The Best Car Battery - Brands, Types, Features, and Specifications

Choosing 'the best' car battery can be somewhat confusing, since just like cars, car batteries come in various sizes, shapes and also differ in terminal types and orientation, exact chemistry, CCA/MCA features, battery type, etc.

Picking the right battery means having the battery that will do its job for years to come, without leaving the user stranded with the dead car battery when needed the most.

On This Page:

Battery Types, Features, and Specifications Top 10 Most Popular Car Battery Sizes BCI Group 24 Batteries BCI Group 34/78 Batteries BCI Group 35 Batteries BCI Group 47 (H5, L2, 55L2) Batteries BCI Group 48 (H6, L3, 66L3) Batteries BCI Group 49 (H8, L5, 88L5) Batteries BCI Group 51 and 51R Batteries BCI Group 65 Batteries BCI Group 75 Batteries BCI Group 94R Batteries  Other Battery Groups How to Recharge a Car Battery Frequently Asked Questions

 

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Battery Types, Features, and Specifications

When looking for a new car battery, there are a few things to consider:

- Battery Sizes are defined by BCI Battery Groups, EN codes, and DIN codes. Although the batteries are usually manufactured to the exact battery size standards, it is highly recommended to measure the battery compartment in the car and to check actual battery dimensions before making a purchase - just to be sure.

The following cross-reference chart lists some of the most popular BCI Battery Groups, with their equivalent EN and DIN codes:

As one can see, battery sizes are more or less the same, except for the BCI Groups 48 and 49, which differ somewhat more in the batteries' lengths.

Also, the closest DIN/EN H3, L0, 32L0 battery is BCI Group 12T which is somewhat longer and taller, although there few more groups that are more or less similar in size.

The closest DIN/EN H4, L1, 45L1 batteries are BCI Group 98R (283 x 175 x 190 mm) that can fit into DIN/EN H4, L1, 45L1 battery compartment and BCI Group 94R (315 x 175 x 190 mm) which is somewhat longer.

Again, when replacing the batteries with batteries of another 'size', be sure to check terminal types, their orientation, battery edge, capacity, CCA/MCA ratings, and similar details.

New battery replacement must be as good as or even better than the old car battery.

- Battery Type: car batteries are mostly starting batteries, designed for providing bursts of energy required for starting the engine. These Starting, Lighting, and Ignition (LSI) batteries are the most common type of car battery.

However, due to the increase in power requirements when the engine is turned off, modern starting batteries are more and more designed to tolerate being discharged by audio and other multimedia systems, by security systems, GPS, etc.

Such batteries are essentially dual-purpose batteries and are highly recommended for single battery systems where the battery is heavily used even when the engine is turned off.

- Battery Chemistry: Most car batteries are lead-acid batteries, although lightweight lithium-ion batteries are becoming more and more common.

However, Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are practically maintenance-free batteries, that are much cheaper than lithium-ion batteries.

Wet/flooded lead-acid batteries are being slowly phased out by AGM batteries as starting batteries and by Gel-Cell lead-acid or lithium batteries as deep-cycle batteries in dual battery systems.

Note: some brands also manufacture Gel-Cell starting batteries, but they are not that common.

- Terminal Type and Orientation: Proper terminal types and orientation are required to ensure proper connection of the battery with the car's electrical system.

In the case of the wrong terminal type, one may use special terminal adapters to connect such battery, however, every connection increases electric resistance.

In the case of the wrong terminal orientation, one may use cable extenders that must be rather thick due to the large starting currents.

As one can see, there are solutions for the wrong terminal types and orientation, but getting the battery with the right terminal types and orientation can save a lot of problems.

- Single or Dual Battery Systems: cars with dual battery systems use one starting battery as Starting, Lighting, and Ignition (LSI) battery, and another dual-purpose or deep-cycle battery for powering all other electric and electronic devices while the main engine is turned off. Dual battery systems are more complicated than single battery systems, but they provide an additional level of security - starting battery is never discharged (car-dependent, although most modern cars with dual batteries monitor the condition of both batteries) below the level required for starting of the main engine.

