Best Car Batteries To Buy For Your Car In 2024

Among the most annoying things, settling into your car after a long day at work to find that your car’s battery is dead is the worst one. Best Car Batteries to buy in 2024. Who Makes the Best Car Battery?

Knowledge holds great power when it comes to the life of your car battery. Your car’s battery is considered to be the heart and soul of your ride.

The last thing an individual want to be left stranded with is a dead battery. The chances of getting a stuck decrease, if an individual knows complete details about the car’s battery along with its electrical system.

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Without your battery, your precious vehicle is not going anywhere, period. Battery is a critical component that gets your car going. Its health affects whether your vehicle can run smoothly or at all.

Therefore, buying the best car battery that is suitable for your specific vehicle as well as knowing how to take care of it is among the most important car maintenance jobs for every car owner.

This not only ensures optimal performance but will also prevent unnecessary damage to other parts and components. It’s normal to change the battery once or twice throughout the life of your vehicle.

Some of them simply wear out from repetitive charging and discharging, while in case of the careless drivers, some might die prematurely and require expensive car battery replacement.

Securing the best car battery with superior performance and lifespan therefore one of the best things you can do for your four-wheeled investment.

And the next best thing is to understand the specific type of battery you have and how to care for it so that it will provide you with excellent service for many years to come.

Whether you are a novice or a veteran, you have come to the right place. If you are familiar with auto batteries and know exactly what you’re looking for, dive right into our 2024-updated handpicked list of the very best car battery with in-depth reviews.

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Otherwise, spend some more time understanding the different types of batteries, the best car battery brands, how long they last and other useful information to get the most out of your batteries.

The average life of a battery is around 3 – 5 years; however, this lifespan significantly depends on an individual’s driving habits and exposure of battery to extreme elements that may shorten the life of the car battery.

A quick diagnostic check is needed for estimating the temperature at which the battery is likely to fail, along with giving an idea regarding the left-over battery life.

This article tends to provide a review of the Best Car Batteries To Buy in 2024 by giving you relevant information regarding each battery that would help you in making the right choice according to your needs.

The 10 Best Car Batteries To Buy in 2024

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1. ACDelco 94RAGM Car Battery

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The ACDelco 94RAGM has it all:

• Superior power,
• Efficiency and
• Lifespan.

Yes ACDelco 94RAGM is notable for providing about 80 AMP hours of energy and an impressive 800 cold cranking AMPS. Thus, this cool battery is ideal for every type of vehicle. From heavy trucks to sports cars, only except for BMW cars.

Its excellent cold cranking AMPs means it can still deliver excellent performance even in extreme environments.

ACDelco 94RAGm has high-density negative paste which helps to enhance overall battery life and performance.

Additionally, ACDelco 94RAGM is designed with a Calcium-Lead positive grid. Which allows for low resistance, thus better conductivity and higher efficiency.

Another superior feature is the use of enhanced life alloy or silver-calcium stamped alloy. Which extends the battery’s cycle life and improves performance.

It is also a pressure tested and sealed battery with vent caps to prevent any kind of leaks and provide resistance to extreme shock.

Things We Liked: Best Car Batteries To Buy

• Enhanced lifespan and performance
• Advanced design: Calcium-lead positive grid and enhanced life alloy/ silver calcium stamped alloy

Things We Didn’t Like:

• Cannot be used for BMW cars

Adv:

• Large reserves
• Low resistance
• Great performance
• Extended battery life
• 36 months Free Replacement Warranty
• Maximized conductivity
• Improved acid circulation
• Vent cap design to resists acid leakage

Dis-Adv:

• Do not possess the capacity to be operated in BMW cars.

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2. Optima 8040-218 Yellow Top Car Battery – Best Car Batteries To Buy

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Hailed as one of the best deep cycle battery models, Optima 34/78 RedTop is designed to deliver the most energetic 5-second starting burst and its lifespan is twice longer than conventional lead-acid batteries.

Hence, it should be easy to understand that your engine will fire up immediately after you turn your car key.

What makes the Optima 34/78 Red Top battery different from its competitors is it is loaded with tightly coiled columns of pure lead instead of being loaded with impure lead flat sheet like conventional batteries sold in the market.

This smart design ensures unbeatable output, ultra low ohms and maximum vibration resistance. This product comes with a 36-month warranty.

An important note if you opt for this battery: Slow drain kills these batteries. If you keep this battery unhooked, except when you use it, it’ll work well with one of the best amp levels and the longest lifespan you’ll ever see.

