9 Best Car Batteries for Cold Weather in 2023

Winters are around the corner, and if you live in an area with freezing temperatures, one thing you should worry about is the car battery! A regular car battery can kick the bucket due to extreme weather, and things can’t get more inconvenient than that.

However, the best solution to this issue is having a battery specially designed for cold weather. The innards of these batteries do not freeze, and you can quickly crank the engine in one go.

But buying the best car batteries for cold weather is not as easy as purchasing one for regular use. Thus, these reviews will help you make an informed choice.

Read on the reviews, and choose the best battery that helps you start your ride smoothly even when the weather is not in favor.

Why Do Regular Car Batteries Get Ineffective During Winter?

You’ll see a drop in the battery’s performance even before the winter arrives, and the motor will take more time to start. The reason behind the issue is that the engine oil gets viscous due to cold and requires more power from the battery.

On the other hand, the battery gets inefficient due to the temperature, and the chemical reactions in the battery become slower. When the battery is not able to produce enough power, evidently, your car will take longer to start.

And sometimes, the battery can fail to start the car because it does not produce enough electrons. Apart from the starter motor, your car’s heater, heated seats, heated wipers, and other such components also draw power from the battery, making it run out of charge quickly.

Cold is not a big issue if you have a new car battery, but it can be a huge problem if the battery is aged or weak.

Review of Best Car Batteries for Cold Weather

I spent hours researching on the web to find the best winter car batteries. Furthermore, I asked several automotive experts about the batteries they recommended and called some of my friends to know about their preferred batteries in winters.

After all the effort, I was able to compile the top nine car batteries that I’ve reviewed below:

1. ACDelco Gold B24R AGM Battery: Editor’s Choice

What sets ACDelco Gold B2R AGM apart from its counterparts is its capability to hold the charge for longer while offering promising performance. It’s a hybrid battery that uses lead-acid and AGM technology to help you start the car smoothly, irrespective of the harshness of the climate.

The tightly packed grids inside this best car battery for cold weather help it produce higher cold-cranking amps while reducing the discharge rate.

The battery is entirely maintenance-free, but it would be great if you clean the terminals once every month. As per ACDelco, the CCA value of the Gold B24R AGM Battery is 850, which makes it a great choice for the snowiest cities of the United States.

Furthermore, the reserve capacity is 130-140 minutes, which is pretty impressive. Of course, the battery is more suitable for hybrid cars, but you can use it with any four-wheeler in your garage.

Designed to withstand vibrations, the battery does not leak and continues to deliver unmatched performance, especially in cold weather. Storing this battery is not a hassle, and you should store it in an upright position between 32°F and 70°F to enhance its lifespan.

However, the battery is pretty big in size, and you may not be able to fit it in vehicles with a shorter battery bay. Moreover, the terminals require specialized connectors, so make sure to add them to your cart to install this battery without any hassle.

Apart from the downsides, ACDelco Gold B24R AGM Battery is an amazing option if you want your car to start quickly. Moreover, the brand offers a 24-months warranty on the battery, making it a good choice for your money.

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2. Kinetik HC1200-BLU: Best Budget Pick

If you need the best cold weather car battery under $200, Kinetik HC1200-BLU is your way to go! This is another hybrid battery on this list that can easily withstand cold weather. The brand has been making batteries since 2003, and the drivers of the United States and other parts of the globe trust it for quality.

The CCA value of this battery is as high as 1150, and you won’t have any problems in starting your four-wheeler in winter. The car battery works well even in areas where the temperature falls under zero.

The sealed AGM design of this battery makes it a better choice at this budget and prevents any spills and leaks caused due to excessive vibrations.

A single charge on this battery lasts much longer, thanks to the slow discharge, thus you can power the equipment for more time.

The only thing that could have been better is the reserve capacity, i.e., 80 minutes. But the battery gives enough juice to power the basic equipment such as the wiper blades in case the alternator fails.

Furthermore, it’s a lightweight and compact battery that can sit in almost any car, including some hatchbacks with a small engine bay. Another impressive feature is the 3/8-inch threaded terminals, and you can use any battery connectors to install it in your vehicle.

In a nutshell, Kinetik HC1200-BLU is a bang for the buck, and you can use this battery for a variety of applications to get supplementary power.

The battery has six closely packed cells that charge quickly and offer you uninterrupted power to start the car when you want.

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3. XS Power D6500 XS Series AGM Battery: Best High Output Battery

Popular for its ultra-low internal resistance, XS Power D6500 XS is one of the best car batteries for cold weather. The battery has almost everything it needs to power the ignition and other equipment for your ride.