Single battery systems use starting batteries for Starting, Lighting, and Ignition (LSI) and if they require more electric power when the engine is turned off, then the cars feature either advanced starting AGM batteries or pure dual-purpose batteries.

Note: some cars feature backup lead-acid/lithium-ion battery which is not used for powering external loads - these batteries are used for powering onboard computers and the rest of the car's electronics required for normal car's operation when the main battery is dead or for some reason, fully discharged.

- CCA/MCA, RC, Capacity: There are several definitions of the Cold Cranking Amps, Cranking Amps, Marine Cranking Amps, and other features that describe the ability of the batteries to provide electric power. The most common definitions are:

CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) - maximum current that a new, fully charged, 12V battery can deliver for 30 seconds, with the voltage NOT dropping below 7.2V, at 0°F (-18°C).

CA (Cranking Amps) or MCA (Marine Cranking Amps) - maximum current that a new, fully charged, 12V battery can deliver for 30 seconds, with the voltage NOT dropping below 7.2V at 32°F (0°C).

RC (Reserve Capacity) - this value is the number of minutes that a new, fully charged battery (at 80°F, ~25°C) can deliver a 25A current and maintain a voltage above its cut-off value (10.5V for lead-acid batteries).

Capacity (Ah, Amp-hours) - this value describes how many Amps (A) a new, fully charged battery can provide for 20 hours before the voltage drops below a certain level (10.5V for lead-acid batteries).

- Car Battery Brands are numerous, with the most popular ones being (alphabetic order) ACDelco, Bosch, Delphi, DieHard, Exide, NorthStar, Odyssey, Optima, VMAXTANKS, XS Power, etc.

- Battery life depends on numerous details. Lead-acid batteries feature a negative temperature coefficient, and they are in danger of being undercharged during cold winter days and being overcharged during summer hot days.

Summer heat, combined with the heat from the engine shortens the battery life, especially the life of flooded/wet lead-acid batteries, requiring their users to periodically check the level of electrolyte in the cells and if required, requiring them to add distilled water.

Also, mechanical vibrations and impacts additionally damage the batteries, causing plates to wrap or cells to lose electrolyte.

Good car battery lasts usually between 3-5 years, although hot/cold weather can shorten the battery life to 2 years (even that may be questionable in extreme climates). Cars that spend most of the time in garages and are protected from the direct sunlight, can have their batteries last up to 5-7 years.

Which car battery brand is the best? Well, that is rather hard to say, since we all have different requirements.

If the price is not important, then go for NorthStar or Odyssey battery.

If you are looking for a balanced design, but don't mind paying somewhat more, Optima Batteries are a great choice.

Other brands mentioned here offer reliable batteries, balancing well between their prices and performances.

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Top 10 Most Popular Car Battery Sizes

Although there is a large number of potential car battery sizes (100+), 10 most popular battery groups are used in probably at least 95-98% of cars and similar vehicles.

These battery groups include BCI Groups 24, 34/78, 35, 47 (H5, L2, 55L2), 48 (H6, L3, 66L3), 49 (H8, L5, 88L5), 51R, 65, 75, and 94R batteries.

This list does NOT include batteries for Recreational Vehicles (RVs), large trucks, ATVs, industrial batteries, solar, wind, and other off-the-grid batteries and similar.

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BCI Group 24 Batteries

BCI Group 24 batteries feature dimensions of (L x W x H) 10.25 x 6.8125 x 8.875 inches (260 x 173 x 225 mm), but there are other subgroups present as well:

BCI Group Size	L (mm)	W (mm)	H (mm)	L (inches)	W (inches)	H (inches)	Amazon Search
24	260	173	225	10 1/4	6 13/16	8 7/8	Group 24 Battery
24F	273	173	229	10 3/4	6 13/16	9	Group 24F Battery
24H	260	173	238	10 1/4	6 13/16	9 3/8	Group 24H Battery
24R	260	173	229	10 1/4	6 13/16	9	Group 24R Battery
24T	260	173	248	10 1/4	6 13/16	9 3/4	Group 24T Battery

Note: Amazon affiliate links in the chart open in the new windows, feel free to check them.

