Looking for the best car battery? Then you’re on the right page now.
If you own a good car such as a Ford, a BMW or a Honda and one morning it suddenly stops working, what will you do?
You may start itching your head and start to wonder what went wrong.
Well, don’t worry and don’t feel pressured. This happens due to a faulty car battery.
Even though most drivers dedicated to their cars do not pay much attention to the car battery until and unless it fails.
Throughout the lifespan of your car you must change the batteries at least once or twice, and when choosing the batteries, you must pick the best car batteries.
This will help to save you from falling in the loop of replacing and purchasing batteries.
How We Tested The Best Car Batteries Before This Review?
We made sure to pick out the 7 most popular and best car batteries present in the market today. Compiled out their excellent features in regards to what makes them the best and even made a list of the pros and cons.
Before jumping and buying yourself a battery, try to educate yourself on the best car battery with this review. Understand the types of car batteries and their features. Keep on reading and choose from our top seven car batteries.
Don’t have enough time to read the whole review?
Don’t worry!! Below are the 3 out of the 7 best choices that I’ve picked out for you:
| Best of The Best | Best Value | Also Great | |
 |  |  |
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 (4.4 / 5) | (4.4 / 5) |  (4.8 / 5) |
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Optima | ODYSSEY | XS Power |
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9 5/16”x 6 13/16”x 7 5/8” | 13.5”x 11”x 9.6” | 14” x 10” x 9.5” |
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10A | 55A | 3,900A |
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12V | 12V | 12V |
|
620 CCA | 850 CCA | 1070 CCA |
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Deep cycle And Starting | Deep cycle And Starting | Deep Cycle |
|
Let’s see why they are recommended!
Best of the Best: Optima Batteries 8040-218 D35 YellowTop Deep Cycle & Starting Car Battery
(4.4 / 5)Optima D35 battery is the best of the best when choosing the best car batteries.
It gives extra performance along with deep cycling capabilities that are needed by your vehicle.
This battery has multiple accessories that make it great for your automobile.
The unique design helps in providing your car with a clean and strong power source and also makes sure that it is safe for you.
Some examples of the usage of this battery are racing vehicles that do not have any charging system and diesel-powered vehicles.
Summary Specs:
- Brand: Optima
- Types: Absorbed Glass Mat
- What for? Starting Battery and Deep Cycle
- CCA: 720
- Amps: 10A
- Voltages: 12V
Best Value: Odyssey 35-PC1400T 850 CCA Automotive & LTV Battery
(4.4 / 5)Odyssey batteries offer amazing features and deep cycling capabilities that your car needs.
This battery is great for everyday use and even emergency’s and has specialized power demands.
The price for these batteries is what makes it even better, apart from having great functions and electronics it even has a great price tag.
Summary Specs:
- Brand: Odyssey
- Types: Absorbed Glass Mat
- What for? Deep Cycling And Starting Car Batteries
- CCA: 850
- Amps: 55A
- Voltages: 12V
Also Great: XS Power D6500 12V 3,900 Amps CCA 1070 AGM Car Battery
(4.8 / 5)XS Battery is also great for every form of a car.
It has a wide range of selection that you can choose from. This battery can be used in many cars and even used in boats.
This battery is great for standard cars and is able to power up the high stereo system.
It is also ideal for racing cars and classic, antique cars.
Summary Specs:
- Brand: XS Power
- Types: Absorbed Glass Mat
- What for? Deep Cycling
- CCA: 1070
- Amps: 3,900 Max
- Voltages: 12V
Want to read more about the whole 7 products in the list?
Let’s dive into the details now and learn why these are the best Car Batteries.
The 7 Best Car Batteries included in this list are:
#1. Optima Batteries 8004-003 12-Volt, 800 CCA Red-Top Car Starting Battery
#2. Optima Batteries 8040-218 D35 12-Volt, 620 CCa Yellow-Top Deep-Cycle and Starting Car Battery
#3. Optima Batteries 8025-160 25 12-Volt 720 CCA Red-Top Starting Car Battery
#4. Odyssey 35-PC1400T 850 CCA Automotive & LTV Battery
#5. Odyssey 34-PC1500T 850 CCA Automotive & LTV Battery
#1. Optima Batteries 8004-003 12-Volt, 800 CCA Red-Top Car Starting Battery
(4.4 / 5)This high-performance battery is designed in a way that it is able to deliver a strong burst of ignition power needed whenever starting your car. It is incredibly reliable and can endure high launches, tricky corners, and even race.
