No car would be complete without its battery, making it one, if not the most important component of an automotive vehicle. Not only that it’s used to start your car, but it’s also responsible for providing power for your electronics. That said, it’s wise to invest in any of the 7 Best Car Battery for the money 2021.
With all the products online, it would be confusing for an average consumer to choose the best unit for them. Here are seven of the best ones we can find.
Top 7 Best Car Battery for the money 2021
#1 Optima Batteries RedTop (8004-003 34/78)
Want some hotrod level of power? This Optima Battery RedTop could be an ideal unit. It’s engineered to give you an astonishing starting ability for your heavy use demands. SUVs, sedans, trucks, even hot rods can benefit from this model.
Boosted cranking
The beauty of this Optima lies in how it can give you high power cranking ability even during unfriendly weather. Expect to have a strong burst of cranking power and can withstand harsh gravity conditions.
Reliable during harsh conditions
Imagine having a battery you can rely on every driving condition. Extreme corners, hard launches, bumpy roads. This battery can withstand all of that.
SpiralCell
This battery is designed to act as a clean power source without sacrificing power. A longer shelf-life is ensured by the higher reserve capacity. It’s a promising feature as you won’t have to worry about running out of power in times when you need it the most.
Overall
This Optima RedTop is an ideal battery if you want something that can give you a strong and stable power. Being maintenance-free is yet another perk of this model – probably the best part for some.
Pros:
• Maintenance-free
• Impressive vibration resistance
• Good tech behind
Cons:
• Warranty concerns
#2 Optima Batteries YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery (8014-045 D34/78)
Excellent cranking power and deep-cycle capability are just two of the many features you can enjoy. Material is polypropylene and has a reserve capacity of two hours.
Deep Cycle
Premium cranking power is something a lot of vehicles can benefit from. You can depend on this one both in hot and cold weather.
Optimal Starting
Just like the previous RedTop, this YellowTop also boosts a high starting capability and impressively fifteen times more resistant to vibration. That said, off-road tracks and unforgiving road conditions shouldn’t be a problem when using this battery.
SpiralCell
You also get to have the SpiralCell feature you’re already familiar with due to the previous product featured. This technology means clean power for the environment and safety for you as well as your passengers.
Longevity
Since this unit can resist vibration fifteen (15) times more than conventional brands, it also means the unit can last up to three (3) times longer than ordinary ones.
Red versus Yellow
You might be wondering about the difference between this YellowTop and the previously featured RedTop. The YellowTop boasts deep cycle, meaning you can dedicate the battery for heavy demands including vehicles with high wattage electrical systems such as big sound systems that draw a lot of power.
The RedTop, on the other hand, is for the other vehicles on the road. The temperature range is not much of a difference between the two. Among the two, the YellowTop has a higher risk of shorting if not cycled or charged properly.
Pros:
• Leak-proof
• Longer life
• For high demands
• Maintenance-free
Cons:
• Warranty issues
#3 Optima YellowTop (8012-021 D34)
This model is similar to the previous YellowTop only that it has no side terminals, but it’s really not a downside. Having a top terminal means it will fit large SUVs, trucks, and bigger cars.
More startup power
With 750 CCA, you get one of the strongest startup powers that you can depend on in different conditions. Bad weather and cold mornings should no longer be a problem.
Heavy duty
While this Optima looks like a humble YellowTop battery, there’s more to it than meets the eye. Deep-cycle, longer life, and 15 times more resistive to vibration mean you get a dependable battery for your needs.
Overall
This YellowTop from Optima is designed for vehicles that have lots of electronics. If you have a touch screen head unit, multiple LCDs, or surround sound speakers, you need something that can support all your electric stuff.
Pros:
• Great for higher electrical demands
• Ideal for larger vehicles
Cons:
• Claims of failing performance
#4 Odyssey Automotive and LTV Battery (65-PC1750T)
Longevity is something this Odyssey boasts. This one ranges with 3-10 service life years. Also, if you’re looking for a battery that has a high CCA rating, this unit makes an ideal option.
