Don’t unexpectedly get stuck on the side of the road. Get a replacement car battery that will last.
Car batteries don’t last long, and after four to five years, they’re expected to fail. If this is the case, check out our guide to the best car batteries on the market.
You don’t want to hold on looking for new car batteries until your car won’t start. Your car’s battery will eventually run out of charge, requiring a replacement as part of routine maintenance. While there are options available to help preserve and improve the life of your car’s battery, you would most likely have to replace it once or twice over its lifetime. But that isn’t the point of this article; you’ve probably come here to look for a new car battery.
Batteries often come in a variety of sizes and terminal types, so check the owner’s manual to ensure you have the correct one. Any of the battery models on our page look similar but have different top terminals, so make sure you get the right one.
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Types of Car Batteries
Here is an overview of the five main types of batteries you can purchase for your car.
- Starting, Lightning, and Ignition:
The most common type of battery is a starting, lightning, and ignition (SLI) battery. They not only start your car, but also power your lights, radio, ignition, and other accessories. However, they only provide power in quick bursts, like the few seconds it takes to start your car.
- Deep Cycle
Deep cycle batteries give you more power for a longer time. They’re also used for golf carts and marine vehicles, in addition to cars.
- Lithium-Ion
This type of battery is common in hybrid and electric cars. They are lightweight and store a lot of energy. However, they have a shorter lifespan than other car batteries.
- Valve-Regulated, Lead-Acid
Valve-regulated, lead-acid (VRLA) batteries are sealed batteries, which means they don’t require any maintenance. The downside to this is that if your battery begins to develop problems, the only thing you can do is replace it.
- Wet Cell/Flooded
They must be managed on a regular basis. Wet cell batteries use liquid to make electrolytes, which provide power. This requires the absorption of water to the battery on a daily basis.
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Factors to Consider Before Buying a Car Battery:
In addition to the type, you’ll want to consider these factors when buying an auto battery.
- Fit
Your car battery needs to properly fit in the tray designed for the battery. This means having the right length, width, and height and the right terminal locations. You can consult your owner’s manual or mechanic if you’re unsure about battery size and fit.
- Power Requirement
Your car has certain cranking power requirements to get it started. You can find these numbers in the owner’s manual.
- Cranking Amps
Cranking amps (CA) measures your car’s starting power at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cold Cranking Amps
Cold cranking amps (CCA) measures your car’s starting power at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. This number is especially important if you live in a place with cold weather.
- Maintenance
Car batteries are typically low maintenance if you need to add liquid to them or maintenance-free. If you don’t want to worry about maintaining your battery, we recommend getting a sealed one.
- Warranty
Car batteries come with warranties that are usually split into two figures: free replacement period and prorated period. A warranty of 24/84, for example, would pay for an entire new battery within 24 months and part of a new battery between 25 and 84 months after purchase. The batteries in this review only offer a free replacement period.
- Reserve Capacity
A battery’s reserved capacity is how long your battery will continue to work if you leave your headlights or other accessories on. You’ll want a battery that has at least 1.5 hours of reserve capacity.
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Best Replacement Car Batteries – Reviews
1. Optima Batteries RedTop 35
Optima is one of the most well-known brands in the industry, so it’s no surprise that three of its batteries make our list, despite the fact that two of them are exactly the same with different terminals. The company’s RedTop 35 starting battery is our top pick. With 720 cold cranking amps (CCA) and a C20 power of 44 Ah, as well as a reserve capacity of 90 minutes for consistent performance, it’s a decent combination of price and performance. The battery itself is 31.7 pounds and measures 9.38′′ by 7.69′′ by 6.75′′.
The SAE posts on the RedTop 35 are SAE compatible, and the case is made of polypropylene.
This battery, according to Optima, has more than 15 times the vibration resistance of a normal battery, is maintenance-free, and has up to 3 times the life of a regular battery. It’s spill-proof and can be installed in almost any position.
Product features:
- 720 CCA
- C20 capacity: 44 Ah
- Strong starting burst
- Up to 3 times longer life
- Reserve capacity of 90 minutes for constant performance
- 15 times more vibration resistant
2. Best for Cars with Lots of Accessories: Optima Batteries YellowTop D34/78
You’ll want to invest in a high-performance battery if your car has a variety of upgrades, such as an aftermarket audio system. While we have a few high-performance batteries on our list, we prefer Optima’s YellowTop battery line. The YellowTop D34/78 has a CCA of 750 and a C20 power of 55 Ah. This battery weights 43.5 lbs and measures 10′′ by 6-7/8′′ by 7-13/16′′. It has dual SAE and GM posts. Check out the rest of Optima’s YellowTop lineup if you require various terminal types.
The YellowTop D34/78, like the RedTop 35, has a polypropylene case with a 120-minute reserve capacity (versus 90 on the RedTop 35). For added durability, this battery appears to be 15 times more vibration resistant.
The YellowTop has deep-cycle and cranking capacity, as well as quicker charging and more than 300 discharge/recharge cycles before needing to be replaced. It has a spill-proof design and can be installed in almost any position, just like other Optima batteries.
Product features:
- 750 CCA
- C20 capacity: 55 Ah
- Up to 3 times longer life
- Mountable in virtually any position
- Faster recharging
- Polypropylene case
- Over 300 discharge/recharge cycles
- Dual SAE/GM posts
3. ACDelco 94RAGM Professional Automotive Battery
The 94R Professional AGM battery from ACDelco is a famous brand. This battery has a leak-proof high pressure valve system that is designed for protection and long life, as well as avoiding terminal dry-out and acid damage. The 94R has excellent cycling capability and is exceptionally charge-responsive, making it ideal for vehicles with start/stop systems.
