According to the UN Environmental Protection Agency, the most recycled product in the world is the 12-Volt car battery. Around a hundred million car batteries are recycled or replaced in the United States alone.
This is because 97% of the lead in the typical 12-Volt lead-acid battery can be recycled, and also because most car batteries come with a 2 year warranty—and even the best car battery only lasts about 5 years.
5.3 million cars were sold in the United States in 2018, and 79 million were sold globally, so that’s a lot of car batteries to go around. You’re likely one of the hundreds of millions that recycle their batteries after every two years or so. Whether you’re replacing an old battery or purchasing a new one, here is a guide to help you do it.
Reviews On 10 Top Best Car Batteries For The Money
10. Hykolity 12V 100AH Deep Cycle AGM Battery
This battery is a rechargeable lead acid battery. The battery can be used for all manner of vehicles including golf carts, hunting vehicles, lawn and garden tools, portable tools and wheelchairs, and even mobile scooters. Of course, it’s mainly built for car engines, but it can also be used to store solar panel and wind energy.
The Hykolity 12V 100AH Deep Cycle AGM Battery comes with a 1 year warranty and can supply 1200 W of power. The secret to its efficiency is that it supplies power by using a state of the art calcium-alloy grid which provides great performance and service life in both float and cyclic applications.
What this means is that if you don’t drive your car for a few days or regularly take it out for a spin, you won’t have to worry about the discharge cycles or the irregularity of the operation. The battery will work perfectly no matter how much you use the car.
The car also comes with Absorbent Glass Met Technology with a valve regulated design that ensures that it can be used in enclosed environments without the threat or danger of leaking or requiring regular maintenance.
This allows it to give you great performance for any car model and allows for the surrounding environment to stay free of any chemical contact or wear or tear caused by any leakages.
Specifications:
• 60 lbs
• 12.09×6.65×8.94 inches
• 12 V Power Cell
• 100 Ah Amperage
• 1 year full replacement warranty
Pros:
• True deep cycle
• AGM technology keeps leaks at a minimum
• Calcium alloy grid provides high performance and service life
Cons:
• Heavy weight decreases portability
9. VMAXTANKS VMAX V35-857 12 Volt 35H AGM Battery
This battery comes rated with maintenance free operation which means that there’s no need to check on the specific gravity of the electrolytes or to continuously keep adding water to the VMAX tanks during float service life. There isn’t even any provision for this type of maintenance.
The allure of the VMAX is the physical and chemical structure of its plates. The special treatment and manufacturing process that the plates undergo allows them to gain an increased reliability and strength as well as an elevated quality of performance that other Lead-Calcium alloys don’t have.
The VMAXTANKS VMAX V35-857 12 Volt 35AH AGM Battery also features Absorbed Glass Matt between the VMAX plates which adds to the myriad electrical and mechanical advantages that make the VMAXTANKS battery superior to wet lead acid batteries.
It also reduces any shocks and vibrations that the battery might endure and since the electrolytes are totally absorbed by the AGM, there is no danger of spilling and the hazards caused by leaks. Hence, it’s non hazardous and non-spillable. To double the protection, there is a tank seal that protects and packs the plates which deliver the VMAXTANKS battery in a maintenance free package.
Specifications:
• 25 lbs
• 7.7 x 5 x 6.1 inches
• 12 V Power Cell
• 35 Ah Amperage
• 1 year full replacement warranty
Pros:
• The heavy duty VMAXTANKS battery provides great performance over a long period of time
• It’s compact and lightweight compared to most of the batteries on this list
Portable
Cons:
• It can’t be used for cranking purposes
8. Mighty Max Battery ML35-12 Deep Cycle AGM Battery
This battery is a powerhouse. This rechargeable battery is also labeled maintenance free which means that you won’t have to check to refill water or maintain the battery during a float cycle.
The battery is also spill proof which means that it has been sealed from within and the surrounding environment doesn’t face any danger from the lead-acid electrolytes. This means that it can operate in exceptionally closed and sealed environments so that when it is enclosed underneath the bonnet of the car, there is no worry of the solution leaking out.
The ML35-12 Mighty Max Battery has a high rate of discharge and can operate on a wide range of temperatures without breaking down. It also has a deep discharge recover and long service life, hence it’s safe from high temperatures and sudden electrical discharge which can damage most car batteries.
