Cold temperature can damage a car’s battery and lead to a havoc situation. This is true if you park your car in an open space. Hence, investing in a good quality car battery for cold weather becomes of utmost importance.
A battery designed exclusively for cold weather gives you the performance required to run on the road even when it is dark or you have to cover miles.
But what makes a good car battery for cold weather?
You need not worry as we share with you about the best car battery for cold weather and what all you must take into account while picking one.
Have a quick glance!
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List Of 10 Best Car Battery especially For Cold Weather (Market Analysis)
1. Odyssey 65-PC1750T Automotive and LTV Battery
Why we like it
- No dead space between cylinders
- More plate surface within the case
- Cold Crank Amp – 950
- 145 minutes of reserve capacity
- The capability of 100% recharge in just 6 hours
- Design holding resistant to vibration, high impact shock, and corrosion
- Non-spill-able design
Delivering a longer service life of up to 10 years and faster recharge capability, the Odyssey 65-PC170T is an excellent car battery for cold weather. It is a true time and money saver as it requires less maintenance and works impeccably well under extreme climatic conditions.
The battery offers immense starting power, fast recovery, and deep cycling efficiency, which is a primary need of every vehicle. It will serve you efficiently even when your vehicle demands more power than ever. Its plates are engineered using pure virgin lead that delivers twice the performance in comparison to batteries made with lead alloy. It is a deep-cycle battery that supplies constant charge for a longer time period.
The military-grade design is another unique aspect of this battery that holds great resistance to extreme temperatures and intense vibrations. The best thing is that it serves not just everyday vehicles, but also off-road, high-performance cars, antique vehicles, and 4×4 cars. The presence of AGM or Absorbed Glass Mat alleviates high conductivity and acid spills. The sealed design leads to internal gas recycling while self-regulating relief valve and strong internal cell connections prevent damage caused due to vibrations.
Final Verdict
The Odyssey 65-PC1650T is an efficiently designed product imparting great resistance to everyday wear and tear caused by shocks and high impacts. It not just recharges fast but comes with great reserve capacity. The high-performance deliverability makes it perfect for almost all kinds of vehicles. Its extreme temperature tolerance of 40 Degree Celsius to 45 Degree Celsius makes it one of the best car batteries for cold weather.
2. Optima Batteries 8040-218 D35 YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery
Why we like it
- 12-Volt 620 Cold Cranking Amp
- Lightweight and 98 minutes reserve capacity
- Optimal starting power in bad weather
- Exceptional resistance to vibration and shocks
- Longer service life
- Unique spiral design
- Low self-discharge rate
If you want additional performance and excellent reliability from your car’s battery, the Optima D35 YellowTop battery is an ideal choice. It will serve various accessories of your car such as high-performance stereo, running lights, hydraulics and winches with ease. This dual-purpose battery offers three times better performance than other customary designs.
With CCA rating, it is an excellent choice for small cars and a reliable option for big vehicles. For small cars with a lot of accessories, there can be no better choice than this one. In addition to fast charging capability, it holds great resistance to shock, vibration, and corrosion. The spill-proof and compact design involve absolute ease of maintenance and longer service life.
The optimal starting power in bad weather ensures you never experience any problem even under extreme conditions. Its noticeable feature is the unique spiral design offering a clean and robust power source. It also ensures complete safety for the user. The low self-discharge rate is another remarkable feature that implies you can use it for seasonal vehicles without regular charging.
Final Verdict
The Optima YellowTop is a dual-purpose battery ideal for regular and seasonal use. The spill-proof design and resistance to shocks and vibrations ensure low maintenance, longer service, and durability. It is a perfect fit for small cars with numerous accessories but can also serve big vehicles with decent or limited accessories.
3. ACDelco 78AGM Professional AGM Automotive BCI Group 78
Why we like it
- High density paste improving battery life and performance
- Better silver calcium stamp
- Maximum conductivity and high resistance to damage
- Better acid circulation
- Vent cap design
- Maintenance-free performance
- Consistent pressure on plates
The ACDelco 78AGM is a budget buy option that comes at a competitive price but does not compromise on performance and quality. The silver/calcium robust build is optimized for augmenting the conductivity and lifespan. The enhanced acid circulation prevents overheating and ensures your battery runs for a longer time.