Physical dimensions of the group 24 batteries are very similar to several other battery groups, allowing these batteries to be used almost interchangeably.

Here is the list of several of such groups with their maximum dimensions (L x W x H):

- Group 78: 10.25 x 7.0625 x 7.6875 inches (26 x 17.9 x 19.6 cm),

- Group 34: 10.25 x 6.8125 x 7.875 inches (26 x 17.3 x 20 cm),

- Group 24: 10.25 x 6.8125 x 8.875 inches (26 x 17.3 x 22.5).

However, group 24 batteries may be easily purchased at most hardware/car stores or online shops and if you do need a new group 24 battery, go for one.

The following chart lists some of the most popular BCI Group 24 batteries:

Note: Amazon affiliate links ('Model' column) open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date prices and offers.

As one can see, BCI Group 24 batteries are mostly deep-cycle and dual-purpose batteries used in cars with dual battery systems.

However, if you need a starting BCI group 24 battery and you are unable to find one, consider getting a starting group 34 battery - they are smaller and lighter, but they are optimized for starting/cranking applications and can provide stronger currents than deep-cycle group 24 batteries.

Note: Amazon affiliate links ('Model' column) open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date prices and offers.

BCI Group 24 batteries feature a nominal capacity of 75-85 Ah, 500-840 CCA, 625-1000 MCA, and RC value between 140 and 180 minutes.

BCI Group 34 batteries feature a nominal capacity of 50-80 Ah, 740-880 CCA, 825-1150 MCA, and RC value between 100 and 160 minutes.

Note: Although it is considered a deep cycle battery, VMAXTANKS XTR34-75 features 1100 HCA (Hot Cranking Amps) - its MCA value of 825 Amps is a value calculated using the formula:

MCA = HCA x 0.75 = 1100 Amps x 0.75 = 825 Amps

It is an approximation, but it shows how the battery strong is.

 

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BCI Group 34/78 Batteries

Since groups 34 and 78 are so similar in dimensions, many manufacturers offer batteries labeled as '34/78' - these batteries feature both top SAE terminals (like group 34 batteries have) and side 3/8" terminals (like group 78 batteries have).

Also, such batteries often have letters 'DT' (Dual Terminals) as part of their labels in order to distinguish them from 'common' group 34 and group 78 batteries.

The following comparison chart lists some of the best and most popular group 78 and group 34/78 batteries with some of their features and specifications:

Note: Amazon affiliate links ('Model' column) open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date prices and offers.

Most popular BCI Group 34/78 batteries are practically all AGM batteries having nominal capacity in the 50-70 Ah range, 740-880 CCA, 870-1050 MCA, and RC values between 100-135 minutes.

As one can see NorthStar and Odyssey 34/78 dual-purpose batteries feature the best performances, although they tend to cost more than other batteries.

Optima 34/78 RedTop battery features excellent starting characteristics and is a robust and very vibration resistant battery.

 

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BCI Group 35 Batteries

BCI Group 35 batteries feature physical dimensions of (L x W x H) 9 1/16 x 6 7/8 x 8 7/8 inches (9.0625 x 6.875 x 8.875 inches, 230 x 175 x 225 mm), while their electrical features depend on the battery design, intended use, chemistry, etc.

The following chart lists the most popular group 35 batteries, with their most important features:

Note: Amazon affiliate links ('Model' column) open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date prices and offers.

Group 35 batteries are medium size batteries, featuring 20h capacity in 44-65 Ah range, 620-850 CCA, 770-950 MCA, RC of 90-130 minutes, etc.

Group 35 batteries are somewhat shorter than group 34 batteries, but are also one inch (25.4 mm) taller - these battery groups feature very similar electrical characteristics, just be sure to check terminal types/orientation and casing/battery compartment size.