But if you leave it hooked in the car for a long time, the slow drain will make it fail faster than the cheapest battery you can buy.

Things We Liked: Best Car Batteries To Buy

• 36-month warranty
• Powerful 5-second starting burst
• Lasts up to twice as long as conventional batteries
• Perfect for classic cars, daily drivers, weekend racers and show cars

Things We Didn’t Like:

• Doesn’t fit all vehicles

Adv:

• Easy installation
• Faster recharging
• Maintenance free
• Virtually spill-proof
• Up to 3X longer life
• 15X vibration resistant
• Deep-cycle and cranking power
• Optimal starting power

Dis-Adv:

• Unreliable in colder weathers
• Unable to hold the charge for a very long time

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3. Odyssey PC680 Battery | Best of the Best – Best Car Batteries To Buy

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Odyssey PC680 Battery is the first name in our list for being the most well-rounded product.

If you are looking for a double duty battery, Odyssey will be a perfect choice for you: it works both as a starting battery and a solid deep cycle battery that can withstand deep discharges without suffering any deterioration or permanent damages.

Odyssey PC680 can handle up to 400 cycles at 80 percent depth of discharge. This is truly wow-inducing, given that most batteries can only withstand up to 50 percent of discharge, or else they would die prematurely.

Thanks to these capabilities as well as its excellent charging efficiency, this battery is also popular among campers and RVers.

With a strong and rugged construction, this battery can tolerate shock and vibrations. Therefore, it can work well even if you drive in rough terrains.

Besides, the design of Odyssey PC680 contains pure lead plates which prevent spills.

Another benefit of Odyssey PC680 is this battery has thrice the lifespan and twice the power of the average AGM batteries sold in the market.

And extreme temperatures would have minimal impact on its performance, as this battery is designed to overcome extremely hot or cold weather, enabling it to last as long as possible.

With such superior performance yet offered at a reasonable price point, Odyssey PC680 is often hailed as the best car battery for the money, in 2023 or many years after.

The only problem with this battery is it is prone to overcharging.

Things We Liked: Best Car Batteries To Buy in 2024

• Lightweight and compact
• Durable, can withstand vibration and shock
• Double functions: as a starting battery and a deep cycle battery
• Powerful enough to start RVs with a lot of onboard accessories because of its high 750 cold cranking AMP rating

Things We Didn’t Like:

• Terminals not included
• High risk of overcharging

Adv:

• Up to 70% longer life.
• It is resistant to vibrations.
• Requires less maintenance.
• Full recharge time is 4 to 6 hours
• 3 to 4 years full replacement warranty.
• Tolerant to extreme weather conditions

Dis-Adv:

• Not suitable to extremely hot weather.
• Reserve capacity minutes of the battery is 52.

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4. XS Power D6500 Battery | Editor’s Choice – Best Car Batteries to Buy in 2024

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According to its manufacturer, car owners can use the XS Power D6500 as an additional battery to supply extra power needed for an aftermarket system or as a replacement for the standard battery. It is ideal for 3000-4000W car audio sound systems.

Indeed, XS Power D6500 has plenty of power to crank even the most power-hungry performance vehicles, thanks to its ability to put out 1070 cranking AMPS with a maximum output of 3900 AMPs.

Coming fully sealed in a heavy-duty reinforced ABS plastic case, another benefit is that D6500 can resist physical impact and extreme high temperatures.

The 3-year manufacturer’s warranty is another proof that this battery is very durable.

Things We Liked: Best Car Batteries To Buy

• Resists physical impact
• 3-year manufacturer’s warranty
• Perfect for 3000-4000W car audio systems
• A replacement or supplement for standard car battery
• Solid construction, leak-proof and maintenance-free design

Things we didn’t like

• A little pricey

Adv:

• Spill-proof
• 100% sealed
• Easy installation
• Maintenance free
• Vibration resistant
• Non-hazardous design
• Can be mounted in any position
• Fits in Most Battery Locations

Dis-Adv:

• Does not include removable brass battery posts
• Not capable to hold a charge past 12.1 volts in warmer weather
• Resting voltage is at 11.6 to 11.7 below 30-degree centigrade

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5. Exide Edge FP-AGM78 AGM Car Battery – Best Car Batteries To Buy in 2024

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Exide is considered as one of the best electronic company that cannot be beaten by any other competitor.

It is not established only in the United States but is also well known throughout the world. Its best products are absolutely reliable and are legends in the battery line.

