Car batteries are essential parts of any vehicle, and getting the best value for your money is important to avoid headaches. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all due to diverse factors, and it all comes down to preference and quality control. We have assembled an inclusive list of battery brands you might want to avoid and a few worth investing in.
Worst Options:
Duralast
Despite being sold by major retailers like AutoZone, Duralast batteries have faced criticism regarding their reliability and longevity. Consumers have reported issues such as premature failure, difficulty maintaining a charge, and poor performance. As a result, Duralast batteries have developed a reputation for failing to meet some users’ expectations.
Optima Batteries
Optima Batteries, a brand with a rich history in the industry, has recently faced some challenges. Despite its legendary status, recent reviews have raised concerns about quality control. Some users have reported problems with their units holding a charge, leading to unexpected breakdowns. While these cases are concerning, it’s important to remember that every brand can experience temporary setbacks, and we hope that Optima will address these concerns promptly.
Exide
The Exide brand has been making waves due to its cozy relationship with numerous outfits and influencers. Despite the hype, reliability concerns have been raised within the automotive space. Multiple users have reported longevity problems and iffy performances in extreme weather conditions. Luckily, it’s not a blanket issue, so checking the model’s reviews is advisable before picking it up.
AutoCraft
Thanks to the massive number of mixed reviews, it’s hard to criticize or praise AutoCraft batteries. Several users swear by their performance and reliability, while others report premature failure and difficulty holding a charge. Despite their availability and competitive pricing, inconsistent quality has led to customer skepticism.
ACDelco
ACDelco was the go-to brand for most people for quite some time, but the company’s recent releases could have been better. Cases of unreliable performance and decreased lifespans have increased, allowing the competition to take over and surpass this beloved battery brand. That said, the cases are limited to select models, so we recommend researching and consulting thoroughly before making a choice.
DieHard Advanced Gold 50748
DieHard has had a good reputation, but its Advanced Gold 50748 iteration is against the grain. This specific unit has been dying a few weeks into use, making people wonder what happened to their trusty battery brand.
Interstate
The green-topped Interstate battery is quite popular thanks to its versatility and availability at Costco. Moreover, its warranty is quite bearable, ranging from 18 months to 48 for its top-of-the-line range. Nonetheless, this brand is an amalgamation of various entities, meaning quality control might not meet some competitors’ standards.
LifePo4 Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries
Unlike the other models on this list, this battery isn’t bad due to quality control issues but rather due to compatibility problems. The design and build of this specific battery are meant for electric vehicles. This problem arises because these batteries don’t provide enough power to run combustion engines, mainly in colder temperatures. However, if you own a motor boat that doesn’t need extended cranking during start-up, you can pick it up.
Best Options:
Everstart
It is a staple on Walmart shelves and one of the most affordable batteries. Additionally, the brand has multiple sizes stocked up, and the reviews are mostly positive. The cold-cranking amps are lower than the competition, and the warranty is valid for only a year. So, if budget is your main concern, this is your best bet.
Bosch
When it comes to batteries, Bosch sure knows how to make them. The company has models that cut across the divide, catering to every demographic price-wise. The brand’s popularity is also due to its friendly nature with DIY enthusiasts, as the voltage and setup don’t disagree with aftermarket accessories. On the other hand, users of the S4 line and above can get free roadside assistance when their unit is still under warranty.
XS Power
We can’t blame you if you haven’t heard about this brand, but you should look them up. Despite being relatively new in the market, this brand has gained notoriety for its overkill in the power department. This unit might be your best option if your vehicle has heavy sound systems. They even offer mounts that monitor the power drain to keep you up to date. The battery has one downside: you’ll need terminal posts if it will be your daily driver.
Odyssey
Odyssey Batteries are a cut above the rest thanks to the manufacturer’s decision to focus on engineering and performance. As far as reliability goes, very few packs can even come close. This battery will never fail drivers who are dealing with extreme weather conditions.
Motorcraft
Anyone with a Ford car is familiar with this brand name because their car is the parent company of this iconic name. The batteries are designed with Ford’s in mind, so getting the best unit for your Ford vehicle is easy.
DieHard
This battery brand is famous for its longevity and reliability. For a long time, most dads have recommended this to their kids when they get their first car. With such a reputation preceding them, we don’t need to say more now, do we?
Dakota
Warranty! Warranty! Warranty! That is the middle name of Dakota Batteries. These units have astounding numbers linked to them, with some models even reaching the 11-year mark! Talk about confidence in your product.