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BCI Group 47 (H5, L2, 55L2) Batteries

BCI Group 47 batteries are considered to be equivalent to DIN H5 (L2) and EN 55L2 batteries.

BCI Group 47 batteries feature physical dimensions of 9 11/16 x 6 7/8 x 7 1/2 inches (246 x 175 x 190 mm), while DIN H5 (L2) and EN 55L2 batteries' maximum dimensions are 242 x 175 x 190 mm.

The following chart lists the most popular group 47 batteries, with their most important features:

Note: Amazon affiliate links ('Model' column) open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date prices and offers.

BCI group 47 batteries are not as common as some other battery groups, but ACDelco and Delphi manufacture very similar starting models that feature a nominal capacity of 60Ah, 630 and 600 CCA, and 115 and 100 minutes RC.

XS Power D4700 battery is labeled as a dual-purpose battery, but it is primarily designed for powering strong audio and multimedia systems while the main engine is turned off.

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BCI Group 48 (H6, L3, 66L3) Batteries

BCI Group 48 batteries are considered to be equivalent to DIN H6 (L3) and EN 66L3 batteries.

BCI Group 48 batteries feature physical dimensions of 12 1/16 x 6 7/8 x 7 1/2 inches (306 x 175 x 190 mm), while DIN H6 (L3) and EN 66L3 batteries maximum dimensions are 278 x 175 x 190 mm.

As one can see, there is a difference of around 28 mm (~1.1 inches) in length between these two standards - battery compartments intended for BCI Group 48 batteries are large enough to store DIN H6/L3 (EN 66L3) battery, but the other way around could be problematic.

However, BCI Battery Group 98R batteries feature physical dimensions of 283 x 175 x 190 mm, and are a better match to the DIN H6 (L3) and EN 66L3 batteries - it is also longer, but only by 5 mm (~0.2 inches).

The following chart lists the most popular group 48 batteries, with their most important features:

Note: Amazon affiliate links ('Model' column) open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date prices and offers.

BCI Group 48 (H6, L3, 66L3) batteries feature a nominal capacity of 60 to 70 Ah, 720-800 CCA, 800-930 MCA, and RC values between 120 and 140 minutes.

ACDelco and Delphi group 48 batteries are designed as starting batteries, but they tolerate being discharged with the car's onboard electronics, but not enough to be considered as true dual-purpose batteries.

NorthStar, Odyssey, and Optima group 48 batteries are dual-purpose batteries, being able to crank surprisingly large engines (for dual-purpose batteries) and still be able to tolerate a large number of charging and discharging cycles.

XS Power D4800 is a dual-purpose battery but intended mostly to power audio and other multimedia devices while the engine is turned off.

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BCI Group 49 (H8, L5, 88L5) Batteries

BCI Group 49 batteries are considered to be equivalent to DIN H8 (L5) and EN 88L5 batteries.

BCI Group 49 batteries feature physical dimensions of 13 15/16 x 6 7/8 x 7 1/2 inches (354 x 175 x 190 mm), while DIN H8 (L5) and EN 88L5 batteries maximum dimensions are 354 x 175 x 190 mm.

As one can see, there is practically no difference in battery dimensions.

The following chart lists the most popular group 49 batteries, with their most important features:

Note: Amazon affiliate links ('Model' column) open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date prices and offers.

BCI Group 49 (H8, L5, 88L5) batteries feature a nominal capacity of 80-95 Ah, 850-950 CCA, 975-1150 MCA, and RC values between 160 and 170 minutes.

ACDelco, Bosch, and Deka manufacture rather strong starting group 49 batteries, while Exide and Odyssey offer rather strong dual-purpose batteries that also tolerate deep discharge applications.

XS Power D4900 battery is a dual-purpose battery that can provide plenty of Amps, but it is primarily designed for powering audio and other similar car systems while the engine is turned off.