When the Exide battery is connected to any vehicle it provides 770 CCA and 120 minutes of reserve capacity at 25 amps. It is very lightweight making only 8 ounces, but still, the AGM technology has been inculcated in it making it spill- proof even on a rocky terrain.

The Exide battery is one of its kind and till the present day has its monopoly. It is doing very well for many years.

There are many types of batteries and are just perfect exactly matches the needs of the user. The latest technology has been used and it’s worth the price.

The Exide battery has the model number FP-AGM78, having a weight of 46.6 pounds. The dimensions are 10.2 x 7.1 x 7.1 inches while the model number is FP-AGM78 with no folding.

The power is 770 CCA; 120 MIN RC at 25A with Non-spill able AGM construction having a greater capacity to better handle the heavy loads placed any other conventional battery.

It outperforms conventional batteries across life test including heavy use stop and goes traffic with high electrical demands.

NOTE:

Exide provides the best batteries throughout the world. It is a very trustworthy brand. It has outperformed all other batteries. The output is very good. It is one of the best-selling batteries. Although, a bit expensive than others and has brand loyal customers.

Once the investment is made, the battery for last longest and would be a hassle-free once. It has passed many tests that prove its reliability.

Adv:

• Lightweight
• Leakage-proof
• One of the best smaller car batteries
• Completely reliable with no apparent flaws

Dis-Adv:

• The price is pretty high for this battery

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6. Bosch S6563B S6 AGM Car Battery – Best Car Batteries To Buy

Bosch is a very well reputed company. It has a high customer base and has penetrated the market well. The Bosch car batteries are excellent in performance and are one of the high rated cheap car batteries.

They provide a high quality at a lower price and not only that they have a 4-year warranty in which the car batteries can be replaced.

They have earned a good name and are doing well. It will last twice as long as any other battery because of the Energy Life technology. The Bosch batteries are doing great in the present times.

The greatest concerns of the customers are that it should stat the application at once and then keep supplying a continuous power for a smooth running.

The Bosch batteries are just perfect as they have an Energy Life technology along with the AGM and make it a good choice for the consumers.

The battery can handle both hot and cold climates. It is spill proof. It does not require any maintenance.

The battery is specifically designed for the low budget consumers but the services offered are the same as any other battery, in fact, better than the conventional batteries.

These batteries can be used in any application starting from a car that is used on daily basis to some heavy-duty vehicles. The battery is very cost effective but the efficiency is very good it can be a great competition for the other batteries.

The battery is specially created to provide a hassle-free experience to the clients. It has penetrated the market because of its cost-effective strategy.

The Bosch battery is backed by Bosch Roadside Assistance program provided via Auto Road Services. It offers the power of 770 CCA, BCI Group: 78 like any other powerful battery.

It offers a two times longer lifespan than conventional batteries due to Energy Life technology. Its packaging makes it maintenance free and spills free because of AGM technology.

There is a 4-year warranty included in the battery pack. The total weight of the package is 47.3 pounds having a dimension 11.8 x 11.6 x 9.7 inches.

The Item model number is S6563Band the Manufacturer Part Number is S6563B. it is designed to keep the convenience of the consumers in mind.

NOTE:

It is one of the best seller battery among all the other brands. It provides all the services to its valued consumers in a lower cost so people prefer buying this battery.

There are many positive reviews and buying a Bosch battery will also be a good idea if you are not willing to spend much on the batteries. It is efficient in constant stat stop applications and the day to day use applications too. It is environmentally friendly and safe to use.

Adv:

• Spill-free
• Safe to use
• Less storage
• Energy efficient
• Small packaging
• Compact design
• Sealed packaging
• Environment friendly
• User-friendly and easy handling
• Low cost with high performance

Dis-Adv:

• Does not have Spiral Cell Technology
• It cannot be used in extreme conditions
• It does not have a yop post but aside post

Criteria For Choosing the Best Car Batteries To Buy 2024

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1. Cold-Cranking Amps

Cold-cranking amps (CCA) is a measure of how well the battery starts an engine during extreme cold weather and is a crucial car batteries ratings.

Each vehicle model requires a certain amount of amperage to start, especially in cold weather. If your battery doesn’t have sufficient amperage to turn over, it won’t start.

To check the CCA rating of a particular battery, look for a label on the top or the side of the battery case and look for a number followed by “CCA.” Otherwise, check your owner’s manual specifications for a minimum CCA rating.

If the battery in your car isn’t the car’s original, you’ll need to look up the accurate battery CCA rating for your particular vehicle.