For large vehicles
Larger vehicles require a higher CCA than typical small-to-middle-size ones. You can opt with this Odyssey if you require a massive starting power. Deep cycling capability and rapid recovery demands are more things you can expect from this brand.
All-around use
Modern vehicles are now loaded with more electrical systems than the previous generation. Sound systems, head units, electrical accessories, more lights, and auto computers are examples of things that draw power from your battery. That said, you really need to supply them with the power they need.
Great engineering
This Odyssey is not composed of lead alloys like most batteries in the market. Instead, this one is crafted with pure virgin lead and has more plates inside. Note that more plates equal more surface area which means more power.
Overall
While the Odyssey is ideal for large vehicles, this battery can also be used for almost every type of vehicle including 4×4, off-road, everyday cars, and even the classic and antique.
Pros:
• More plate surface area
• More power
Cons:
• warranty concerns
#5 DieHard Advanced Gold AGM (38232 Group 34)
Another battery engineered for longevity, the DieHard Advanced is one of the leading gold batteries you can buy today. This one’s ideal for both trucks and regular cars.
More vibration resistant
While you may be impressed with some batteries with their vibration-resistant capabilities, DieHard claims their batteries are 20 times more resistant than conventional competitors in the market.
Great power and strength
AGM technology runs through this battery. You can also expect extreme longevity with this one. With the tech behind this battery, this one can withstand the extreme temperatures of our planet today.
Good Design
The enhanced electrolyte suspension system and full-frame positive & negative plates all work in coalesce to:
• Protect internal components
• Prevent deteriorating electrical shorts
More cycle life
Longer life means more protection. Since this battery is designed to withstand even the harshest vibrations, you can expect it to have twice the cycle life compared to conventional batteries.
Overall
This Gold Battery is ideal for a lot of applications from regular cars to trucks and even RVs and marine use. It’s mountable on any position, leak-proof, and maintenance-free. All the things that you would want for a car battery.
Pros:
• 20x vibration resistance
• Enhanced longevity
• Mountable in any position
Cons:
• Compatibility issues with some models
#6 Odyssey (PC1200LMJT)
Another one from Odyssey, this unit has got some serious power to boast. For starters, this one promises a longer life just like the other models from the same brand. Its cycle life can be 70 percent longer than typical deep cycle batteries in the market.
Flexible mounting
Some perks you’ll enjoy when having this battery include vibration resistance, no-leak design, and tough construction that can withstand mechanical vibration and impact.
Fast recharge
Odyssey also claims this battery has got the fastest recharge efficiency among sealed lead batteries on the market. In a matter of 4-6 hours, you can already expect the battery to reach a hundred percent recharge.
Temperature resistant
Multiple scientific studies support that Earth has been getting hotter and hotter each year. With that, you need a car battery that can withstand the rising temperatures of this planet. This Odyssey is designed to tolerate not just the hottest temperatures but also the coldest – from -40 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) to 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius).
Pros:
• Hot and cold temp-resistant
• Fastest recharge
• Longer life
Cons:
• Claims of bad customer service
#7 NorthStar Pure Lead Automotive Battery (NSB-AGM 34/78)
A pure lead AGM34/78 battery, this one from NorthStar makes an ideal alternative to some expensive batteries. With this unit, you can take additional loads without worrying. Further, this one’s compatible not just with small cars but also larger SUVs and trucks as well.
Boosted power
This battery has got one of the highest cold-cranking amps in the list at a staggering 880 CCA. That way, you can easily start your car during the cold season and the toughest weather.
Overall
If you want a high-quality battery that’s made in the US, this NorthStar has got the right power to impress you. While this model comes at a premium price, this model is an ideal investment for someone who wants a battery that won’t fail in times of need.
Pros:
• Very high CCA
• Premium performance
• Fast recharge
Cons:
• Might be expensive for some
Guide and FAQ’s
How to Diagnose a Dead Car Battery?