It is also resistant to shocks and vibrations and can be mounted at any position. This all comes together to give it a long battery life and shelf life.
It comes with full 1-year warranty coverage and a 30 day refund policy.
Specifications:
• 24 lbs
• 7.68×5.16×7.13
• 12 V Power Cell
• 1 year full replacement warranty
• 30 day refund policy
Pros:
• The design is maintenance free
• True deep cycling battery
• Compact design
• Great battery life
• Spill free and vibration resistant
Cons:
• The small size makes it a loose fit in some cars
7. Black 12V 55AH Car Audio Battery | BlockShakers
This battery comes with Absorbent Glass Matt which ensures that the battery is sealed and leak proof which makes it one of the highest performance batteries out there. It is, hence, marked maintenance free and without any spills or leaks, you can make sure that it can stay sealed under the hood of the car without damaging the surrounding engine and equipment.
The Block Shakers 12V 55Ah battery is also rated for vibration resistance and thermal shock resistance so that it can operate in high temperatures and can also absorb vibrations during operation without its internal structure being damaged beyond repair.
It comes with heavy duty terminals and improved life cycle performance, as well as the guarantee of rigorous testing so that the battery survives the harshest every day conditions.
It comes with a 60 day no questions asked, money back guarantee and an 18 month warranty.
Specifications:
• 34.6 lbs
• 9.1×5.4×8.2 inches
• 12 V Power Cell
• 55 Ah Amperage
• 18 month full replacement warranty
• 60 day money back guarantee
Pros:
• High performance battery
• Leak Proof
• Vibration and shock resistance
• Able to perform well in high temperatures
• Comes with heavy duty terminals
Cons:
• Small size may prove hurdle in fitting in most cars
6. Kinetik HC600 Black Lead_Acid_Battery
The lightest battery on this list, the Kinetik HC600 weighs only 11.8 pounds and supplies exactly 12 Volts of voltage to your car. In fact, this is the selling point for the car. It can deliver higher peak amps and twice the life of conventional batteries.
The Kinetik HC600 Black Lead_Acid_Battery comes with ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) and high energy density which means that they are immensely powerful while being small. They’re some of the most compact car power cells on the market today.
Specifications:
• 11.8 lbs
• 7 x 3 x 6.5 inches
• 12 V Power Cell
• 2 year full replacement warranty
Pros:
• Lightweight and compact design
• High peak amps
• Twice the life of conventional batteries
• ESR and high energy density
Cons:
• Very compact design may make it a loose fit for most cars
• May experience dimming at 700 W if not well maintained
5. ODYSSEY PC680 Battery
If your product of choice needs to be the best deep cycle battery, then look no further than the ODYSSEY PC680. It’s the perfect choice. The battery is famous for its great efficiency and it has a strong and rugged construction. Not only that, but it’ll take a thrashing when you go down bumpy roads and come out looking like a million bucks.
Not only can it work in hard conditions like in the heat and the cold, but it can work on different surfaces like land and sea. And the pure lead plates in the battery which allow it to resist all the bashing and bruising that the road can throw at it have survived all manner of spill and vibration tests thrown at them. So you can rest easy when you purchase the ODYSSEY battery.
The non spillable AGM deign which makes sure that there is no spillage or leaks that can damage the engine or any of the surrounding equipment of the battery. You can power anything form ATVs, motorcycles, personal watercrafts, and snowmobiles with the battery including your car.
It consists of pure virgin lead plates which can give you a very large surface area, 15% more than that of normal batteries in fact, and are optimized for recycling and disposal.
The Odyssey PC680 Battery features a limited 2 year full replacement warranty and boasts an impressive 3-10 year service life. It is capable of 100% recharge in 4-6 hours. It measures 7.2×3.1×7.5 inches and weighs nearly 14.64 pounds.
The lead is also corrosion-resistant and the battery is reinforced with tin plated brass terminals and a high integrity terminal seal.
The design makes sure that any gases produced during operation are recycled internally or discharged through a safety relief valve per cell and many robust intercell connections. These also make sure that there is no vibration damage.