If you live in a cold climate when temperatures can go well below freezing point, you may want to look for a battery with a higher CCA rating to prevent no-start issues in cold mornings.

2. Reserve Capacity

Reserve capacity indicates how long a battery can run a vehicle if the charging system, which consists of the alternator, stator, and rotor, fails.

In general, 30 minutes of power is considered average, while 2 hours and above are considered superior reserve capacity.

A way to test actual reserve capacity is to measure the amount of time it takes a fully charged battery to be discharged down to 10.5 volts, which is the typical fully discharged state.

At that level, the car will be unable to start without a jump-start. Another way is to measure how long you can accidentally leave the headlights on and still get the car started without needing a jump-start.

3. Lifespan: Best Car Batteries To Buy

Battery life is tested by repeatedly discharging and recharging the battery until performance drops to unacceptable levels.

Such a test is typically performed at a test temperature of about 75°C or 167°F to mimic the high underhood temperatures during the summer, which is the most detrimental condition for batteries health and lifespan.

Frequent exposure to high temperatures deteriorates batteries quickly due to increasing plate corrosion and the electrolyte needed for current vaporizing more quickly.

Long life is especially important if you make many short trips that don’t allow much time for recharging. That said, if you plan on keeping your vehicle for up to 10 years, a higher grade battery that is designed to last longer would be a wiser investment.

Otherwise, a lower grade battery that will get you by in the meantime might be a better option if you’re on a budget.

Other Factors To Consider – Best Car Batteries To Buy

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Tip 1: Choose The Right Type of Battery For Your Vehicle

We all know that every vehicle requires a specific type of battery. Each vehicle needs a different amount of power and differently sized battery.

For instance, many cars come with AGMs to support an increasing array of electrical components, and the charge system may be configured specifically for an AGM battery.

Thus, you need to check your vehicle’s maintenance guide to know what kind of battery is suitable for your car.

• If you lose the maintenance guide, you will need to take your car to a repair shop and ask a mechanic to identify the type of your car battery.
• If you go camping often, especially if you like boondocking without electrical hookups, you must get a deep cycle battery on top of your usual cranking battery for powering your appliances and devices.
• Because climate has a huge impact on the way a car battery works, you should choose a battery appropriate for your local weather conditions. Cold-weather batteries are often labeled “N” or “North”. Hot-weather batteries might be labeled “S” or “South”. In some cases, owners can replace an AGM battery with a traditional flooded one to boost longevity in hot climates, but it’s best to consult a mechanic first.
• If you are an off-road driver, a battery which can endure constant vibrations will be a better choice for you.

Tip 2. Choose The Right Size

Batteries come in a variety of sizes and it’s important to choose the right size. If the terminals are in the wrong place, your car’s cables might not reach or they might not fit securely.

To determine the right fit for your vehicle, check your owner’s manual or an in-store fit guide. Below is a battery size groups for your preference.

The Size 24/24F (top terminal):

Fits most Acura, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan, and Toyota vehicles.

Size 34/78 (dual terminal):

Fits many large Chrysler vehicles, 1996 to 2000 GM pickups, SUVs, plus mid-sized and large sedans.

The Size 35 (top terminal):

Fits most Japanese nameplates, including Nissan, Subaru, Toyota and recent Honda vehicles.

Size 47 (H5) (top terminal)
:

Fits Buick, Chevrolet, Fiat, and Volkswagen models.

The Size 48 (H6) (top terminal)
:

Fits many Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Volkswagen, and Volvo models sold in the European and North American markets.

Size 49 (H8) (top terminal):

Fits many Audi, BMW, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz models sold in the European and Asian markets.

The Size 51R (top terminal):

Fits many Honda, Mazda, and Nissan.

Size 65 (top terminal):

Fits large cars, trucks, and sport-utility vehicles from Ford or Mercury.

The Size 75 (side terminal):

Fits some General Motors mid-sized and compact cars and a few Chrysler vehicles.

Tip 3: Pick A Maintenance-Free Battery: Best Car Batteries To Buy

Thanks to advanced technology, most car batteries nowadays are maintenance-free which don’t need any special attention. However, do note that the flooded type of lead-acid batteries require more maintenance.

They lose water during the charge cycle, thus they require to be filled with distilled water only every 2-4 weeks as needed to function properly and stay healthy.

Furthermore, flooded lead acid batteries should be equalized occasionally to make sure each cell is equally charged. You can do this by applying a controlled overcharge once every 30-90 days.