This high-performance battery is designed in a way that it is able to deliver a strong burst of ignition power needed whenever starting your car. It is incredibly reliable and can endure high launches, tricky corners, and even race.
This battery can be used for a truck, car and even other applications. Optima is a multi-purpose battery and can outlast many other batteries due to its incredible design.
It has high power delivery, is resistant to common causes of battery failure and can live up to twice its life without undergoing any maintenance.
The reputation that this battery holds is due to its SpiralCell Technology. The heart of Optima batteries contains spiral wound cells that have two lead plates coated with lead oxide. This unique manufacturing technology controls precision and also maintains performance and quality of these batteries.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- You no longer have to fret about any acid leaks or spills.
- Is very reliable and do not require continuous maintenance.
- Has a 36-month warranty
Cons
- Are not long lasting.
- The voltage drops when starting the car.
Summary Specs:
- Brand: Optima
- Types: Absorbed Glass Mat
- What for? Starting
- CCA: 800
- Amps: 10A
- Voltages: 12V
Who is it built for?
This battery is great for heavy starting equipment’s that need to be started. It can also work great with normal engines and other stock vehicles.
#2. Optima Batteries 8040-218 D35 12-Volt, 620 CCA Yellow-Top Deep-Cycle & Starting Car Battery
(3.8 / 5)Optima D25 Yellow Top is another great battery and is on our list of best car batteries. The reason for this is the amazing features this car battery has; it has a reserve capacity for great performance for more than an hour.
Optima D25 Yellow Top is another great battery and is on our list of best car batteries. The reason for this is the amazing features this car battery has; it has a reserve capacity for great performance for more than an hour.
It has an optimal starting power even in harsh conditions and is extremely robust and resistant. Optima YellowTop is a dual purpose battery and has high-quality cranking power and is great for modern vehicles.
The unique manufacturing process of the SpiralCell technology in YellowTop battery is the secret to the success of Optima. These spiral-wound cells maintain the quality and performance of your car. These cells also monitor temperatures, automatic processes, and humidity.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The gel batteries resist vibration which helps these batteries to become long-lasting.
- Not very costly.
- Comes with a spacer due to which it can fit any car.
Cons
- The quality of the battery may decline after some time.
- Can be too wide so might not be a perfect fit for most cars.
It can also be used for heavy equipment and commercial vehicles due to its deep-cycle power and starting factor.
#3. Optima Batteries 8025-160 25 12-Volt 720 CCA Red-Top Starting Car Battery
(4 / 5)Just like the above Optima batteries, Optima 8025-160 is a high performance starting battery. it has a very impressive power delivery and is very resistant to common causes of failure. It can resist vibration up to 15 ties and is spillproof.
Just like the above Optima batteries, Optima 8025-160 is a high performance starting battery.
It has a very impressive power delivery and is very resistant to common causes of failure.
It can resist vibration up to 15 ties and is spillproof.
This battery can be mounted in multiple positions and does not require constant maintenance.
It can get recharged very fast which makes it a great fit for vehicles used every day.
Its SpiralCell technology contributes to its ground-breaking performance and monitors its humidity, temperature and other automatic processes.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Long lasting battery and can work for a long time.
- This battery does not leak and leaves no rusting behind it.
- No battery acid that you will have to worry about.
Cons
- You cannot use a top guard with this battery and will need a strap to fix it.
- Installation can be tricky for beginners
Summary Specs:
- Brand: Optima
- Types: Absorbed Glass Mat
- What for? Starting Battery
- CCA: 620
- Amps: 10A
- Voltages: 12V
Who is it built for?
Due to the great demand for power, reliability and resistant to causes of battery failure; this battery can be great for everyone use. Its battery can be used in SUVs, hot rods, trucks, streetcars and more.
#4. Odyssey 35-PC1400T 850 CCA Automotive & LTV Battery
(4.4 / 5)This battery contains a higher number of plates which means more surface area and thus provides your car with more power.
Odyssey batteries aim at delivering high-quality performance and groundbreaking starting power. It has the deep cycling capabilities that most cars require along with rapid recovery as well.
These batteries can keep up with the change in vehicles whether it’s an everyday use vehicle or an emergency use vehicle.
In addition, Odyssey contains a higher number of plates which means more surface area and thus provides your car with more power.
The plates in this are made from virgin lead that is pure instead of lead alloy. These plates provide you with optimized recycles and an absorbed glass mat design; this design helps in getting rid of any acid spill.
It also helps in providing batteries with resistant to corrosion, greater conductivity, a self-regulating relief valve and a strong connection to the internal cell. This connection helps in preventing any vibrating damage.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has a long working life.