The use of high density negative paste, which enhances durability and extends battery life, is a standout feature of this battery. Furthermore, enhanced life alloy/Silver Calcium stamped alloy extends battery life and improves battery capacity. A precision designed ribbed case adds strength and rigidity, and has been 100% pressure tested to help prevent any leaks.
Professional Automotive AGM batteries from ACDelco come with a 36-month replacement warranty.
Product features:
- Leak-proof pressurized valve system
- High cycling capabilities, remarkably charge-receptive
- Great for vehicles with start/stop systems
- High density negative paste
- Enhanced life alloy/Silver Calcium stamped alloy
4. Optima Batteries RedTop 75/25
It has 720 CCA and a C20 size of 44 Ah, much like the RedTop 35, but it has dual SAE/GM posts instead of the RedTop 35’s single SAE post. This battery weights 33.1 lbs and measures 9.38′′ by 7.75′′ by 6.81′′.
The RedTop 35 will provide the same value, with a strong starting burst and up to three times the battery life. It’s also 15 times more vibration tolerant, with a 90-minute reserve capacity for consistent performance. The RedTop 75/25 has a spill-proof, maintenance-free design that can be installed in almost any place.
If your battery needs GM posts, the RedTop 75/25 is the way to go.
Product features:
- 720 CCA
- C20 capacity: 44 Ah
- Strong starting burst
- Up to 3 times longer life
- Reserve capacity of 90 minutes for constant performance
- Polypropylene case
- Dual SAE/GM posts
5. XS Power D3400 High Output Battery
The D3400 from XS Power is another high-performance replacement car battery choice. This battery is spill free, insulated, valve controlled, and vibration resistant, with a power of 65 Ah, 3,300 max amps, and 1,000 cranking amps (not CCA). It’s made for heavy-duty applications and has a low internal resistance, making it suitable for vehicles with high-power stereo systems.
XS Power promises to use the highest energy efficiency chemistry in AGM batteries, and the company has quickly established itself as the preferred battery for competition car audio enthusiasts. So, if you’re looking for a long-lasting battery, check out XS Power.
Product features:
- 65 Ah
- 3,000 max amps
- 1,000 cranking amps
- Ultra low internal resistance
- Spill proof, sealed, valve regulated, and vibration resistant
- Ideal for competition car audio
6. DieHard Advanced Gold Battery
DieHard is a brand you’ve always heard of in this category. The company offers a wide range of replacement car batteries, including the Advanced Gold line, which we endorse. Several different models are available based on the vehicle, so make sure you choose the best one before you buy. The CCA and Ah ratings of these batteries vary from 650 to 850 CCA and 50 to 92 Ah.
These batteries are maintenance-free and spill-proof, and are designed to withstand extreme heat and increased accessory power demands. They can also be installed in almost any position. Advanced electronic equipment is protected by heat-sealed and tamper-resistant structure, and an improved electronic suspension mechanism protects internal components of these batteries.
DieHard says these batteries have 20 times more vibration protection and provides twice the life cycle of regular batteries. They are also backed by a free replacement warranty for up to 3 years.
Product features:
- Wide range of options
- Maintenance free
- Spill proof design
- Can be mounted in practically any position
- Heat-sealed and tamper-resistant construction
- Offers 20 times more vibration protection
- Twice the life cycle of regular batteries
- Backed by 3-year free replacement warranty
7. Kinetik 2400-Watt Battery
If your car has a lot of audio equipment and you’re having trouble with your headlights dimming, you’ll want to get a Kinetik battery. This company relies on quality batteries, mostly for automotive audio enthusiasts. However, this also ensures they’ll have more than enough power for a standard car. Only reading the customer feedback for this product demonstrates that it addresses many users’ issues with dimming headlights.
This battery is a 2400-watt device with a spill-proof, sealed design that can be installed in any position. More plates with a low ESR have a higher energy density, whereas closely packed cells have a higher voltage under load. This battery is designed to last thanks to its superior heat and vibration resistance.
Product features:
- Ideal for car audio enthusiasts
- 2400-watt battery
- Spill proof, sealed design
- Ultra low ESR with more plates provide stronger energy density
- Tightly packed cells for higher voltage under load
8. AutoCraft Platinum Battery
If you need a new car battery right away, we have two choices on our list that you can order online and pick up in store. AutoCraft’s lineup of car batteries is available at Advance Auto Parts, and two of them make our pick. The first is the Platinum AGM battery, which has been designed to last up to twice as long as a normal flooded battery.
PowerFrame grid technology, which is a better and more robust positive grid technology, is used in AutoCraft’s AGM batteries. PowerFrame, according to AutoCraft, has up to 70% greater electrical flow than other grid technologies. PowerFrame is also up to 66 percent more durable and corrosion-resistant than other grid projects, effectively removing premature failure.
It can be mounted in any location on your car as a spill-proof battery, and the battery itself has a durable nature that provides excellent high-temperature climate performance as well as stable starting power in cold temperatures. In comparison to standard flooded batteries, it also has a higher degree of vibration resistance.
The AutoCraft Platinum battery is rated at 60 Ah and 740 CCA. It measures 10.25″ by 7.75″ by 6.812″ and weighs 38.7 lbs.
Product features:
- 60 Ah
- 740 CCA
- Engineered to provide up to twice the life compared to a standard flooded battery
- Can be mounted in any location
- Robust design offers exceptional performance in extreme temperatures
- Higher level of vibration resistance
Conclusion
Our suggestions above are what we found are the Best Replacement Car Batteries available on the market. These are the Best Car Batteries to buy in every price range for you. We have analyzed the features and functions of each product and reviewed our best for you.