Therefore, if you are not a handyman or would want to save time, you should buy a maintenance-free battery whenever possible, which is either a gel type or a fuss-free AGM.

Wonder how to test a car battery, check this video!

Tip 4: Avoid Purchasing Old Batteries

Batteries lose their strength even when we store them carefully. Therefore, you should always buy a new one which was manufactured within the last 6 months to make sure what you buy is the best car battery at that time.

Tip: To know how old your battery is, you can check the four- or five-digit date code on the cover of your battery case.

The first part of the code is key and consists of a letter and a digit, for instance D11. A letter is assigned to each month: A for January, B for February and so on.

The number that follows denotes the year: for instance, 8 for 2008, 9 for 2009, 0 for 2010, 11 for 2011, 12 for 2012 and so on. So “D11” means in April 2011, the battery was shipped from the factory to local battery wholesale distributors.

Tip 5:  Purchase A Battery Which Has A Good Reputation

Buying a battery which has a lot of reviews is a smart choice as this battery is tested by auto enthusiasts and consumer communities.

All you have to do is read reviews or check consumer reports on commercial sites selling the battery to get information about the battery or other types of batteries sold there.

A safe bet is to grab one from a major manufacturer with positive reviews. You can find in the next section a list of the most prestigious car battery brands with proven track records.

Also: Recycle Your Old Battery: Best Car Batteries To Buy

You cannot dump a car’s battery just anywhere as the battery’s lead and acid is toxic. But they can easily be recycled, and most retailers will dispose of the old one for you.

Sometimes when buying a new battery at a store, you might have to pay an extra small amount that will be refunded when you return the old battery.

Best Car Batteries Brands For Lasting Performance

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If you are well informed and know what suits your vehicle best, feel free to grab a lesser known battery, especially if you have had positive experience with a particular model before. Otherwise, going for reputed brands is your safest bet.

Prestigious manufacturers often offer better customer service, plus if you are opting for a popular model from a big brand, you will be able to gather more reviews and instructional videos from fellow drivers. Below are the biggest names in the market with many of the best car battery models:

1. DieHard Batteries

DieHard batteries from Sears are considered one of the best car battery manufacturers these days.

Initially, the core purpose of manufacturing this battery was to make it last longer than the car and has accomplished it to some extent, though.

This far-fetched battery product can improve your car’s performance as it comes with the medium, heavy, and premium duty lines.

Well-rounded performance, plus the capacity to start well even in extreme cold weather, it’s such a steal that these batteries cost less than $100. Sears also offers 3-year warranties, which is quite desirable.

2. Odyssey

Odyssey is a great battery brand that you have to take into your consideration.

This company has been creating a wide range of batteries that are both durable and reliable by using the latest innovations and technologies, leading them to the top of the battery market.

Their products are superior and have longer lifespan compared to other competitors. Odyssey batteries are suitable for most applications from industrial, commercial, automatic and military uses.

3. NAPA

NAPA offers eighty-four series of car batteries for every kind of vehicle and every kind of weather too.

The brand also makes batteries of many sizes. Several batteries from NAPA are consistently included in best car battery lists from reputed organizations like the Consumer Report.

This brand makes tough deep cycle batteries that can function well in the hottest and coldest weather.

The market price of these batteries cost from $100 to $200. For such a price, the manufacturer’s twenty-four months warranty is particularly decent.

4. Kirkland: Best Car Batteries To Buy

You can only buy this battery brand at Costco in the US. This brand offers products with high recital and AMP ranking at half the price of comparable models from competitors.

Kirkland’s batteries are known to be efficient and built to last, with excellent weather resistance. In fact, you can get the full refund if the battery falls short, regardless of the cause.

5. Optima

Known for its superior AGM batteries, Optima offers three product types: red top for automobiles, blue top for RV’s and marines and yellow top for deep cycle battery.

With fast charging time and unbeatable power, the best car batteries from this brand costs around $125 to $150.

6. AC Delco

AC Delco’s batteries will free you of headaches, thanks to their vigorous quality test.

The corrosion-free terminal and the massive reservoir make the batteries from this brand last long and deliver reliable service for many years down the road.

Despite all these qualities, AC Delco batteries are highly affordable, making them popular with budget buyers who do not want to sacrifice performance nonetheless.

7. Duralast

Duralast is a brand owned by the same manufacturer that makes DieHard and Sear. This brand is up to par with DieHard in many aspects, despite its extremely agreeable average price tag.

8. EverStart

One of the eminent car manufacturers in the US, Johnson Controls is the creator of EverStart batteries.

