In modern times, if you don’t have a solid auto battery, your vehicle will be a sitting duck.
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Getting a battery from a reputable company can last you anywhere from 4-5 years, and in some outlier cases, up to 10. A great car battery is even more important if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions.
Only a well-made battery will give your car the juice it needs to power up through those December snowstorms.
Most people get nervous when they find that they have to buy a car battery, as they can be very expensive upfront.
The beauty is that a one time high payment will keep your vehicle running for years to come.
Don’t even think about purchasing your next car battery before reading our list of the best Costco Auto Batteries on the market!
The 4 Best Bets
#1 Choice - ACDelco 94RAGM Professional AGM Automotive BCI Group 94R Battery
5 Star Editorial Rating!
If you spend your time wandering around hardware stores, you’ve most likely come across an ACDelco brand.
ACDelco makes a mean battery with a high-density negative paste that improves performance and increases battery life. This battery in particular has high cycling capabilities that are incredibly charge-receptive.
This makes it a breeze for the battery to start up your car quickly and easily.
The battery is fairly heavy at 51 pounds, though comes with a folded top handle that makes it easy to carry.
According to ACDelco, the battery is 100% pressure-tested against leaks and is manufactured to protect against corrosion.
If the battery is out of commission within 36 months, ACDelco will replace it free of charge.
Optima Batteries 8020-164 35 RedTop Starting Battery
If you own a hot rod or off roader that requires heavy battery use, the RedTop Starting Battery is a great one to look into.
This is a pretty hardcore battery that is built to prevent leaks and spills. Rated at 720 cranking amps, you’ll have no issue starting your vehicle in harsher conditions.
Unlike most of the other batteries on the list, the unique SpiralCell design on this battery provides strong and clean power that ensures ultimate safety.
The battery weighs in at only 31 pounds, though doesn’t come equipped with a carrying handle. In all, it is an excellent choice for giving your vehicle the juice it needs.
Odyssey PC925 Automotive and LTV Battery
Another great brand you may have seen while wandering around your local hardware store is Odyssey.
This battery has been designed to keep up with the times as cars are becoming more electronically dependent.
The plates are made of pure virgin lead unlike lead alloy in most batteries meaning it has more plates available. According to Odyssey, the battery also has a 70% longer cycle life compared to other conventional deep cycle batteries.
The mounting capabilities are very flexible as it is made with a non-spill design that resists against mechanical vibration and high impact shock.
Rated at 330 cold cranking amps and has come with the highest recharge efficiency than any other sealed lead acid battery on the market.
This battery is great for anything from everyday vehicles, to classic cars, to high-performance and off-road.
It also packs 15% more plate surface space into the case compared to spiral wound batteries.
Optima Batteries 8020-160 35 RedTop Starting Battery
Very similar to the 164 model on our list, The Optima 8025 160 Red Top Battery is easily one of the best batteries on the market for cars, trucks, and SUVs.
There are many qualities that make this battery an excellent choice. For starters, it comes at an excellent price point for the amount of power it put out and lifespan it has.
With 720 Cold Cranking Amps, it’s the perfect battery for extremely hot or cold weather conditions. It’s also far lighter than most heavy-duty car batteries at only 39 pounds.
If you’re looking for a battery with constant performance, even in the aforementioned extreme weather conditions, the 90-minute reserve capacity makes it an excellent candidate.
This bad boy works well with almost any consumer vehicle you could think of and is truly an amazing battery.
FAQ
Should I spend a lot of money on a car battery or try and find a cheap one?
This totally depends on how much time you plan on keeping the vehicle you have and the service in your area. Generally, you’ll want to find the battery with the longest warranty as those are the ones that you won’t have to worry about when they go dead at the worst possible time. It also depends on your environment. If you’re living in the frozen mountains of Colorado, you’ll probably need a stronger, more durable battery to give you the juice, as opposed to someone living in Southern California. Therefore, it’s wise to put more money into your battery. In all, there aren’t any MAJOR differences between big brand companies. Just make sure to have good battery connection in your car and watch for any corrosion.
How long should a good battery last?
Typically, most car batteries will last anywhere from 3-5 years, though can change slightly depending on the manufacturer. A battery’s death isn’t only dependent on mileage as it can die even when sitting in your garage. Regardless, it is best to replace your battery every 4 years as best practice.
From someone who knows next to nothing about cars, what are the main components I should look for in buying a battery?
Like we mentioned before, the warranty should be strong. You’ll want to have a good reserve capacity. Reserve capacity is essentially the juice that will keep things like your lights running in your car even when it is turned off. You’ll want enough cold cranking amps so you don’t have to crank a million times to start up your car on cold mornings. Maintenance-free batteries are typically more consumer friendly as well since you don’t have to top them off with distilled water.
How do I know what battery is best for the climate that I live in?
Most people never check this out, but most batteries are labeled with an “S” for south that are best at enduring high level heat or “N” for north that are best for enduring very low level heat with higher level cold cranking amps.
How do I know if my car battery is dying?
There are a few signs that can tell you if it is time to change your car battery. First off and most commonly, you car will take more cranks than normal to start if the battery is bad. If it doesn’t crank at all and just makes a clicking sound, you know for certain that it is time to change. Secondly, if your electrical components such as lights or windshield wipers aren’t working at their full potential, that is a battery issue. Thirdly, if you leave your car sitting for a long time, you might notice your battery starting to swell and bulge. If the internal electronics become exposed, your battery will be deemed technically dead. Lastly, if you hit the 4-year point, know that your battery is probably on its last leg and it is time to go and get it tested.