Integrated with AGM or Absorbed Glass Mat design, it is 100% spill-proof design that is combined with oxygen recombination leading to less water loss and offering maintenance-free performance. A consistently maintained pressure level on the plates drastically reduces active mass loss and hence improves life expectancy. You can expect maximum conductivity and low resistance with this battery as it is incorporated with a calcium-lead grid.
Another great thing is its strong envelope separator that holds resistance to regular damage and at the same time enables increased acid circulation. The cold crank amperage of 750 and reserve capacity of 95 minutes makes it a perfect choice for cars in cold weather. The vent cap design holds resistance to acid leakage, making it a perfect choice for vehicles running in extreme climatic conditions.
Final Verdict
It is a high-quality product available at competitive prices. The reduced water loss and maintenance-free performance make it a great option for those who don’t want to spend much, still, want to avail of great service.
4. Optima Batteries 8004 – 003 34/78 RedTop Starting Battery
Why we like it
- 100 minutes of reserve capacity for constant performance
- Great resistance to vibration for durability
- Easy placement
- Convenient carrying handle
- Mountable in any position
- Spiral cell design offering strong power source
- Great for off-road and heavy use
Designed to offer great power and performance, this Optima RedTop Battery is definitely worth buying. No matter how harsh the weather conditions are, this battery will never disappoint you. It is an excellent choice for heavy use by off-roaders and hot rods as it comes with high power, leak-proof, and quick start functionality.
Its spiral cell design offers a clean and robust source of power ensuring great safety for you. Because of its higher reserve capacity, you can expect a longer shelf life under all circumstances. It not just exceeds a regular load of 200 amps but can be used alongside 6V or 12v batteries. In comparison to regular batteries, it holds more resistance to vibration and excellent durability.
The optimal starting point and 100 minutes reserve capacity for regular performance ensures you can travel long distances without worrying about the battery. It is mountable in almost any position and comes with a convenient carrying handle for easy placement in the battery holders. 800 Cold Cranking Amps and weight of just 38.8 pounds make it a great pick.
Final Verdict
The RedTop battery from Optima is a great buy for cars in cold weather. It is a low-maintenance, decent weight, and a high-performing battery that is ideal for heavy use.
5. Kinetik HC1200-BLU
Why we like it
- A great combination of performance and pricing
- Ideal for high power car audio system
- Robust energy density dissipation
- Sealed AGM
- Low Maintenance
- Resistance to Extreme Temperatures and Vibration
The Kinetik battery is a great buy when it comes to budget and decent pricing. It is a great choice if you want a high-quality battery at an affordable budget. Even when you have a lot of accessories attached to your vehicle or you have a high-power audio system for your car, this battery is going to serve you in the most efficient manner.
Though it comes at an affordable price, you will be amazed to see its great performance. It comes with a 12V, 1200W power support and is designed with multiple robust plates facilitating stronger dissipation of energy density. The 1150 Cold Cranking Amp ensures that your vehicle runs uninterruptedly even when it is extremely cold outside.
The sealed absorbent glass mat combined with leak-proof design enhances its performance and makes it convenient to use. The battery holds great resistance to vibration and impact damage, which makes it long-lasting and maintenance-free. The presence of ultra-low equivalent series resistance eventually increases the current discharge levels at a specific time.
Final Verdict
This battery delivers great power even when available at an affordable price. It is perfect for vehicles of all sizes and outperforms others in terms of pricing and performance.
6. Odyssey PC680 Battery
Why we like it
- Longer service life-saving money and time
- High stable voltage
- Greatest recharge efficiency
- Mounting flexibility
- Spill-proof design
- Resistance to mechanical vibration and high impact shock
- Corrosion resistance tin-plated brass terminals
- Sealed design
- Pure virgin lead plates
Known for offering the best value for money, the Odyssey PC680 is another great product meant for cars running in cold weather or extreme temperature conditions. Along with the affordable prices, it comes with robust engineering and great performance, ensuring you can run your vehicle for hours without malfunctioning or leaks.