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BCI Group 51 and 51R Batteries

BCI Groups 51 and 51R batteries feature physical dimensions of 9.374 x 5.0625 x 8.8125 inches (238 x 129 x 223 mm) and are manufactured as Group 51 (positive terminal to the LEFT) and as Group 51R (positive terminal to the RIGHT).

The following chart lists some of the most popular Group 51 and Group 51R batteries, with their most important features:

Note: Amazon affiliate links ('Model' column) open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date prices and offers.

Also, batteries marked with '*' are slightly wider than 5.0625 inches (129 mm). These batteries actually don't belong to Group 51 or 51R, but to the Group 22NF featuring a size of 9.4375 x 5.5 x 8.9375 inches (240 x 140 x 227 mm), but they are nonetheless labeled as Group 51/51R batteries.

Group 51/51R batteries feature a nominal capacity of 38-66 Ah, 320-750 CCA, 390-870 MCA, and RC values between 45 and 135 minutes.

As one can see, these are very different values, since some models are starting batteries, some dual-purpose, and some models are true deep-cycle batteries with thick plates designed to withstand a large number of deep cycle discharges.

 

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BCI Group 65 Batteries

BCI Group 65 batteries feature physical dimensions of (L x W x H) 12 1/2 x 7 1/2 x 7 9/16 inches (12.0625 x 7.5 x 7.5625 inches, 306 x 190 x 192 mm), or for short 12.1 x 7.5 x 7.6 inches.

Most popular BCI Group 65 batteries are given in the following chart:

Note: Amazon affiliate links ('Model' column) open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date prices and offers.

BCI Group 65 AGM batteries feature a nominal capacity of 70-75 Ah, 750-950 CCA, 950-1070 MCA, RC values between 130-150 minutes and they weigh between 45 and 55 pounds (20-25 kg).

BCI Group 65 lithium-ion batteries are not as common as AGM batteries, but they are much lighter, feature a larger capacity, and much longer RC value.

For example, the Renogy RBT100LFP12S-G1 lithium-ion battery features a nominal capacity of 100 Ah, an RC value of 230 minutes, and it weighs only 26 pounds (11.8 kg).

Also, it features a maximum continuous discharge current of 100 Amps, 130 Amps one-minute current, cut-off current of 150 Amps, maximum allowed charging current of 50 Amps, very large number of charging and discharging cycles, and a 5-year limited warranty.

But, it also costs more than AGM Group 65 batteries.

Group 65 1000 CCA Battery - from time to time people ask if there is a group 65 battery being capable of delivering 1000+ CCA Amps.

Well, NorthStar NSB-AGM65 and Odyssey 65-PC1750T batteries are very close to delivering 1000 CCA (930 and 950 CCA respectively), but not even them are able to produce such current at such low temperatures.

If you need 1000+ CCA batteries, please check Other Battery Groups later in this article.

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BCI Group 75 Batteries

BCI Group 75 batteries feature physical dimensions (L x W x H) of 9 1/16 x 7 1/16 x 7 5/16 inches (230 x 179 x 186 mm) and are very similar to physical dimensions of:

- BCI Group 25 Batteries: 9 1/16 x 6 7/8 x 8 7/8 inches (230 x 175 x 225 mm),

- BCI Group 85/86 Batteries: 9 1/16 x 6 13/16 x 8 inches (230 x 173 x 203 mm).

Thus, some manufacturers create batteries with dual-terminals and label them as 75/25 and 75/86 batteries.

The following chart lists some of the most popular group 75, 75/25, and 75/86 batteries:

Note: Amazon affiliate links ('Model' column) open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date prices and offers.

BCI group 75, 75/25, and 75/86 batteries feature a nominal capacity of 44-60 Ah, 620-760 CCA, 770-910 MCA, and RC values between 100 and 110 minutes.

As usual, Optima batteries are lighter than other batteries of the same battery group due to their round wound cells, creating very vibration resistant batteries, but also easily providing very similar CCA and MCA currents like other, heavier batteries.

Odyssey manufactures two batteries in this group (75 and 75/86 batteries) with excellent starting and deep cycle performances - tough and durable, true dual-purpose batteries that come at an acceptable price.

