car Batteries
First, you must make certain that you get a car battery that is the correct size for your car. The terminal locations will also need to match up to fit properly. To determine the correct size, check your owner’s manual. Then, double-check with the specifications of the battery that you want to purchase.
You’ll also want to pay attention to the battery’s weight and whether the battery has a handle. Especially if the battery is very heavy, you’ll want it to have a durable handle so you can easily and properly install and uninstall the battery when needed. You also must pay attention to the key technical specifications. The main specs to look for include reserve capacity, cold-cranking amps (CCA), and amp-hours.
Next, consider both the manufacturer date and the warranty. For the best battery life, you will want the newest possible battery. If the manufacturer date is unclear in the product description, you should be able to determine when it was manufactured based on the code on the battery. If you have trouble finding the code, look at the manufacturer’s website to determine where they place it on the battery.
Typically, batteries have around a three-year warranty. If for any reason you accidentally damage the battery, for example by dropping it or improperly installing it, the warranty may not cover the damage. Pay attention to what kind of warranty comes from the company.
Our Recommendations For The 7 Best Car Batteries
Here at AutoWise, we’ve scoured the web to find you the best car batteries out there. Regardless of the state of your current battery, it’s important to be informed about replacement options well in advance of experiencing a dead battery. Along with the buying guide, we’ve answered your most frequently asked questions surrounding finding the best possible replacement car battery for your vehicle.
