What to Consider When Buying a Car Battery

Michael O'Connor

March 20, 2025

6 min read

Michael O'Connor

March 20, 2025

6 min read

A new Interstate car battery. — The list of trusted auto batteries includes AC Delco, Bosch, DieHard, Duralist, GS Yuasa, Optima, and Interstate.

Making the right choice of battery keeps your vehicle running reliably. See our detailed, step-by-step visual guide and video about how to change a car battery - opens in new window or tab. . Also check out this advice for when to replace your car’s battery - opens in new window or tab. .

When you’re ready to make a purchase, start with these factors.

Size and fit: Make sure you are getting the size and type of battery designed to fit in your vehicle. A battery with the wrong dimensions might not reach the cables and could shake loose during driving, creating a dangerous situation. Car batteries are grouped by size - opens in new window or tab. . The size is usually listed on the battery you are replacing, or consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Wiring system wattage: Most vehicles use 12-volt batteries, but the wattage requirement is different for nearly every car. You may need a battery with a higher wattage output. Be sure to check your owner’s manual to see what battery size and specs are required by the automaker, and always follow those guidelines.

Brand and Quality: Buying a new car battery from a trusted brand provides confidence. Seek trusted brands like AC Delco, Bosch, DieHard, Duralist, GS Yuasa, Optima, and Interstate.

Car Battery Types

An original BMW 12-volt lithium dual-storage battery. — Lithium-ion batteries, like this BMW 12-volt, are most common in hybrids and other EVs.

Most vehicles call for a standard lead-acid battery. This conventional style uses a combination of water and sulfuric acid to generate electric power. Lead-acid batteries are sufficient for normal use in regular weather conditions.

If you want extra durability, consider an absorbent glass mat (AGM) battery. These batteries are more resilient in extreme hot and cold weather and offer more starting power. That makes them a great choice for harsh climates.

Lithium-ion batteries are common in hybrids and other electrified vehicles. They are small and lightweight, making them ideal for cramped engine bays or vehicles that prioritize efficiency, lighter weight, or high performance. Lithium-ion batteries commonly last longer, giving them a lower cost of ownership.

Costs for Car and Truck Batteries

Jump-starting a car in cold weather from an absorbent glass mat battery. — A more-robust absorbent glass mat (AGM) battery is considered better than lead-acid for cold weather.

Lead-acid: For a standard lead-acid battery, you can expect to pay anywhere between $50 and $150. Pricing depends on the brand, the total power output, and the warranty coverage.

Absorbent glass mat: AGM batteries are typically a bit more expensive than lead-acid batteries. Some buyers are willing to pay more for better durability and dependability. AGM batteries generally cost between $100 and $250.

Lithium-Ion: Lithium-ion batteries are some of the most expensive units on the market. They start at around $200 and can go higher than $500 for a top-quality battery. However, you should consider that lithium-ion batteries can last 10 years. Meanwhile, a lead-acid battery might need to replaced after a one to two years, and an AGM battery might last two to three years.

Does it make sense to buy a used car battery?

While many people are wary about buying used car batteries, this can be a great way to save money while still getting a high-quality product. It’s important to ask questions about the battery’s age and how it was handled before you decide to buy. A battery that was used in a vehicle for more than three years is getting toward the end of its expected lifespan, and is not a good investment.

If a used battery has been cared for, it can be perfectly suitable for your vehicle. If you want to be sure that a used battery is in good shape, have it voltage-tested before buying to make sure it’s still in good working order.

Should I buy a battery designed for cold weather?

Extreme weather can be a major factor determining a car battery’s reliability and lifespan. Low temperatures affect the chemical reactions inside the battery and can reduce power output and charging capacity. If you drive in extremely cold weather, a more robust battery type—like AGM—could be your best option. Always make sure your new battery matches the size and specs listed in your owner’s manual before completing a purchase.

Parts Commonly Replaced With a New Battery

DBPower car jump start power pack — A jump start power pack is a handy portable device to keep in your car in case your battery dies.

Alternators: Your car’s alternator recharges the battery by converting the engine’s rotations into electrical power. If your battery is dying or you need frequent jump starts, it could be a sign that your alternator - opens in new window or tab. needs to be replaced. AC Delco has a wide range of alternators and is one of the most trusted brands in the industry, supplying alternators for many automakers. Read: Signs of a Bad Car Battery vs. Alternator - opens in new window or tab. .

Battery tray: The battery tray holds your battery tight, keeping it from shaking loose over rough roads and preventing damage due to vibrations. Scott Drake makes high-end billet aluminum battery trays that are built to last.

Terminal clamps: Corrosion buildup can deteriorate the terminal clamps that attach to your car’s battery. Bad clamps can cut off the flow of electricity, making you think your battery is dead even if it’s working. If your battery clamps look bad, you should replace them while installing a new battery. High-quality replacement clamps from Durite ensure a good connection to your new battery.

What the most helpful car battery accessories?

Jump start power pack: If you get stuck with a dead battery, you will be happy to have a jump start pack handy. DBPOWER makes a wide range of jump packs in a variety of different sizes, so you can always have what you need to get your car going again without having to flag down a stranger for a jump. Read: Buying the Best Portable Car Battery Jump Starter - opens in new window or tab. .

Memory saver: Your car’s radio presets, dashboard clock, trip computer, and saved settings for power seats and mirrors could all be erased if you remove the battery. A memory saver from Schumacher is a great option for avoiding this hassle while you replace the battery. It will save all your presets and tuning parameters while the main battery is disconnected. Read about the types of memory savers and when you need them - opens in new window or tab. .

Tester: Testing a battery is the key to keeping it maintained. A good battery tester can also help you identify whether the problem is the battery, the alternator, or bad cables. A home tester from Foxwell helps you stay on top of your battery upkeep. Read: What Should Your Battery Voltage Be? - opens in new window or tab.

Trickle charger: A trickle charger slowly adds charge to your car’s battery. If you have a car that you don’t drive very often, a trickle charger can keep your battery healthy and ready to drive. CTEK makes smart trickle chargers that turn off and on as needed to ensure a healthy charge. Read: Why You Need a Car Battery Trickle Charger - opens in new window or tab. .

About the author

Michael O'Connor

Michael O’Connor is a Bay Area writer who grew up restoring classic cars. These days, he works on his 1979 Fiat Spider. Michael is an alum of Sonoma State’s Creative Writing program. He began professional auto writing in 2015, contributing to AutoList, CarGurus, Endurance Warranty, Safe-Guard, and other car sites.

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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.