Buying a car battery can be confusing with so many brands and options out there. While there are many excellent car battery manufacturers, some brands consistently underperform and are best avoided.
As a savvy car owner, you want a battery that’s reliable, long-lasting, and provides strong starting power in all weather conditions. The wrong battery choice can leave you stranded or require frequent replacements.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll highlight the car battery brands to steer clear of and explain why they should be avoided. We’ll also answer some common questions about selecting the best car battery. Let’s dive in!
Worst Car Battery Brands To Avoid
- Duralast
Duralast batteries are the house brand of auto parts giant AutoZone. While Duralast products are affordable, their car batteries consistently receive poor reviews for short lifespan, failure to hold a charge, and lack of high heat tolerance.
Multiple independent testing agencies have rated Duralast car batteries as below average in key performance metrics like cold cranking amps and reserve capacity. The brand simply fails to match the longevity and durability of top-tier battery manufacturers.
- EverStart
Much like Duralast, EverStart is the in-house battery line for major retailer Walmart. EverStart batteries are inexpensive but built with low-grade materials that impact real-world performance.
Independent battery tests indicate EverStart batteries have mediocre cold cranking abilities. Many drivers report issues with short 1-2 year lifespan before experiencing failure. You’re likely to get stranded with an EverStart battery long before its warranty expires.
- Kirkland
Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand sounds fancy but offers lackluster car batteries. Kirkland batteries consistently score “poor” in independent testing for longevity, durability, and cold weather performance.
Real world experience aligns with the poor ratings. Kirkland batteries have high failure rates within the first 12-24 months of use. You’ll end up replacing a Kirkland battery much more frequently than a top-tier battery.
- SuperStart
SuperStart batteries are sold exclusively at O’Reilly Auto Parts stores. While the SuperStart line is budget-friendly, these are very basic no-frills batteries built with cheap materials.
Multiple product reviews cite SuperStart batteries dying well before expected lifespan. Lab tests indicate the brand has below average cold cranking amps, meaning weak startup power in cold weather. Overall build quality and engineering are lacking.
- DieHard
You might assume Sears’ DieHard brand would live up to its name.
Unfortunately, DieHard batteries score merely average in independent testing.
Owners report batteries failing within 2-3 years despite longer warranty periods.
Some DieHard models particularly struggle in cold weather.
While DieHard is not the worst, it’s an unremarkable mid-grade battery brand that is outperformed by many competitors.
You can do much better for a similar price point.
- AutoCraft
The AutoCraft brand is sold at Advance Auto Parts stores. While budget-friendly, AutoCraft batteries consistently get low ratings for short life span, poor cold cranking ability, and premature failure. Many drivers report AutoCraft batteries dying in as little as 1 year.
- Summit
Summit batteries are the in-house brand for Summit Racing. While fine for basic applications, Summit batteries lack high-end materials and engineering. Owners cite issues with short warranty periods, quick corrosion, and batteries requiring replacement yearly to maintain starting ability.
- Exide
Once an industry leader, Exide batteries have declined in quality in recent years. Exide batteries now score below average in independent lab testing. Failure rates have risen, and Exide’s 1-year warranty is among the shortest in the battery business.
- Interstate Batteries
Interstate is a popular brand, but not all of their models deliver great performance. Their lower-end batteries use cheap materials leading to only average lifespan and cold cranking abilities. Higher-end Interstate models perform better, but you can get equal quality for less cost.
- Bosch
Bosch is known for high-end auto electronics and parts, but Bosch batteries don’t show the same excellence. Independent tests give Bosch batteries mediocre ratings for longevity and cold cranking performance. Owners report an average lifespan of just 2-3 years. You can do better for the price.
Why You Should Avoid These Brands?
All car batteries will eventually fail. But the brands above tend to fail sooner than top-tier batteries from manufacturers like Optima, Odyssey, or ACDelco.
The root cause of premature failure in the brands to avoid comes down to cheap design and materials. Here are key reasons these off-brand batteries underperform:
- Low-Grade Lead Plates
The lead plates inside a battery play a crucial role in performance and longevity. High-end batteries use thicker, purer lead plates that generate more power and withstand wear over time.
Bargain brands like Duralast and EverStart cut costs by using thinner lead plates vulnerable to corrosion. As the lower quality plates degrade, the battery loses charging capacity well before expected lifespan.
- Weak Frame and Housing
A battery’s plastic outer housing must withstand vibration, shocks, and expansion/contraction with temperature changes. Top manufacturers use durable housings made from strengthened plastics engineered for long service life.
Cheaper batteries housed in thin, brittle plastics are prone to cracking. Once the housing integrity is compromised, damage to internal components accelerates. The result is premature failure.
- Lack of Advanced Design Elements
Premium batteries incorporate design elements that increase reliability and durability while optimizing power delivery. These include:
- Tighter internal build tolerances
- Reinforced battery posts
- Full plastic covers to limit corrosion
- Optimized electrode configurations
- Glass mat separators
Budget-oriented brands forego these design enhancements to cut costs. The result is reduced performance and shorter service life.