With a CCA rating of 1071, the battery can last in any type of weather, including areas with sub-zero temperatures. The reserve capacity is also decent, and the battery provides 75-amps and 12 Volts for one hour to power the heavy equipment like a heater.

You can still power the wiper blades and other low-power consuming things after the battery drains more than half. As XS Power D6500 XS uses Absorbed Glass Mat technology, so there are fewer or no chances of leaks.

Furthermore, the outer casing is leak-proof and keeps the innards of the battery safe and functional. Because XS Power D6500 XS offers excellent cold cranking, so it is fairly big in size and may not be compatible with vehicles that have smaller battery bays.

However, the standard-sized terminals let you connect it with the existing terminals. The best thing about this battery is that it can draw a lot of currents to give the ignition system a blast of power.

Also, it does not get damaged when drained fully, and you get ample time to charge it using a trickle charger.

With this best car battery for winter, your car’s engine starts much faster, and you can power heavy-duty equipment such as the audio system even if the alternator fails to work due to any reason.

Lastly, this is a heavy battery, so call someone to help you put it under the car’s hood.

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4. Optima BlueTop Deep Cycle Battery: Best Versatile Battery

Next on the list is Optima BlueTop, which is a preferred choice of boat and trailer owners! The reason why I picked this battery is because of its weather resistance. This is a capable battery that can withstand splashes of water and still performs well.

The design of this best deep cycle battery for cold weather is pretty amazing, and you can see the six cells packed together using terminals. Optima BlueTop Deep Cycle Battery can quickly start your vehicle in cold weather, thanks to its 750 CCA rating.

You get an optimal start in bad weather as the battery accumulates the power and supplies it to the ignition system of your four-wheeler. I was impressed by the reserve capacity, and the battery provides 120 minutes of constant performance.

You can power the heater and audio system; in case the alternator stops working. And you will roughly get two hours of juice, which is enough for the backup vehicle to arrive.

Optima claims that this battery is 15 times more vibration resistant than other batteries, so you don’t have to think about spills and other damages. Also, it reduces the maintenance period, and you can keep using the battery in bad weather.

Inside the battery, there are two 99.99% lead plates in a precise coating of lead oxide. This technology rewards this battery with a critical tolerance of low temperature while keeping the performance constant.

However, Optima BlueTop cannot deal with loads heavier than its capability, and you can choose their YellowTop battery for such requirements.

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5. Delphi BU9094R MaxStart AGM Premium Automotive Battery: Best for Passenger Cars

Delphi BU9094R is designed to offer better cycle life, and it can easily start your vehicle in cold weather. The battery uses extended cold-cranking amps delivery, which means it offers more power for demanding electronics.

Furthermore, it uses a combination of lead-acid and AGM technology, so the battery offers better and stable performance. It has an 800 CCA rating, and you won’t have issues starting the four-wheeler in harsh weather.

When charged fully, the battery delivers a reserve capacity of 140 minutes, and you get constant current to power appliances such as heated seats, audio systems, and more.

An exclusive element in this battery is the group 94R (reverse terminal), which curtails the chances of leaks and spills. Also, it makes the battery 20 times more vibration resistant, thus prolonging the lifespan of the battery.

The superior corrosion-resistant housing comes with a manifold venting system that prevents the battery from getting overheated. As it is an AGM battery, it does not require any maintenance, and you can do the basic cleaning to keep it functioning properly.

You’ll see two handles on the battery, and they are there for a reason because the battery is heavy. Several users claim the warranty is a little challenging, and the customer support is not up to the mark.

Overall, if you drive a big vehicle with a heavy power requirement, Delphi BU9094R should be your choice. However, I’d recommend going for a professional installation since it is a big and heavy battery.

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6. ODYSSEY PC925: Best Long-lasting Car Battery

ODYSSEY PC925 is the automotive battery that you put in your car and forget. The brand offers it with 3-4 years of replacement warranty, so you can get it changed by contacting the brand.

This is an AGM battery that uses closely packed cells and is completely resistant to spills and leaks. I recommend ODYSSEY PC925 for areas with moderate winters because it has 330 CCA.

The battery is not the best choice to use in areas with sub-zero temperatures, but you can use it in cities with average cold. Furthermore, it has a reserve capacity of 52 minutes, which is decent considering the price of this battery.

It only needs 4-6 hours to charge completely, and the AGM technology slows down the discharging rate. The design of the battery makes it resistant to vibrations, and it can withstand high impact as well.

As per ODYSSEY, the battery offers 400 cycles at 80 percentage depth of discharge, which prolongs the life of this automotive battery. It has a compact design and is lightweight, so you can fit it in any vehicle with average power requirements.

