A car battery typically lasts 3–6 years. Therefore, if you do not plan to buy a new vehicle every 2 years, at some point you will have to buy a new battery. There are more than a dozen brands of car batteries, and most of them are sold exclusively in certain retail chains.
Unfortunately, finding a good one is not so simple. To do this, it is not enough to know the best manufacturers of car batteries, since each of them has very mediocre products. One of the reasons for this is that batteries of different lines and even sizes can be produced at different enterprises. In addition, brands periodically change manufacturers, so the best batteries for a car change every year.
Types of batteries
Basic car batteries are designed to start the engine only. Sometimes they are called batteries for "starting, lighting, ignition." They can provide the power needed to start the engine, but after that they need to be charged from the generator. A good battery should always start - year after year, in the heat and in the cold. She should have a sufficient supply of charge in case the driver accidentally leaves the headlights on.
Deep cycle batteries, unlike batteries of the previous type, can provide constant current for a long period of time. They can be discharged and recharged without damaging or shortening their service life. Therefore, such batteries are a good choice if there is non-standard acoustics or other accessories (for example, a winch) that consume a lot of energy, or if children like to watch DVDs in the car with the engine turned off. How to choose a battery for a car? It is important to first make sure that its capacity is sufficient to cold start the motor.
Inexpensive models can be attributed to a separate type. Technical characteristics of batteries for cars, costing less than 6 thousand rubles, as a rule, are an order of magnitude behind the more expensive ones. However, the use of many of them is quite acceptable. If the price matters, while the car is not overloaded, a cheap battery can perfectly satisfy all consumers. You only need to make sure that the purchase is made from a reputable dealer.
Dimensions and climate performance
In addition to the main categories, batteries are distinguished by size. For example, the following battery groups exist: 65, 75, 24 / 24F, 34/78, 35, 51R, 47 (H5), 48 (H6) and 49 (H8). When answering the question of how to choose a battery for a car, mention the rating. But not only you need to focus on it, you also need to make sure that the selected model is suitable in size.
In addition, some batteries are designed for use in certain climatic conditions. Southern batteries are designed to withstand high temperatures for a long time. Car batteries of the “northern” type provide a greater cold start current, which facilitates the start of the engine in cold weather.
Distinctive features of the best batteries
- Long warranty. In the event of a malfunction, the manufacturer replaces most brands of car batteries for cars within 3 years. But some models have a longer warranty and proportional reimbursement if the battery fails within a certain time after its expiration.
- Good backup battery capacity for car. This allows the battery to work when the driver has forgotten to turn off the headlights when the engine is stopped.
- Adequate power for a cold start. This indicator indicates battery performance in cold conditions. Typically, a large amperage means that the engine will start reliably every frosty morning. However, in professional tests, this indicator does not always correlate with higher performance.
- Long life. A good battery can last much longer than the warranty period. You need to read the reviews of the owners to find out which batteries tend to work for a long time. According to some owners, their battery has been in use for 10 years.
- Maintenance-free design. This means that the user does not have to fill the battery with distilled water. Some batteries have a fully enclosed case that cannot be opened at all. Others have a hole through which water can be added if necessary, but the owner is not required to.
- Carry handle. The average car battery weighs 18 kg, so having a handle will be very useful, especially for those who try to lower it into a tightly equipped engine compartment on their own.
Battery Choice
Before making a final decision, make a final decision on the purchase of a new battery should determine a number of issues.
What size battery do you need? They are issued different. The corresponding designation can be found on the old battery or read in the car's instruction manual. Most car dealerships can also help make the choice of battery by brand of car. In addition, online tips are available, the creators of which claim that they do it too, but expert reviews warn that they are not always accurate.
In what climate will the car be operated? The choice of battery depends on this. Batteries for hot climates are often labeled South or S, and for cold climates North or N. The batteries are characterized by high cold start current (CCA).
Do I need a high performance battery? Lead acid batteries are still the most common type. However, new cars are equipped with more advanced AGM batteries that use absorbing fiberglass. They better withstand intense energy consumption. Additional safety features, power outlets for mobile phones, and fuel-saving systems that frequently stop and start the engine increase power consumption. Therefore, AGM can be a good choice.