The best thing about this battery is its lead plates that hold great resistance to impacts and vibrations. It works well for vehicles on off-road and rough terrains. The AGM battery style maintains a longer lifespan. Its in-depth discharge enables a robust performance and adds to its ability to combat rigid weather conditions, which makes it an efficient choice.
Low-maintenance and easy installation save a lot of money and time. The fastest recharge efficiency of 100% recharge in just 6 hours and spill-proof design makes it a great buy. With extreme temperature tolerance, resistance against high impact shock and mechanical vibrations, it is one of the finest car batteries available.
Final Verdict
With rugged construction and efficient design, this battery comes with a sealed pack design that delivers more reserve capacity and power. It comes with strong inter-cell connection and safety relief valve each cell. It is built to handle constant pounding and performs well on snow, sea, or land.
7. ACDelco 94RAGM Professional AGM Automotive Battery
Why we like it
- Affordable
- Improved performance
- Longer service life
- Calcium lead grid enhances conductivity
- Resistance to acid circulation, shocks, and impacts
- Vent cap design resists leakage of acid
- Excellence charge receptive
- Quick start and stop mechanism
With great cycling capabilities and exceptional charge receptive, the ACDelco 94RAGM battery is a professional backup for your vehicle. Its 100% spill-proof and Absorbed Glass Mat design makes it a permanent solution for all your car’s requirements. Since the electrolyte stays within the glass mat separator, so the battery delivers longer service life and high durability.
The battery comes with oxygen recombination that reduces the loss of water and offers maintenance-free performance. The consistently maintained pressure renders a longer life expectancy to the vehicles and drastically reduces the volume of active mass lost from the grid. The battery terminals, posts, and other accessories are made using lead and lead compounds, which might not be safe for the environment but are known for delivering great conductivity.
Users love using this product as it is backed with a three-year warranty that protects against unforeseen situations. There is also an 800 cold-cranking amperage featured that ensures you gain superior performance even when it is chilling outside. While the ultra-durable envelope separator couple with puncture-resistance enables enhanced acid circulation, it also helps the battery stay cool even after continuous operation.
Final Verdict
This ACDelco car battery is an affordably priced product that may not be the best but offer decent performance. It comes with numerous enhanced features, which makes it a great deal at this price. Though there are other better options available, if you don’t wish to exceed your budget, you can definitely go with this option.
8. Bosch S6508B S6 Flat Plate AGM Battery
Why we like it
- EnergyLife Technology
- AGM Technology
- Supplies power to multiple accessories in a car
- Maintenance-free, spill proof design
- Great for start-stop applications
- Better charge acceptance and recharge capability
The enhanced efficiency, safety, and convenience of present day automobiles require a battery that supplies great power and top performance. The Bosch S6 is a high-performance AGM car battery featuring EnergyLife Technology and AGM technology that delivers the highest starting point and great power-supply standards in extreme cold and hot climates.
Presence of AGM Technology ensures the battery can easily handle up to 8 times charge and discharge cycles and offers a reliable starting under all climatic conditions. The high charge acceptance is another great thing about this battery implying it recharges faster as compared to other traditional models. The Bosch AGM performs better for everyday vehicles as well as heavy use vehicles.
If your car is a power-hungry unit needing a battery for steering wheels, heated seats, windshields, mirrors, GPS navigation, power ports, on-board computers, safety systems, and more, this battery will serve you adequately. The spill-proof, maintenance-free design offers better energy and enhanced cycle capability along with extended shelf life. It holds great resistance to vibration and impact shocks. It is an excellent choice for cars to drive carefree throughout the year.
Final Verdict
This Bosch battery is a high-quality product that is backed by a roadside assistance program and advanced technologies. It comes with spill-proof and maintenance-free construction and delivers better service and performance in comparison to other batteries at this price. Serving both small, everyday use, and heavy use vehicles, it is a great product to buy.