You can install the battery without any professional help, as the positive/negative terminals are mentioned, so just connect the adapters, and you are good to go.

To sum up, ODYSSEY PC925 is the best choice for a small car that does not need a lot of power. The battery has a quick-charging capability and can easily last around 3-10 years as per the brand.

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7. Optima Red Top Battery: Best for a Quick Start

Folks that live in areas with extremely cold weather, and need a powerful battery to start the car quickly, should choose Optima Red Top Battery. This is another Optima battery on this list, and the reason behind listing them is the performance.

The battery uses six closely packed cells similar to the BlueTop battery, but there is a difference in terms of performance. The Optima RedTop battery works well in any type of cold weather, be it moderate or extreme.

It has a CCA rating of 800, which protects the battery’s internals from harsh pressure and cold. Furthermore, the reserve capacity is around 100 minutes, which is impressive.

The thing that sets this battery apart from other models is the blast of power that it offers. Your car needs more power to start in cold weather, and that’s why this automotive battery is here on this list.

However, the battery isn’t able to withstand a heavy power requirement for longer. If you run heavy appliances like the heater and heated seats, the battery will drain much quicker.

Optima says that the battery is 15 times more vibration-resistant and does not spill or leak over time. As per several customers, Optima Red Top can easily withstand heavy impact, thanks to its polypropylene build.

Lastly, this battery has critical tolerance against temperature and humidity and offers ultimate performance when maintained and monitored properly.
As it is compact, you can install it in any type of four-wheeler, including hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs.

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8. ACDelco 94RAGM Professional AGM 94R Battery: Best Heavy-duty Battery

If the ride is loaded with features like heated seats, a big audio system, and powerful ambient lighting, you need a battery like ACDelco 94RAGM. It is a heavy-duty battery that can power multiple appliances while giving your car enough power to start in a single swoop.

It is an AGM battery with a calcium lead positive grid for reduced resistance and constant power. Furthermore, it contains a robust envelope separator that curtails the chances of puncture and makes the battery perform well.

Your car gets an abundance of power as you crank the engine, as this automotive battery has an 850 CCA rating, which makes it resistant to cold and pressure. Furthermore, it provides 140 minutes of reserve capacity, and your ride gets enough power to fuel the electronics.

There is no venting system, but ACDelco has used improved acid circulation, so the battery does not get heated even after prolonged usage. The vent cap resists acid leakage, but you need to mount the battery in the right orientation, else it may start leaking after some time.

As the cells are closely packed, the battery is highly resistant to vibrations. The outer casing safeguards the internals from high impact, keeping the automotive battery safe and sound.

You get a 36-month warranty from the brand, and that makes it a worthy option at the price point it comes at.

Overall, if you have a big vehicle, say a passenger car or an SUV, ACDelco Gold 94RAGM should be your choice. It is a powerful battery with slower discharge and excellent reserve capacity, making it perfect for extremely cold areas.

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9. Optima Yellow Top Dual Purpose Battery: Best Battery for Big Vehicles

Big vehicles with heavier motors need a powerful battery with more cranking power, and any ordinary winter battery can fail to perform in such conditions. The best battery you can use is the Optima Yellow Top Dual Purpose Battery.

It may not have the highest CCA or reserve capacity, but the capability to accumulate and supply a blast of power is the best. The battery has a 750 CCA rating, which makes it perform well in extreme colds.

Furthermore, the polypropylene casing keeps the internals protected from cold and high pressure, making it a maintenance-free battery. Talking about the reserve capacity, it offers constant power for 120 minutes to power heavy electronics like a heater.

You can mount the battery in any position, as it has a spill-free design, and the acids remain intact inside the battery. As it is a dual-purpose battery, the recharge rate is quick, and the battery offers 300+ discharge/recharge cycles.

Optima has used spiral winding for continuous lead plates coating, making this battery perform similar to AGM batteries, but cost less than them.

You can install it in any vehicle, including small cars, because of the compact size, so it’s a versatile automotive battery. However, there are some disadvantages of this battery, and that includes less lifespan as compared to AGM batteries.

Also, its capability to hold a charge for longer is not as great as batteries like ACDelco AGM Battery.

To sum up, you should choose this best truck battery for cold weather if you own a big rig that demands higher cranking power.

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Best Car Batteries for Cold Weather Buying Guide

There are plenty of things to look for in the best winter car battery, such as the type, CCA, reserve capacity, and more. Read on this guide, and you’ll be able to select the best car battery under your budget.