- Is incredibly instant in cold days and extreme weather conditions.
- Is great for running equipment such as a large stereo system.
Cons
- Can be slightly pricey as compared to lead-acid
- You will need a super capacity alternator with this battery.
- You need to purchase an Odyssey charger to keep in charge.
Who is it built for?
Odyssey batteries can not only be used for everyday vehicles but are also great for a wide range of antique and classic cars. It can also work perfectly in high-performance cars, Off-Road, 4×4 and vehicles that have been modified.
#5. Odyssey 34-PC1500T 850 CCA Automotive & LTV Battery
(4 / 5)These batteries are able to pack more surface area in a smaller pack and eliminate dead space. This leads to more power and more reserve capacity.
Odyssey batteries work on delivering strong starting power and have deep cycling capabilities as well. Odyssey batteries can work easily on everyday vehicles and even for emergency use. They have twice the overall power, and the life of conventional batteries can live for three times more.
Odyssey manufacturing consists of virgin lead plates that help in increasing the surface area. Its AGM design gets rid of acid spills and provides these batteries with corrosion resistance and greater conductivity.
These batteries are able to pack more surface area in a smaller pack and eliminate dead space. This leads to more power and more reserve capacity.
Due to its high power feature, this battery is great for running vehicles with multiple accessories.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It can work easily in extreme temperatures.
- Has a long storage life and a service life.
- These batteries prevent the loss of float charge capacity and have no extra voltage.
Cons
- Is incredibly heavy.
- Can be costly for most.
Summary Specs:
- Brand: Odyssey
- Types: Absorbed Glass Mat
- What for? Deep Cycling And Starting Car Batteries
- CCA: 850
- Amps: 55A
- Voltages: 12V
Voltages- 12V
Who is it built for?
Odyssey batteries are great for a wide range of every day using vehicles; it is ideal for antique, classic, 4×4, off-road and altered vehicles.
#6. XS Power D6500 12V 3,900 Amps CCA 1070 AGM Car Battery
(4 / 5)These batteries feature an AGM design that is sealed and prevents spilling of acid. This leak-proof design and the absence of external vents allow this battery to fit in multiple locations.
XS Power D6500 is a 12-volt deep cycle battery perfect for cars with a large audio system.
XS Power batteries feature an AGM design that is sealed and prevents spilling of acid. This leak-proof design and the absence of external vents allow this battery to fit in multiple locations.
D6500 can be used instead of your standard battery in your vehicle. You can also use it as an additional battery to provide extra power to your car for better performance.
The maximum output of this battery is very high which makes it ideal to crank up the highest performing engines.
XS Power is able to withstand extreme weather conditions and vibrations; protecting it from damage.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Entirely replace your OEM battery,
- Can supply a higher amount of power,
- There is no risk of an acid leak,
- Ultra low internal resistance,
Cons
- Costly,
Who is it built for?
With the high power output this battery has, it can be used for your standard car. XS Power can also be used for vehicles with a greater number of appliances such as stereos and car audio. This battery is an ideal choice for racing cars.
#7. XS Power D3400R 12V CCA 1000 Car Battery
(4.3 / 5)D3400R has AGM design and makes use of fibrous material to hold the liquid electrolyte with the lead plates. Since the electrolyte gets absorbed in the material, there is no acid leak.
XS Power 12 Volt is designed to be used as an enhancement in your vehicle; it helps in enhancing your power source providing you with more power.
It can also entirely replace your OEM battery. D3400R has the ability to supply a higher amount of power needed to run a high-powered stereo system.
D3400R has AGM design and makes use of fibrous material to hold the liquid electrolyte with the lead plates. Since the electrolyte gets absorbed in the material, there is no acid leak.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Replace your OEM battery completely,
- Can supply a much higher amount of power,
- There will not be any acid leak,
- M6 Terminal Hardware Included,
Cons
- Most people cannot afford this product,
Summary Specs:
- Brand: XS Power
- Types: Absorbed Glass Mat
- What for? Deep Cycling
- CCA: 1,000
- Amps: 3,300 Max
- Voltages: 12V
Who is it built for?
This battery is great for standard cars and is able to power up the high stereo system. It is also ideal for racing cars and classic, antique cars.
Best Car Batteries Buying Guide
Which Type Of Battery Should I Buy?
Even though car batteries have the same purpose, they do come in different shapes and sizes. They also have different types that have a slight effect on the power they provide. Some commonly used auto batteries are:
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Deep Cycle
Deep cycle batteries are able to provide powerful power to your car. They have the ability to do this over a long period of time which makes these batteries ideal for various vehicles. They can be great for golf carts, electric vehicles, and even marine mobiles.