There is no dead space between cylinders in the Odyssey Battery so that it is able to deliver more power and houses 40% more reserve capacity.
Specifications:
• 13.45 lbs
• 7.2 x 3.1 x 7.5 inches
• 12 V Power Cell
• 18 A Amperage
• 2 year full replacement warranty
• 3-10 year service life
Pros:
• The starting battery and the deep cycle functions really bring out the efficiency and power in this battery
• It’s very light and compact so it’s incredibly portable
• It can start RVs due to its high AMP rating and high energy density
• It’s vibration and shock resistant so you can use it in the heaviest of vehicles and rest easy
Cons:
• It can overcharge very easily
• The terminals in the battery aren’t included
4. XS Power D6500 XS Series Battery
This battery is a powerhouse. It features the standard 12 V cell and delivers 75 Ahs of current. The cell weighs nearly 60 pounds and measures around 14x10x9.5 inches, which means that it’s on the heavier side of the batteries that are featured on this list.
It also features the Absorbed Glass Mat technology which ensures that any spills are taken care of and the battery is sealed so that there are no leaks on to the surrounding equipment and the engine.
The XS Power D6500 XS Series Battery is also spill-proof and sealed so that there is no problem housing it in under the bonnet of the car and there is ultra low internal resistance.
You can mount it in any position, since the battery is shock proof and vibration proof so that no amount of shaking or bumps on the road can compromise its physical integrity. The entire battery is valve regulated.
XS Power batteries are made for racing cars and deliver high density energy to every pore of the car. They range in size and volts and can provide huge energy density. They’ve been tested in conditions over 300 miles an hour on salt flat cars to dirt tracks and circle tracks or drag racing tracks.
It’s also great for car audio systems so you can turn up the volume while you’re tearing up the road during a road trip with your best friends or a vacation with your family. Whether it’s the symphonies of Beethoven or Speedwagon, you’ll never be short of power to pump up the volume.
Specifications:
• 58.3 lbs
• 14 x 10 x 9.5 inches
• 12 V Power Cell
• 75 Ah Amperage
• 3 year full replacement warranty
Pros:
• The sealed AGM design is a plus for the most compact cars
• It’s a replacement for any additional battery as well as a standard car battery
• The design is leak proof
• Great battery for car audio systems
• You can mount it in any position
• The 36 month manufacturer’s warranty is a huge plus
Cons:
• It’s quite expensive
3. Optima Batteries RedTop 34/78 Starting Battery
This battery has great optimal starting power even in bad weather. The battery is fifteen times more resistant to vibration than most batteries for extra durability and can be mounted in any position and secured so that you don’t have to worry about too many bumps of the road affecting the battery.
The Optima Batteries RedTop 34/78 has a 36 month replacement period warrant after it has been shipped and sold and a replacement will be provided if necessary within the date of the original purchase to the expiration of the warranty.
It can deliver a high power cranking ability in the harshest of weather conditions and the battery is great for heavy use by hot rods and off roaders since it’s leak proof and has a high power starting ability.
The SpiralCell in the battery can provide for a clean and strong power source which ensures your safety and ensures that you’re not polluting the environment.
The high reserve capacity in the battery gives it a longer shelf life and delivers power to you when you need it. This is why you can use it for a car or a truck or an SUV and it won’t fail you. It is maintenance free and offers up to twice the life of the average car battery.
Specifications:
• 38.8 lbs
• 10 x 6.9 x 7.8 inches
• 12 V Power Cell
• 18 A Amperage
• 3 year full replacement warranty
Pros:
• This has the strongest 5 second starting burst out of any in this list
• The battery is completely sealed and maintenance free
• It lasts twice as long as conventional batteries
• It’s perfect for classic vehicles and show cars
Cons:
• This battery isn’t a great fit for most vehicles today
• The battery may drain when connected to the engine and it works best when unhooked while not in use
2. ACDelco 94RAGM Professional AGM Automotive Battery
This battery is perfect for your car. There is a Robust Envelope separator which a puncture resistant back that allows increased acid circulation within the cell and thus prevents short circuits.
The improved acid circulation also helps the battery remain cool in the harshest of temperatures and thus maintains the physical integration of the cell. This extends the overall battery life of the cell.