Types of Car Batteries for Cold Weather

There are mainly three best battery types for cold weather, including:

• Standard flooded batteries
• AGM (Absorbent Gas Mat) batteries
• Lead-acid batteries

1. Standard Flooded Batteries

These are the most common types of batteries used in vehicles. The batteries are fairly cheaper than AGM and offer a reliable source of power your car needs to start.

The primary purpose of the battery is to provide power to the ignition and starter. It also powers the electrical units while preventing short circuits.

There are six cells in each 12V battery that are organized using separators. Standard flooded batteries should be your choice if you have a tight budget and live in an area with moderate cold and no snowfall.

However, these batteries have a short lifespan and are not capable of powering up your vehicle in extremely colder conditions.

2. Absorbent Glass Mat or AGM

Most of the best car batteries for cold weather are AGM, the reason is the unmatched capacity and capability. These batteries can easily power big audio systems, heated seats, and the ignition/starter motor of the vehicle.

Furthermore, the AGM batteries require less maintenance because the chemicals do not spill out of the casing. Compared to standard flooded batteries, these batteries are designed to withstand freezing temperatures.

You won’t have issues in starting your car even if the temperature falls below zero. The only downside to these batteries is the higher cost. But they last longer, so you get a good return on your investment.

3. Lead-acid Batteries

The market for lead-acid batteries in the United States is around USD 9.98 billion, and most of the cars running around use these batteries. The biggest advantage of a lead-acid car battery is that it’s cheap.

The power generation of such batteries is decent, but there are higher chances of leaks and spills. In a nutshell, lead-acid batteries work well in cold weather, but they require higher maintenance, and the lifespan is not as good as AGM batteries.

Benefits of Car Battery for Cold Weather

There are a multitude of benefits of using the best-rated car batteries for cold weather, and the biggest advantage is low maintenance. Here are some more perks you can reap by having a special car battery under your car’s hood.

1. They have Slower Discharge Rate

Winter batteries are designed to have slower discharge, so you can enjoy using the heater, heated seats, and other functions without worrying about anything.

Furthermore, these batteries get charged quickly, which comes as an added advantage.

2. They Do Not Freeze

The chemicals present in such batteries do not freeze, and there is a good production of electrons, which as a result, produces more power. You won’t have any issues in starting your car, even in a harsh climate.

3. They Can Handle Big Load

Unlike summers, your car uses more power during winters because you are using a heater all the time, along with other power-consuming electronics. These special batteries can bear heavy loads without any problems because there is a higher power generation and slower discharge.

4. They are Low on Maintenance

If you drive your car on a regular battery, get ready to spend time maintaining it. On the other hand, you don’t have to worry about maintenance when driving with a winter battery.

What to Consider When Buying a Car Battery for Cold Weather?

It is indispensable to purchase the right battery for your car that is powerful enough to run all equipment while starting the car in cold weather.
Below-listed are some factors you should consider when getting a winter car battery.

1. CCA or Cold Cranking Amps

Start with checking the CCA or Cold Cranking Amps, as it significantly affects the performance of the battery. The higher the CCA, the more powerful the car battery.

By checking this unit, you can determine the performance of the battery. Unfortunately, regular automotive batteries do not have a CCA rating because they are not designed to withstand extreme cold.

2. Reserve Capacity or RC

Another important factor to consider is the battery’s reserve capacity. If the alternator malfunctions, and stops producing power, everything will depend on the battery.

A car battery with a decent reserve capacity will power the heater, windshield wiper, and other equipment. However, the RC of a battery depends on several factors such as age, size, and power that your vehicle draws from it.

Go for a battery with higher reserve capacity, as it’ll perform better in winters.

3. Vibration Resistant

You’ll see several manufactures claiming their automotive batteries to be vibration resistant. What it exactly means is that the innards of the battery do not vibrate as you drive the car.

There are a lot of vibrations inside the hood because of that powerful motor, and a car battery can quickly wear out if it is not vibration-resistant.

Also, a regular battery can get excessively noisy, and there are higher chances of spills caused due to continuous vibrations.

4. Deep Cycle, Starter Battery, or Dual-purpose Car Battery

Deep cycle car batteries offer the immense power required by the vehicle’s ignition system. Furthermore, these batteries can withstand frequent recharging and discharging. There is no such drastic impact on the battery’s health, even if the car draws power repeatedly.

Starter batteries or SLI give the car a burst of power it needs to start quickly. However, these batteries cannot withstand frequent charging/discharging. Also, the lifespan of the battery is not that great. The only reason why drivers prefer such batteries is the low price.

Some manufacturers have introduced dual-purpose batteries that work as a starter as well as deep cycle. These automotive batteries are expensive and are great for extreme climatic conditions.