9. DieHard 38232 Advanced Gold AGM Battery – Group 34
Why we like it
- 20 times more protection against vibrations and shocks
- Better performance than standard batteries
- Maintenance-free and spill-proof design adding protection to electronic equipment
- Optimized power frame preventing robbing electrical shorts
- The increased electrolyte suspension system
- Suitable for all sorts and sizes of vehicles
- Mountable position
- Protection from inside out
The DieHard 38232 gold battery integrated with AGM technology is another great choice for all kinds of vehicles in cold weather. It will serve you adequately if you experience intense vibration during daily use. It not just withstands elevated climatic conditions, but also offers full plate technology designed to offer longer life and more power.
The spill-proof and maintenance-free design are mountable in all positions. It meets the requirements of numerous domestic and import applications of all types of big, mid, and heavy cars. The battery holds great resistance to tamper and comes with heat-sealed construction offering additional protection for sophisticated electronic equipment. The augmented electronic suspension system functions well to safeguard internal components.
It is a powerful battery holding 20 times more protection against vibration that extends battery performance over time. For this reason, you will also gain twice more the cycle life of standard batteries.
Final Verdict
With the DieHard car battery, you can expect absolute confidence and peace of mind while driving your car on rough terrains and in rigid weather conditions. It is backed by numerous advanced technologies ensuring great performance and superior deliverability.
10. XS Power D3400 XS Series 12V 3, 300 Amp AGM High Output Battery that has M6 Terminal Bolt
Why we like it
- Deep-cycle battery
- Spill-proof and less maintenance design
- Lightweight and compact
- Extremely high level of CCA
- Absorbed glass mat technology
- High resistance to vibration and shocks
- Ultra-low internal resistance
Finally, we have the XS Power deep cycle battery in our list that charges fast, discharges on a regular basis and enables supplying enough current to start vehicles. It comes with 1000 CCA rating, which is a lot higher than those required by average vehicles. It is so powerful that it can even serve bigger vehicles well in cold weather conditions.
The XS power battery features sealed Absorbent Glass Mat or AGM design that ensures there is no free movement of electrolyte, and hence, the battery delivers high performance and more service. The inner lead plates are complemented with glass fiber mats that prevent the liquid from sloshing around. Also, it can be mounted practically in all positions making it a great choice for all.
The less maintenance and spill-proof design implies you no more have to brush the rust off battery terminals. It holds great resistance to vibrations, shocks, and high impact making it an excellent choice for off-road vehicles. It delivers a huge volume of current on a regular basis. The lightweight and compact design are free from external vents, meaning you don’t require much space to get it installed.
Final Verdict
It is a high-performance battery that comes at a competitive price. It is suitable for all kinds of vehicles and incorporates most of the modern features, which are needed to run smoothly the modern vehicles. It will not only enhance your vehicle performance but will also deliver great convenience and less maintenance even when it is too cold outside.
Buying Guide
Now that you’ve read about the best car batteries for cold weather, how do you select the best battery for your car? Our buying guide will cover everything you want to know about car batteries for cold weather. We also cover important features you must know in order to make a wise decision when selecting a car battery for cold weather.
Why Purchase a Car Battery for Cold Weather?
- Better Performance – Cold batteries are especially created to offer maximum power under extreme weather conditions. It is an important investment if you live in cold weather conditions. Buying such a battery ensures your car’s reliability and efficiency are well-maintained.
- Quick Engine Start – Such batteries offer a quick start mechanism to vehicles during cold. They bring engines to lives quickly, ensuring you don’t have to experience trouble while starting or switching off your vehicle.
- Better Charge Acceptance and Discharge – Standard batteries are not able to perform well when there is a change in the weather. It is because the chemical reaction within them slows down with a change in the climate. These batteries are more reliable and deliver better performance as they charge and discharge at a faster pace.
- Compatible with cold climate – Batteries with high Cold Crank Ratings and High Reserve Capacity offer more efficient performance during winters. Hence, it is worth investing in such batteries to ensure you never experience any problem during cold weather.
Types of Cold Weather Car Battery
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM)
Batteries based on AGM technology don’t need an active liquid for producing electricity. They offer spill-proof and leak-proof design resulting in high performance and less maintenance. Also, such batteries can efficiently handle multiple recharging and draining cycles.