You woke up and rushed your daily routine because you don’t want to be late for work. Now you went to your garage, went inside your car, took a deep breath, only to find out your car won’t start. Is it a dead battery? You can’t always be sure. Here are some signs on how to tell your battery’s dead.
Engine cranks but doesn’t start
You tried igniting your key but your car only cranks and doesn’t start. While it might be your starter or your alternator, more than 90% of the time it’s because of your battery.
An engine cranking is a tricky symptom. You can use an ammeter and it can say your battery’s good but it can still be a few volts short of what your car needs to start.
Car won’t start and won’t crank
Pretty straightforward. Now this one’s a clear sign that your battery is indeed dead. Your battery is the source of all your electricals, so if none of them works, it can only mean one thing.
Signs of a dying battery
Diagnosing an already dead battery is a relatively easy thing to do. The more important thing to look out for is when it’s still “dying.” There are multiple signs of a dying battery.
Pre-startup
• One day battery is good, the next day it’s not
• No lights at all after ignition (from the dashboard to external light accessories)
• Battery dies when the engine is in idle for 15mins or 30mins
• Battery requires jumping every week or earlier
• Car won’t start even after replacing alternator and starter
During Startup
• Lights and accessories dim
• Car won’t start even after multiple attempts
• Accessories belt squeals when starting
• Hard time starting; needs multiple attempts before the car starts
While Driving
• Experiences rough idle in city drive (example: traffic stops)
• Squealing of accessories belt when hauling or driving uphill
• Car electronics shut down intermittently (head unit, radio, etc.)
• Accessories and lights blink or dim when accelerating
How long does a car battery last for?
There is no universal answer as to how long car batteries last, but it highly depends on your usage and its ability to get recharged. The moment it can’t be recharged, it’s already dead.
2-5 years for average cars
Multiple factors are affecting the longevity of car batteries, including temperature and humidity.
Let’s say these factors don’t exist and that your battery is permanently in good condition – no extreme humidity, no high temperatures, always a perfect environment for a car battery – you can expect it to last for six (6) years.
Unfortunately, those factors do exist in the real world and therefore affect your battery life. The more realistic answer is – a battery can last for an average of two (2) to five (5) years.
Up to 8 years for hybrid cars
This one’s a whole different story. A hybrid car’s battery can impressively last for up to eight years before you’d have to replace it.
Top car battery brand?
# Optima Batteries
This US brand boasts how they engineered the quit out of their batteries. A single battery has to go through a series of “ultimate torture tests” before passing.
Optima is now 40 years in the industry and revolutionized its unique Spiral Cell Technology. It’s a feature that delivers a strong yet clean power source. A win-win for both the consumer and the environment.
The Spiral Cell Technology is a group of individual spiral-wound cells consisting of pure (99.99%) dual lead plates precisely coated with lead oxide. The result is a special kind of battery design that can easily beat typical flat-plate batteries.
# Odyssey by EnerSys
With over 100 years of battery experience, EnerSys manufactures Odyssey batteries and is one of the leading brands of stored energy solutions boasting not just automotive but industrial and military applications as well. EnerSys has manufacturing facilities in 17 countries, making it a powerful provider of automotive, heavy-duty, Powersports, and marine service and parts.
# DieHard by Sears
The name really rings a bell especially when you’re a fan of Bruce Willis. Die Hard batteries are the culmination of nine years of intensive research and development done by Sears to produce the batteries a lot of people are using today.
Sears made a breakthrough in the automotive battery replacement category by introducing the DieHard in 1967. This is a translucent plastic that is both thin-walled but really tough. So thin that it’s 50 percent thinner than typical battery enclosures (black and rubber-type).
With their kind of engineering, Sears is able to make a battery that has more acid, bigger plates, and greater starting power.
Conclusion
Now it’s a matter of choosing a specific unit that’s compatible with your make and model. Whether you have a large truck or a compact sedan, you can choose any of the 7 best car battery to buy 2021.
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