5. Warranty

Always go for a car battery that comes with a decent warranty. Some manufacturers even offer an extended warranty that helps you claim any damages during a particular period.

Usually, automotive batteries come with a 3-year warranty, but it entirely depends on the brand you are going with.

6. Dimensions

Not every battery will fit in your car, so it is crucial to check the dimensions and weight. Get the existing battery and read its dimensions to know the exact size that will fit well under the hood.

I’ve listed the dimensions and weight of every battery in the comparison table, so you can quickly make an informed choice.

7. Budget

Automotive batteries for winter can be fairly expensive because of the special technology and tightly packed cells. Having a budget in mind before you start looking for a battery will help you avoid overspending.

Maintenance Tips for Your Battery during Winter

Even if you have the best car battery for cold weather, it would be great to follow some maintenance tips. Following these tips will prolong the battery’s life, and you’ll have a smooth experience driving your car.

1. Keep the Battery Clean

The battery has to withstand more stress during winters, so you should clean it regularly. Clean the terminals using a good-quality terminal brush, and make sure there is no corrosion at all.

Here is a detailed video that’ll help you clean the battery properly.

2. Park Your Car in the Garage

Parking your ride under the garage helps keep the battery warm, and it does not get stressed. If you do not have a garage and are planning to park your car for a few days, disconnect/remove the battery, and keep it inside the house.

3. Use a Trickle Charger to Charge It

Another maintenance tip that will prolong the lifespan of the battery is using a trickle charger. The charger keeps the battery topped up, even when you aren’t driving the car.

Look for a trickle charger that’s compatible with the battery and charges it quickly.

4. Switch off Everything Before you Leave from the Car

Modern cars and trucks come equipped with several features like the alarm system that notifies you if you leave the car with the headlights on. However, if you drive an old Chevy without such features, you need to keep an eye on the heater, lights, and other things that consume battery.

Switching them off helps maintain the battery’s charging, and it smoothly starts your car in a few cranks.

5. Consider Going on Long Trips

If you love driving your gorgeous car, this is a maintenance tip you will surely enjoy. In winters, shorter trips are not enough to keep the vehicle’s battery in a healthy State of Charge or SoC.

As a result, the battery does not get enough charge that it spent to start the vehicle. Plan your day ahead before leaving the house, and go for a long spin doing all the work you have planned beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is it possible to Reverse the Damage on a Frozen Battery?

A1: Remove the battery from your car by detaching the terminal adapters, and put it in a warm place, say a garage. Now test the battery once it has thawed out, and check if it accepts the input from the trickle charger.

If the battery is new, there are higher chances you can reverse the damage to some extent. If you have an old battery, it’s better to go for the best winter batteries rather than spending time on the older one.

Q2: Is it Bad to Leave the Car Outside in the Winter?

A2: If you live in an area with extreme cold, you should park the vehicle in the garage. Keeping the car outside will make the engine oil thick, and it will demand the battery to provide more power in order to crank the engine.

It would be great to park your car in a garage so that the battery does not have to do a lot of work in starting your four-wheeler.

Q3: How Cold is too Cold for an Automotive Battery?

A3: The temperature should be around -80 F to freeze a fully charged battery. However, a half-charged battery will freeze at -10 F overnight. It is important to use the right winter batteries that can withstand such harsh temperatures and do not freeze at all.

Q4: Where and how to Store Batteries in Winter?

A4: If you have no plans to drive the vehicle for at least 15 days, you should better store the battery. Remove the terminal connections, pull the battery out of the car, and store it in your garage. There is no need to put the battery in a box or wrap it in a cloth.

Just place it in a dry place, and you are good to go. Make sure to charge it fully using a trickle charger to ensure it does not get discharged while hibernating.

Q5: Should you Start your Car every day in Winter?

A5: A lot of drivers believe that starting or warming up the car keeps the battery healthy. But this is merely a myth. When you start the vehicle, the battery provides a lot of cranking power, and when you don’t drive the vehicle, that battery does not get charged.

In short, it is not a good idea to start the vehicle daily and leave it on idle mode. If you have plans to drive, then only start the car.

Final Thoughts

Having one of the best car batteries for cold weather gives the assurance that your car will start quickly, no matter how harsh the weather is. Moreover, these batteries have good reserve capacity, so you get ample power to run the electronics when the alternator fails to work.

Now you can quickly make the right choice by selecting an ideal battery that fits your budget. If you still find it daunting to choose a battery, go for ACDelco Gold B24R AGM Battery.

If you need a cheaper one, there’s nothing better than Kinetik (HC1200-BLU) Black Power Cell Battery.

Last update on 2023-05-17 at 14:32 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API