This brand’s car batteries are so affordable that you can buy a solid piece for some $80, but don’t underestimate its performance.

You can find these high-quality batteries at Wal-Mart with a free installation fee.

Maintenance – Best Car Batteries To Buy In 2024

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1. How Long Do Batteries Last?

Car batteries last, on average, three to five years. Once your battery is over three years old, it is time for close monitoring.   Best Car Batteries To Buy

To know how old your battery is, you can check the four- or five-digit date code on the cover of your battery case.

The first part of the code is key and consists of a letter and a digit, for instance D11. A letter is assigned to each month: A for January, B for February and so on.

The number that follows denotes the year: for instance, 8 for 2008, 9 for 2009, 0 for 2010, 11 for 2011, 12 for 2012 and so on. So “D11” means in April 2011, the battery was shipped from the factory to local battery wholesale distributors.

2. How to know when your car battery is bad: Best Car Batteries To Buy in 2024

Making sure your car battery is charged properly is critical to maximizing its life and better gives you an enjoyable and hassle-free driving experience with your vehicle.

The most common signs that your car battery needs charging or must be replaced:

• Engine cranks slowly when starting.
• No-starting: The car just refuses to start.
• You need to press on the gas pedal to start.
• You hear a click, or nothing at all, when turning the engine.
• One of the most obvious signs is the warning battery light illuminated on the dashboard.
• Headlights are dim. When the battery is weak, it does not have enough power to run your car’s electrical components.

A super convenient way to find out if your battery has enough charge is to use a multimeter.

A multimeter measures how much voltage your car’s battery is currently storing, or how much power is stored in the battery.

It is a simple tool to test the state of your car battery at home and in no time, saving you time and money with the mechanics. You can find a multimeter for as low as $8 on Amazon.

For a step-by-step guide on how to safely test your car batteries at home, refer to the comprehensive guides below.

Useful Accessories – Best Car Batteries To Buy In 2024

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1. Float/Trickle Charger

Batteries are prone to the problem called natural discharge or self-discharge, in which internal chemical reactions reduce the stored charge of the battery without any connection between the electrodes or any external circuit. Best Car Batteries To Buy In 2024

Therefore, if your vehicle is going to be idle for an extended period of time, for example you need to put your recreational vehicle into storage in the winter, consider having a float charger to keep it fully charged.

Also known as trickle chargers, storage chargers, or maintenance chargers, these float chargers prevent excessive self-discharge when your battery isn’t used for a long time.

To prevent this, the charge rate of a float charge is equal to the battery’s natural self-discharge rate.

Most trickle chargers have built-in circuitry to prevent overcharging so you can leave the charger on 24/7 without worrying about overcharging the battery, although some models do not and can damage a battery by overcharging it.

Even though a float charger automatically monitors and charges the battery, it is always recommended that you periodically take a look to make sure that everything is still in good working order.

2. Jump Starter

Portable battery jump starters allow for convenient jump starts without having to connect two cars.

They are becoming increasingly compact too, so you can store them in your vehicle at all times as an emergency tool.

 Maintenance 101 – Best Car Batteries To Buy In 2024

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1. Lead acid batteries

Lead acid batteries must be charged constantly to maintain that charge. Leaving a lead acid battery on the shelf for 6 months will degrade the battery, especially in extreme cold weather.

2. Cold weather

Extreme cold weather is a no no for lead acid batteries and  Lithium Ion batteries. In severe cold weather, a battery can freeze, which will short out the plates and the battery will no longer charge. When a battery freezes, the sides of the box will bulge.

3. Corrosion: Best Car Batteries To Buy

Corrosion is a problem with all batteries. A little Vaseline on the terminals goes a long way to protect against corrosion. Another solution is liquid electrical tape, which creates an airtight seal, but it has to be cut off before removing the battery cable.

4. Cables and Terminals 

The battery can only do its job when the connections are intact. Corroded cables and terminals or loose fitting terminals can limit the alternator’s ability to charge the battery and provide power to the car.

All terminals must fit tightly so that you cannot wiggle them by hand. You have to be careful with side-post terminals, as you can strip the threads and actually break into the case, causing electrolyte to leak out.

5. Load test

While almost all of today’s car batteries are “maintenance-free,” we recommend having your battery load-tested by a mechanic annually once it is 2 years old if you live in a warmer climate or 4 years old if you live in a colder climate.

Doing so tests its ability to hold voltage while being used, and the results will let you know when it’s time to start shopping.  Best Car Batteries To Buy 2024