The oxygen recombinator reduces any water loss and ensures that the battery has great maintenance free performance and thus increases the entire lifetime of the product.
The ACDelco 94RAGM Battery has a warranty of 36 months in which it can be replaced for free barring any voiding of the warranty which includes signs of neglect and signs of tampering to destroy the battery.
Specifications:
• 55 lbs
• 12.4×6.9×7.5 inches
• 12 V Power Cell
• 80 Ah Amperage
• 3 year full replacement warranty
Pros:
• The high density negative paste helps increase its overall lifespan and performance
• The vent caps design stops acid from leaking
• The calcium lead positive grid ensures low resistance and increases conductivity as a result
• The silver calcium stamped alloy extends the life cycle
Cons:
• You can’t hook this up to a BMW
1. DieHard 38217 Group Advanced Gold AGM Battery
This battery is built for robust operation. It has 20 times the vibration protection and safeguards battery performance over time. It has twice the life cycle of a normal lead acid battery and is housed in a spill proof casing so that there is protection for spills and leaks.
This means that you can house it in an enclosed space beneath the car bonnet and you can stop worrying if it poses any threat to your car’s internal components.
The DieHard 3821 Group Advanced Gold AGM Battery is optimized with full frame positive and negative plates which prevent life robbing electrical shorts so that the life of the battery extends beyond the norm. The enhanced electrolyte suspension system in the battery absorbs more electrolytes and protects the internal components of the car battery.
It measures and weighs a hefty 60 pounds. The battery has a 36 month replacement period during which you can replace the battery fully and can get a full refund if you so wish.
If you follow this great guide for car batteries you’ll definitely find the best one for your car.
Specifications:
• 60 lbs
• 13.9×6.9×7.5 inches
• 12 V Power Cell
• 18 A Amperage
• 3 year full replacement warranty
Pros:
• Twice the lifespan of a traditional flooded battery
• The electrolyte suspension designed in the battery helps to protect the internals
• High cranking power which works well in bad weather
• Avoids leaks
• Sustains high temperature for long periods of time
Cons:
• The battery is quite small and so is a loose fit
Buying Guide For The Auto Battery
The first thing that you should do is prepare for when your car battery is going to die out. Most people shop for car batteries when their battery is on its last legs and that’s not a good idea.
With the average lifetime of a car being 15 years, you will probably run through at least three batteries in that time. That’s why it helps to be prepared when the time is coming. Of course all batteries will have different life spans, but it helps to know around the time you will need a new battery.
Here are a few tips to get a new battery and to find the right one for you.
List Of The Most Reliable & Popular Car Battery Brands
1. Optima
Popular Battery: Optima Yellowtop 8014-045
The iconic Yellowtop from Optima, so named because of its trademark yellow top panel, is favored by people who tend to do heavy duty work away from the confines of city life. This deep cycle battery is a boon for those who like to camping or off the road, as it has a long lasting 55 amp hour capacity. It also has 750 cold cranking amp beside the 870 cranking amps, plus a reserve that lasts two hours, and is reliable even in the coldest of weathers.
The Optima Yellowtop ‘s self discharge rate is really low, and this means that it will take a long time to deplete its remaining energy even when stored for long periods of time. This also means that a trickle charger will not be as necessary when putting the item in stock.
Plus, Optima’s “SpiralCell” technology coupled with the sealed construction makes acid spills a thing of the past. The battery’s construction just lowers the risk of its acid spill to near zero percent.
Another advantage of this battery is that it has a compact design. You can mount it in any position, and in any angle the user needs it to be. The dual cable post design also makes it so that the battery will be compatible with most cars and other vehicles.
The Optima Yellowtop comes with a free replacement warranty that lasts for three years from the date of purchase.
2. Exide
Popular Battery: Exide Edge Automotive Battery FP-AGM24
The Edge model from Exide is another excellent choice for those who want to buy a battery especially made for dual purpose. This absorbed glass material (AGM) battery can be used for cars, but using it to provide power in small boats is not unheard of.
The dual purpose means that the Exide Edge can be used for both deep cycle functions and engine cranking. This has the advantage of saving space, because this battery can actually be used for the purposes of two battery types all by itself.