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BCI Group 94R Batteries

BCI Group 94R battery physical dimensions are (L x W x H) 12.4 x 6.9 x 7.5 inches (315 x 175 x 190 mm) and they weigh on average around 52 - 57 pounds (23.6 - 25.8 kg).

Due to their size, most modern group 94R batteries are dual-purpose batteries, featuring a nominal capacity of 75-80Ah, 800-850 CCA, and RC values between 140 and 160 minutes.

The following chart lists some of the most popular group 94R batteries:

Note: Amazon affiliate links ('Model' column) open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date prices and offers.

High-performance group 94R batteries are NorthStar NSB-AGM94R and Odyssey 94R-850, having RC values of 158 and 150 minutes and 840 and 850 CCA respectively.

Surprisingly, NorthStar NSB-AGM94R is not the best 20h performer, featuring a somewhat lower nominal capacity.

Other brands manufacture well-balanced AGM designs, with somewhat lower CCA and RC values, but their batteries also often come at lower prices, when compared with NorthStar and Odyssey batteries.

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Other Battery Groups

There are several other BCI battery groups commonly used in other types of vehicles, in industrial applications, security systems, marine batteries, off-the-grid applications, and similar.

These BCI groups include:

- BCI Group BTX14-BS: physical dimensions (L x W x H) of 5.875 x 3.4375 x 5.75 inches (150 x 87 x 146 mm), 12Ah, 200 CCA - Powersports battery, also labeled as YTX14-BS, CTX14-BS, STX14-BS, PTX14-BS, etc.

- BCI Group 27: physical dimensions (L x W x H) of 12 1/16 x 6 13/16 x 8 7/8 (306 x 173 x 225 mm), 66-110 Ah, 600-1000 CCA, 140-220 minutes RC, 54-70 pounds.

- BCI Group 31: physical dimensions (L x W x H) of 13 x 6 13/16 x 9 7/16 inches (330 x 173 x 240 mm), 75-135 Ah, 600-1150 CCA, 155-240 minutes RC, 60-75 lbs AGM, 28-31 lbs Lithium-ion.

- BCI Group 8D: physical dimensions (L x W x H) of 20 3/4 x 11 1/8 x 9 7/8 inches (527 x 283 x 250 mm), 200-350 Ah, 1450-2250 CCA, 480-780 minutes RC, 128-187 lbs AGM, ~80 lbs Lithium-ion.

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How to Recharge a Car Battery

As long as the car's charging system is working properly, there is no need to additionally charge the battery.

If the battery is discharged for whatever reason (parasite load, lights turned on, etc), and is unable to crank the engine, jump-start the engine and let the alternator recharge the battery for at least 1-2 hours.

However, if the battery is discharged and must be recharged, please check the car's manual:

- some cars don't allow the battery to be recharged while connected to the car's electric system, especially not with advanced battery chargers that feature desulphation charging mode.

- some cars don't allow the battery to be disconnected from the car's electric system, not even if it is discharged and unable to crank the engine.

- some cars feature backup batteries that allow the user to take the main battery out of the car for days, sometimes even weeks, and not bother their users about various pins and potential security issues - some modern cars are just computers with wheels...

- some cars allow the user to remove the battery from the car's electric system but require the user to enter just one security pin after connecting the battery.

After sorting things out how to actually charge the battery (in the car, out of the car), get an advanced car battery charger that charges the car's battery using several charging modes after analyzing the battery.

It is important that such battery charger also features desulphation mode and equalization mode:

- desulphation mode: charger sends spikes of current in order to 'break' deposits of lead-sulfate from the battery's plates.

- equalization mode: charger charges the battery with the constant low current in order to equalize the charge of the individual battery cells.

Note: advanced AGM battery chargers should NOT be used for charging lithium batteries, unless they have a custom 'Lithium Battery Charging Mode'.

Depending on the battery size, AGM battery chargers in the 7-15 Amps range are recommended for charging the car's batteries.