How to choose the right battery for a car that drives on the road? Some batteries have fragile plates inside that can weaken or crack under strong continuous vibration. Others, such as Optima batteries, are characterized by a design that better withstands such an impact. In addition, they have a completely sealed enclosure, which is why they are less prone to leakage than batteries with a stopper.
Are installation services required? STO, most auto parts distributor networks and other sellers offer free installation of the battery purchased from them. Others may charge an additional fee, but promise to do it quickly, while others do not do this at all. Some online stores can help with local installation of the battery they purchased.
Only buy new batteries, as they lose their power during storage. Before choosing a battery for a car, you need to inspect its body in order to find the release date and make sure that it is no more than 6 months old. The date is sometimes stamped in the form of a letter representing the month (for example, “A” is January) and the last digit of the year (for example, “8” is 2018).
The best universal batteries
There are not many options with recommendations from different sources. Of the hundreds of models sold, fewer than 75 have undergone professional tests. Those batteries that show the best performance are not always highly rated by sales levels. DieHard Gold 50823 (about 7 thousand rubles) is the best battery for a car, because it is one of the few that is praised by both sides. In professional tests, this battery gets the best marks in each category: endurance in a hot climate, performance at -18 ° C, and duration of operation without recharging.
DieHard Gold 50823 - the "northern" battery. This battery for cars, light trucks and vans is ideal for cold climates. It delivers 725 CCA and provides 120 minutes of reliable and long-term starting power, which corresponds to a capacity of 50 A ∙ h. This is also supported by a 36-month warranty. If the battery fails within the first three years, you can bring it and the purchase receipt to the seller for a replacement.
According to reviews, 92% of all owners recommend this battery, and almost 75% give it an ideal 5-star rating. According to reviews, the battery is very reliable, with great cold start power and long battery life.
DieHard Gold 50823 belongs to the 24 / 24F group (273 x 173 x 229 mm) and is suitable for many Japanese car brands, including Acura, Mitsubishi, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan and Toyota. The manufacturer also produces batteries of other sizes that pass professional tests, but the owners are in no hurry to support these results. These include models 50865 (the best in the battery rating for a car 60A ∙ h capacity), 50923, 50947 and 50948.
Whereas ordinary DieHard Gold batteries are standard lead-acid batteries, the Advanced Gold line uses AGM technology, which can withstand repeated discharging and recharging cycles. However, it does not always provide the best performance. DieHard Advanced Gold 50765 works very well in tests, but when used, Advanced Gold batteries are inferior to DieHard lines.
Bosch 35-640B
This is a great battery for both trucks and cars, as it does very well with professional testing and receives good user reviews. Provides a current of 640 CCA and has a 100-minute reserve (42 A ∙ h), which is slightly less than the DieHard Gold 50823, as well as a long operating time at high temperatures. Owners appreciate the battery for its reliability both in cold and in heat, which is important for batteries of domestic cars. Although some owners claim that the Bosch 35-640B has been in operation for 5 years or more, others complain of a loss of ability to hold a charge between about 2 weeks and 19 months of use. Fortunately, the battery comes with a 3 year warranty. About another Bosch model of the group 48 H6-760B, users respond similarly.
Autocraft Gold 49H8
Some Autocraft batteries are also highly rated by both experts and owners. The best of these is the Autocraft Gold 49H8. Although Autocraft claims that this battery has an impressive 900 CCA and 160 min of standby power (67 Ah), its actual ratings for both factors are very good, but not outstanding. Nevertheless, the battery is one of the best in hot weather. Users call it powerful, easy to install, and secure. Autocraft Gold 47H5 and 51R-2 models also get high marks.
Deep cycle batteries
How to choose the right battery for a car equipped with appliances that consume a lot of energy - for example, a powerful stereo system, a DVD player or an electric door? It is important to find a deep cycle battery that can withstand discharging and recharging well. DieHard or Bosch batteries can meet the needs of the user, but, according to motorists, the Optima YellowTop line is the real gold standard in this area. The manufacturer calls this AGM battery one of the few dual-use devices available that can provide enough power to start the engine and operate all vehicle systems. It is composed of a series of spiral cells that tolerate vibration better than the plates used on most batteries.