The sustainanbility on the Exide Edge is no pushover, as well, because it boasts a capacity of 72 amp hours. It also comes with a whopping 775 amps of cold cranking, plus 930 cranking amps. To top it all off, it has about 2.3 hours of reserve capacity, rated at 25 amps.
Just like the Yellowtop above, the Exide Edge design is compact, and is in fact built so that it will be easy to carry around. It can also be mounted in any angle and in whatever position as the user decides, and is maintenance-free.
The Exide Edge comes with a non-prorated guarantee that lasts for four years from the date of purchase.
3. Odyssey
Popular Battery: Odyssey Extreme Automotive Battery 34R-PC1500T
The Extreme model form Odyssey is another battery that off-road enthusiasts are fond of. However, this one is a monster battery that can keep up with equipment that hog and demand such huge amount of power. As such, it can be seen powering heavy equipment like off-road light bars and winches.
The cranking power is exceptional at 1500 amps, with cold cranking rated at 850 amps. The capacity is lower compared to the previous two entries in this article, at 68 amp hours, but its reserve capacity is almost the same— approximated at two hours and 15 minutes.
However, the design of the Odyssey’s lead plate is unique, so overall it gives off twice the power rating compared to most other batteries in the class type it belongs to. It also boasts about three times longer lifespan compared to other batteries of its type.
It can last for 400 discharge cycles even to eighty percent of discharge depth, and it can fully recharge anytime within six hours. The Odyssey can also be put in storage for up to two years, even in an open circuit and with no charger support.
The Odyssey Extreme can be mounted in any angle or position except when inverted. It also has a full replacement warranty that lasts for four years from the date of purchase.
4. Bosch
Popular Battery: Bosch Flat Plate Battery S6585B S6
Probably the most popular brand on this list, Bosch is a name that has been associated with quality automotive products as well as electronics and associated equipment. This flat plate AGM battery is another testament to the excellence of Bosch.
The S6585B is actually part of Bosch’s S6 series of batteries, which include absorbed glass material batteries that are sealed and maintenance free. These batteries can be mounted in whatever position or angle as the user desires. This series of batteries are intended to be used in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
The S6585B itself boasts a cranking power rated at 860 amps, with cold cranking rated at 750 amps. The capacity is impressive at 75 amp hours, but the real advantage is in its reserve capacity, which lasts for approximately two hours and 30 minutes. This makes it the longest reserve capacity on this list so far.
This specific product from Bosch can handle deep cycle applications, and it is commonly seen in family minivans and in touring sedans with European designs. It is also designed to handle quick start and stop use, which may put unusually high amounts of stress in other battery types.
The Bosch S6585B can support fast recharging. Being a part of Bosch’s S6 series, the battery includes a free replacement and pro-rata warranty that lasts for four years from the date of purchase, and it is supported under the Bosch Roadside Assistance service.
5. XS Power
Popular Battery: XS Power S680
The XS Power S680, from the brand’s S Series, is a different kind of beast in that it is built for speed. This compact, lightweight battery can be commonly seen in use with street racing cars, compact cars, audio builds—or just about any vehicle type that has concerns for streamlining, compact design, and weight reduction.
It has 320 cranking amps, which is low compared to other batteries described on this list, but it still is enough power to work with a V8. The reserve capacity is also low, which is a mere 28 minutes. The XS Power S680 shines in its charged state, however, and the 1000 amps of overall throughput will be enough to put juice into any high-power audio set up you throw at it.
The main advantage of the XS Power is its weight savings, really. The power it puts out is impressive considering it only weighs about one-third of standard car batteries.
The batteries will most likely fit under your hood as it is designed with the terminal adapters optimized towards that configuration. It also has a warranty that lasts three years from the date of purchase.
Pay Attention To Maintenance
If you’re attentive to the battery and maintain it regularly, then you will automatically get an inkling of when the time is right to replace it. You can then choose a replacement on your own terms and properly research and schedule the change yourself.
Annually Test Batteries
You need to be vigilant and test your batteries every single year so that you can prepare for when the battery will run out of juice; figuratively and literally. (Learn How To Test A Car Battery).
Car batteries have an average lifespan of 3 to 5 years (this article helps), and it can go up to 58 months or more in the furthest northern regions of the US and less than 41 months in the lower, southern regions.