For example, if You have a 75 Ah battery drained down to 50% DoD (Depth of Discharge), 15 Amps AGM battery charger will charge it in slightly more than 3 hours.

If You have a 12-15 Ah Powersports battery, consider using 1-3 Amps battery chargers - AGM and all other batteries have a maximum allowed charging current and if they are charged with stronger currents, their operating time is decreased, to say the least (some batteries may overheat and burst to flames!).

For more information about charging the car's battery, feel free to check our How to Charge a Car Battery article. 

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Best Car Batteries Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most common questions about car batteries, their maintenance, use, types, and similar.

What brand of car battery lasts the longest?

There are numerous car battery brands that offer rather good batteries, including Odyssey, Optima, NorthStar, Exide, Interstate, AcDelco, Delphi, DieHard, Deka, Bosch, Duracell, and similar.

When looking for a new battery, always check the reviews of the particular model, just in case.

How often should you change your car battery?

On average, a car battery lasts 3-5 years. As soon as you notice signs of weak battery (dimmer lights when the engine is Off, slower than usual cranking, etc.) or when there is a warning on a dashboard, take your car to the workshop and let them check the battery and the charging system.

If the battery is old and weak, replace it. If there is an issue with the rest of the electric system, let the certified professionals repair it - in the long run, that is the safest but also the cheapest (believe it or not!) option.

Can a car battery last 7 years?

If the car is regularly driven for longer drives, and if the car is parked in the garage where it is protected from the summer heat and winter cold, then yes, the car battery may last up to 7 or even more years.

But, that is rare. A car battery is just a car part that can be easily replaced - let the car serve you, not vise versa!

Which brand battery is best for cars?

Every car model has recommended car batteries, so choose according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Or go for the batteries that are available locally and that fit your battery compartment and have the same or better features than the old car battery.

How do I know when my car needs a new battery?

Check your dashboard - most modern cars monitor battery and when there is an issue with the battery, they signal that to the user.

Also, if your car has Stop&Go System and the system is automatically deactivated, that can also be a sign of a weak battery.

In the end, there are classic signs of weak battery - dimmer lights when the car engine is Off, slower cranking, and similar.

What shortens the life of a car battery?

Extreme heat can accelerate the self-discharge rate and generally shorten the battery life.

Also, when the car batteries are being charged during summer, the batteries are mostly overcharged and when they are charged during winter, the batteries are mostly undercharged - only very few cars feature alternators and charging controllers that include battery temperature sensors.

Wet/flooded batteries should have the level of the electrolyte checked during summer every month or so - depending on the car use, local temperature, and similar. If required, add distilled water to the cells.

Mechanical impacts and vibrations may also damage the cells both externally (cells may lose the electrolyte) and internally (shortcircuiting the cells).

What is the correct way to recharge a car battery?

If the car battery is for any reason discharged, and if allowed by a car manufacturer, charge the battery while connected to the car electric system using an advanced battery charger that analyzes the battery first.

If the car battery is not allowed to be charged connected to the car electric system, disconnect it and charge it separately using an advanced battery charger.

Note: most modern cars are anything but "happy" when their battery is disconnected - in most cases, one needs a few security pins to start the car, audio, and other car's electric and electronic systems. If You are unsure about your car, do NOT disconnect the car's battery and do NOT charge it directly - take your car to the repair shop and let them do their job ...

What's the voltage of a car battery?

The nominal voltage of the car battery is 12 volts, however, normal car battery voltage should be ≥12.6 volts when the engine is Off and ≥13.6 volts when the engine is On.

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Long Story Short: When looking for your next car battery, check the actual size of your battery compartment, and check your current battery, including its chemistry, type, capacity, CCA, actual size, terminal types, terminal orientation, and how it is secured to the car.

After that, You can consider getting your next battery that features the same or better characteristics and that can be properly charged by the car's onboard charging system.

Note: If You are not into the car DIY activities, consider taking your car to the authorized car workshop, and letting the certified personnel replace the failing car's battery.