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Starting, Lighting, and Ignition (SLI)
SLI is one of the most common batteries and is usually used by most cars. As the name clearly suggests, these batteries help in starting your car. They provide power to your ignition as well as radio, lights and other accessories.
These batteries have a weak charge cycle and can provide power shortly, so you do not have to charge them frequently.
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Lithium Ion
Li-ion batteries are very handy and can store a lot of energy. These batteries are lightweight, get charged rapidly and are very compact. However, these batteries are not compatible with many vehicles; which makes them very uncommon.
These batteries are great for electric cars and hybrid and are now slowly growing in number. They do have a short lifespan which makes them very unpopular for people.
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Wet Cell
The flooded and wet cell batteries are one of the most affordable batteries. This cheap value is because they do not have a long life cycle. These batteries require high maintenance; this maintenance is in order to replace lost electrolyte.
These batteries have a liquid that creates the battery electrolyte- this is why they are called flooded batteries and wet.
What Battery Size Will Fit My Car?
You cannot negotiate on getting your car the perfect battery fit. If you purchase an auto battery that does not fit your car, then you may cause damage to your car’s components. A weak fitted battery will lack power making it worthless. To find the right battery, it is important that you pay attention to the size of the battery and its terminal.
Mentioned below are the sizes of battery for different vehicle models:
| Size | Type Of Vehicle |
|---|---|
| 75 | Great for mid-sized and compact cars such as Chrysler vehicles. Good for general motor cars as well. |
| 65 | Fit for large cars such as SUVs and trucks; Lincoln, Mercury, and Ford. |
| 35 | Most Japanese cars such as Honda, Subaru, Nissan, and Toyota. |
| 34/78 | Large cars such as SUVs, large Sedans from the year 1996 to 2000. Also good for large Chrysler cars. |
| 51R | Great for Japanese cars for, e.g., Mazda, Honda, and Nissan. |
| 49 (H8) | Ideal for Asian and European cars including Mercedes, Audi, Hyundai, and BMW. |
| 48 (H6) | American and European cars such as Jeep, Volvo, Chevy, Cadillac, BMW and more. |
| 47 (H5) | Chevy, Buick and Volkswagen cars. |
| 24/24 F | Great for Honda, Infiniti, Nissan, Lexus, and Toyota vehicles. |
Features To Look For In A Car Battery:
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Capacity
Your battery must provide enough amperage that it can power all your electrical devices. It is advised that you choose a battery that has more capacity than what you demand. This will avoid it from being overloaded and also avoid overworking.
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Cold Cranking Amp
The best car battery must provide sufficient cold cranking amp (CCA). This is very important in cold weathers and other extreme weather conditions. Chilly weathers decrease the effectiveness of the electrolyte, and the charge is drawn increases.
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Fresh Battery
Avoid buying batteries that are fresh. This means that any battery with a manufacturing date of more than 6 months earlier should be avoided. The reason for this is, a new battery loses its strength and potential when it is stored.
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Reserve Capacity
The best car battery will allow your car engine to be cranked before it drains out. So your battery must have a large reserve capacity with it.
Battery Charging: How To Do It
To charge your car battery properly makes sure that you first connect your charger to your battery. First, check that your battery cells are accessible and not sealed. Check the electrolyte level of your battery and if needed use distilled water to fill it up.
Make sure that your battery terminals are free from corrosion and clean. Refer to your charging manual in regards to the voltage of your battery. Then disconnect your battery and its terminal from your cars electrical system. Connect your chargers positive cable with your battery’s positive terminal and same for the negative cables.
Once your charger gets plugged in, turn it on. The ammeter will indicate if your battery is charging or not.
FAQS
Q: What voltage do you need to charge a battery?
A: A 12V car battery needs at least 12.9 volts to charge. You can charge it at higher voltages as well. The only thing that you should keep in mind is that you shouldn’t charge the battery fully. Monitor the battery to make sure not to overcharge it.
Q: Can a car battery freeze in harsh winter?
A: Yes, a car battery can freeze in cold weather. This is because when a battery is fully discharged, the sulfate ions in the electrolyte are consumed and only water remains. This water can freeze. If such is the case, you need to warm up the battery before charging it up.
Q: Water should be added before or after charging to the battery?
A: You should add water to your battery before charging it.
Q: How much water should be present inside the battery?
A: You should fill the battery up to the level of indication given on the battery.
Q: What is the voltage at which a battery is completely discharged?
A: When its voltage is less than 10V, the battery is empty.
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