Lead Acid
The other type of cold battery is based on Lead Acid that is ideal for cars meant for everyday use. These batteries utilize liquid electrolytes, and hence, are also known as wet cell batteries. They are cheaper in comparison to AGM batteries but are prone to spill and leak to some extent. However, they have a longer life span when maintained properly.
Features to Consider When Choosing a Car Battery for Cold Weather
Reserve Capacity
The car battery is used to not just run its engine, but to also run the various accessories of your vehicle. If your car is equipped with multiple accessories, you must pick a battery that generates enough power to keep running the various accessories of your car. A battery with 25 amps at 80 degrees is considered good enough.
Cold Cranking Amps
Also called CCA, it is a very important rating for batteries in cold weather. It refers to the number of amps a battery offers at cold temperatures. Usually, a battery with a high CCA rating performs well than one with low CCA rating. It ensures that your car runs well in extreme climatic conditions.
Durability
Invest in a battery that serves you longer service life. Make sure you invest in a modern battery that can promptly cater to the requirements of your modern vehicle.
Maintenance
There are batteries available in spill-proof and sealed design. It is best to purchase such batteries as they involve less maintenance. As a result, you are able to save a lot of effort and money, which is spent on maintaining standard batteries.
Amp Hours
This is an important measurement for assessing the reserve capacity of a battery. It refers to the energy charge required by the battery for producing one ampere in one hour. A higher amp hour means a better performance as such batteries can jeep car and other electronics in running mode for a longer time after recharge.
Frequently Asked Question [FAQ’s]
Q. What are the minimum cold-cranking amps required for cold weather?
A. The colder it is, the higher is the CCA rating required. The minimum CCA rating required is 700 amps to keep your vehicle in running condition.
Q. How to identify my car battery is dead?
A. Sometimes a flat car battery does not mean that it is dead. Before you make a decision, check the following signs in your car battery:
Low level of acid
Old age, more than 8 years
Slow-cranking of engine
Numerous jump-starts in a limited period
Engine management light
Working some days and not working other days
When your car battery shows more than one of these signs even when it is fully charged, it means the battery is dead. But if it is not completely charged, maybe it is not getting a suitable connection. It is recommended to use the best charger for car battery so that it charges fully.
If in case the battery is still not operating, avoid buying a second-hand battery. It is always best to buy a new battery, which comes with a warranty on components and guarantee of high performance.
Q. What are some of the top car battery for cold weather brands?
A. It is wise to pick battery from a reputed brand. Some of the top brands are:
Optima
Odyssey
ACDelco
Kinetic
Bosch
DieHard
Everstart
XS and more others
Q. How to maintain car battery in cold weather?
A. The important maintenance tips are:
Capacity Test – The battery’s capacity is measured in Cold Cranking Amps. If you don’t have the desired equipment to do so, you can ask for assistance from a nearby automobile repair shop.
Park Car in an Enclosed Space – Parking your car in a covered space protects your car battery from breaking down in cold weather. It is because the garage heat keeps the battery warm.
Switch Off Completely When Not in Use – It is advised to switch off all accessories completely. This reduces power load on the car’s battery and ensures you don’t experience any problem the next day.
Keep the Battery Clean – Your car’s battery runs through a chemical process and is prone to damage and corrosion. Hence, you must clean it once in a while effectively.
Q. What is a new battery?
A. New or fresh battery is one that has been manufactured in the last six months. Avoid buying batteries older than it.
Q. How to warm a frozen battery?
A. First, inspect the battery for cracks. If it is damaged or cracked, you must replace it. If it is free from cracks then use a portable heater for 30 minutes to warm up the battery to at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Try jumpstarting again!
Editor’s Pick
The Odyssey 65-PC1750T Automotive and LTV Battery and the Optima Batteries 8040-218 D35 YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery are two of the best car batteries for cold weather.
The former one is packed with all features that are needed for a modern vehicle. The latter one is integrated with numerous rich features and delivers high performance and reliability.
However, the Odyssey battery is slightly expensive than the Bosch battery. So, depending on the performance and budget you can select between the two.
Conclusion
A good car battery for cold weather can make a huge difference in your vehicle’s performance and efficiency. Hence, invest wisely in the best car battery.