This is due to the climate and the extent to which the cars are used in the different regions as well. Hence, it’s important that you stay on top of the battery’s health so you can replace it or start looking when the time comes.
Almost all of today’s batteries do come with a maintenance free tag, but it is still recommended that your battery should be load tested by a mechanic every single year. If it’s two years old, and you live in a warm climate, it’s doubly recommended. If you live in cold climates, you can wait up to four years before testing it, though.
The battery’s age is of course the strongest indicator that it’s time to get a replacement. The manufacturing date is visible on a sticker that is attached to the side or the top of the battery. Using that, you can determine whether it’s time to test or replace it.
The Battery Should Fit Your Car And Needs
The battery that you buy needs to be optimized for your car. You should remember that this battery has to run your car for close to 5 years and maybe even longer than that. Hence, it should be compatible with your car as much as possible.
The first thing that you need to be aware of is size. There is a lot of variation when it comes to the top performing batteries and you need to one that is sized appropriately for your car.
This makes it very hard to make recommendations based on models and their model numbers. This also means that if you buy the same battery model you have replaced, it won’t necessarily give you similar results.
In some cases, owners replace an AGM battery with a traditional flooded battery which can boost longevity in particularly hot climates, but if you’re going to do that, it’s best to consult a mechanic since different batteries can have different effects on cars.
Some are configured specifically for AGM systems and some can’t handle other types of battery connections.
Different Battery Sizes
Here is a rundown of the different battery sizes that you’re liable to come across as well as the types of cars that they fit in.
24/24F
This fits a lot of Acuras, Hondas, Infinitis, Lexus’ and Nissans.
34/78
This is a large size that fits large Chrysler vehicles and many General Motor’s pickups and SUVs. This includes a lot of large sedans.
35
This size fits mostly Japanese cars and a lot of recent Honda cars and Nissan and Subaru vehicles are compatible too. Toyota is of course compatible.
47 (H5)
This fits a lot of Buick, Chevrolet, Fiat and Volkswagen Cars.
48 (H6)
This size fits a lot of European and American cars like Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Volkswagen and Volvo.
49 (H8)
This fits a lot of European and Asian vehicles as well as models from Audi, BMW, Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz.
51R
This fits a lot of Japanese vehicles which can come from Honda, Mazda, and Nissan.
65
This fits large cars and trucks as well as SUVs. This includes vehicles from Ford and Mercury.
75
Size 75 fits General Motor, mid-size and compact cars as well as a few models from Chrysler.
Always Buy Fresh Batteries
Make sure that whatever battery you buy, it’s a fresh one. Batteries can lose strength over time even if they’re sitting idle. For the best performance, you should purchase one that has been sitting idle, at maximum, for six months.
Three months is even better and just fresh or a month old is the best that you can hope for. The shipping code on the case can tell you how fresh these batteries are.
They’re usually labeled with a letter for the month (“A” is for January, “B” is for February and so on), and a number for the year (“8” for 2018”, “9” for 2019, etc.). Some manufacturers use a numeric date instead.
Recycle Your Old Battery
Old batteries become toxic. Hence, it’s a good idea to recycle them. As mentioned above, over a hundred million batteries are recycled in the US every year so it’s very easy to have them recycled.
Most retailers will dispose of your old one for you and when you buy a new battery at a store, you can pay a charge that will be refunded when you return the old battery as well.
Compare Warranties Before You Buy
It’s very important that you choose a battery that has the longest free replacement. This comes in handy once every few years if the battery suffers a malfunction or breaks etc. The warranty can be measured in two units—the replacement period and the prorated period.
The former is for replacing the entire battery while the latter is for a partial reimbursement. Make sure you find out which one the warranty refers to. The way many battery manufacturers do this is that they lay out the months for both the replacement period and prorated period in months separated by a slash.
So, for example, a code of 24/84 would mean that a free replacement period would run for 24 months and a prorated period would run for 84 months. Be aware that the prorated reimbursement amount drops off pretty quickly compared to the full replacement amount.
Also, a warranty can be voided if signs of neglect, improper installation, and low water levels are detected in the battery. Signs of heavy duty use for high end car audio and marine applications can void a warranty as well. Hence, if you want to take advantage of your warranty, take care of the battery.