- Weak Cold Cranking Amps
A battery’s cold cranking amps indicate how much power it can supply to start your engine in cold temperatures. Batteries with higher cold cranking amps maintain strong starts even in frigid conditions.
Cheap car batteries often have weak cold cranking capabilities. As the battery ages, cold weather starting becomes progressively more difficult until the engine fails to turn over at all.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Battery
Waiting until your battery leaves you stranded is never ideal. But what signs indicate your current battery is on the way out? Watch for these common red flags:
- Slow engine cranking – If starter motor sounds sluggish your battery may be failing.
- Dimming headlights – As battery capacity diminishes, less power gets delivered to accessories.
- Battery light comes on – The charging system warning light indicates your battery is not maintaining a charge.
- Corroded terminals – White or blue buildup on terminals can affect starting/charging.
- Cracked housing – Damage to outer housing signals internal issues.
- Old age – Most average quality batteries last 3-5 years. Beyond this range failure risk spikes.
Don’t ignore these warning signs. Have your battery tested to determine if it’s time for a replacement. Trying to push a weak battery beyond its usable lifespan is asking for trouble.
Also Read: Comparison of DieHard And Duracell Car Batteries.
What To Look For In A Good Replacement Battery?
When it comes time for a new battery, choose one built by a leading brand using top-tier technology and materials. Seek out these key traits:
- High CCA and Reserve Capacity
Look for the highest cold cranking amps (CCA) rating you can afford to ensure strong cold weather starting ability. Also verify the battery has ample reserve capacity to handle extended accessory loads.
- Durable Sealed Housing
Your battery should have a sealed, spill-proof plastic outer housing. Premium plastics hold up better against cracks and corrosion.
- Full Replacement Warranty
Reputable brands offer warranties of 4 years or longer. Go with the longest coverage you can get to protect against early failure.
- Premium Materials
Seek AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries with thick, pure lead plates. Quality internal materials withstand deterioration and deliver robust power.
- Optimized Design
Advanced design features like reinforced posts, tightly packed plates, enhanced separator materials, and frame vibration control promote longevity.
Top Car Battery Brands: Our Recommendations
Based on extensive testing and product reviews, these battery brands consistently rise to the top for outstanding performance across metrics like longevity, warranty, materials, and cold cranking power.
- Optima
Optima is the clear industry leader in AGM battery technology. Their YellowTop and RedTop batteries last 5-10 years, easily doubling the lifespan of typical batteries.
With extremely high cold cranking power and durable sealed housings, Optima batteries are trusted by luxury and performance automakers like BMW and General Motors. They are expensive but deliver best-in-class longevity.
- Odyssey
Odyssey pioneered the use of pure virgin lead and AGM technology in affordable batteries. Their Extreme Series batteries last 6-12 years, outperforming competitors 3:1 for longevity.
With high power delivery, extreme vibration resistance, and tolerances of 400 cycles to 80% depth of discharge, Odyssey batteries set the benchmark for mid-priced batteries.
- ACDelco
ACDelco offers outstanding OEM-quality batteries at reasonable prices. Their Professional series receives top marks for reliability, longevity, and cold weather performance.
Robust lead plates and fortified side terminals ensure durability. ACDelco batteries frequently last up to 6 years with proper maintenance. The brand is a great value compromise between top-tier and budget-level products.
- DieHard Platinum
Sears’ DieHard Platinum line stands out as a high-end offering within the broader DieHard brand. Utilizing premium materials like pure lead calcium alloy, reinforced ABS housing, and optimized grid patterns, the DieHard Platinum provides lasting performance on par with premium batteries.
It receives strong reviews for 6-8 year lifespan and is backed by a generous 4-year replacement warranty.
Also Read: Comparison of DieHard And Interstate Car Batteries.
FAQ On Car Batteries
The “best” car battery depends on your needs and budget. Optima and Odyssey are top-tier brands offering extreme longevity. ACDelco and DieHard Platinum provide an excellent balance of OEM-caliber performance at moderate cost. Avoid ultra-cheap batteries from discount retailers.
While no consensus single brand is considered the undisputed best, Optima and Odyssey are most frequently top-rated thanks to their durable AGM technology, long 6-12 year lifespans, strong cold cranking power, and OE-level quality. DieHard Platinum and ACDelco also rank very highly for affordable premium batteries.
Yes, the battery brand makes a significant difference in longevity, durability, power delivery, and warranty protection. Bargain brands use lower grade materials that won’t last nearly as long as batteries from respected manufacturers. Stick with a top-tier brand and you’ll get years more service life.
Among common replacement batteries available, Optima RedTop and YellowTop AGM batteries last the longest at 5-10 years. Odyssey Extreme Series batteries are a close second, typically lasting 6-12 years. Both easily double the 3-5 year average lifespan of mainstream car batteries. invest in a top-shelf Optima or Odyssey battery if you want maximal longevity.
The Bottom Line
Avoid the temptation to buy the cheapest battery you can find. Bargain brands like Duralast, EverStart, and SuperStart use inferior materials that result in short life spans and anemic performance.
When possible, choose premium brands like Optima, Odyssey, ACDelco, or DieHard Platinum to maximize longevity and durability. Taking the time to select a high-quality battery will pay off for years down the road.