However, this increases the cost of the device. All models in this line are supported by a 3-year warranty.
Although the Optima YellowTop D51R provides backup power for only 66 minutes (27.5 Ah) and the claimed 450 CCA are not very impressive, the battery has proven itself very well in cold start tests. The battery is suitable for both trucks (small) and cars. The model leads the ranking of the duration of the charge and discharge cycle.
Most users are satisfied with the reliability of YellowTop. The battery works well in both hot and cold weather. The owners are pleased with the light weight and good warranty. Unfortunately, the battery sometimes loses capacity during the first 3 years, and sometimes even after a few weeks. However, the model receives high marks from many owners.
A similar situation with the OptimaYellowTop D34 / 78. The battery copes with the tests well, and most users call it durable and reliable in any weather. However, as in the case of the D51R, some complain of a decrease in its functionality during the first year of operation, as well as failures in extremely low temperatures (below -20 ° C).
The best budget models
In the case of car batteries, price does not guarantee quality. As a rule, cheap batteries worth 6 thousand rubles. and less demonstrate high performance in professional tests, but in practice they are not always worse than expensive models. A quick overview of the batteries for the car allows you to find a device for 5 thousand rubles that works better than models that cost 2 times more.
Costco Kirkland batteries once enjoyed success with experts and car owners. These were the best batteries with an extra long battery life and a long warranty. Unfortunately, Costco discontinued their release. Instead, Interstate batteries appeared. This is a respected brand. In professional tests, these batteries constantly appear at the top of the ratings. Even those that do not differ in their performance receive good marks for their ability to withstand repeated charging and discharging cycles at high temperatures. Their technical specifications are generally inferior to Costco, and the warranty period has decreased from 4 years to 36 months.
Everstart maxx
But there is a better alternative to Costco Kirkland. Johnson Controls, which also produces Optima batteries, manufactures the Everstart Maxx battery line. They are quite affordable, produced in several sizes and cost less than 6 thousand rubles. Everstart Maxx batteries are inferior to premium brands such as DieHard and Interstate, but only slightly. However, not all batteries in this line are the same. Some modifications are in the bottom lines of the rating. How to choose a battery of this brand for a car? It is always advisable to pay attention to the size of the device and the climatic conditions of use.
All EverStart Maxx models are protected by a 5-year warranty. During the first three years, replacement is free of charge, and in the next 2 years - with a surcharge, which depends on the age of the battery. This is more profitable than the standard 3-year warranty offered by leading brands such as DieHard, Bosch and Optima.
Among all Everstart Maxx models, the EverStart Maxx-24 F tests with the claimed 750 CCA, the large backup capacity and the service life after repeated cycles of charging and discharging at high temperatures are best tested. Owners appreciate the long warranty, high CCA current and low price. The only complaint of users is that the actual cold start current is not 750, but 725 A. But this number is at the level of the best in the rating of the DieHard Gold 50823 battery.
Another battery of this line is the EverStart Maxx-65S. It also copes well with professional tests, is durable, has good standby power, but mediocre with cold start. The claimed CCA current is 700, which is not enough for a device of this size.
Users rate the battery performance moderately. Despite the long warranty and the fact that the battery lasts much longer than 5 years, in some cases it fails very quickly. This is the "southern" battery, designed to work in hot conditions, so it may not work well in northern climates. However, this is unlikely to have an effect on the actual life of the battery, as batteries typically last longer at low temperatures.
Another popular EverStart battery is the Maxx-35N. She has a cold start current of 640 A. The battery belongs to the "northern" type and is designed to start the engine on frosty days. According to user reviews, the battery is quite easy to cope with -10 ° C, but at lower temperatures its performance decreases. In addition, as in the case of the Maxx-65S, the opinions of the owners about the total duration of the device differ. Some say that the battery lasts more than 6 years, while others - 2 years.