Top 5 Car Batteries For Cold Weather: Keep Your Cool with These

Needless to say, one of the most important parts of your vehicle is its battery. The car needs it to start its engine and run important electrical components–such as the wipers, entertainment system, air conditioning–to ensure a smooth, comfortable, and safe ride.
However, not all power cells are created equal. Some options are more capable in dealing with the challenges posed by extreme weather than others.
If you are searching for those best equipped to tackle cold weather, we’ve rounded up some of the best car batteries for cold weather in this buying guide

PREVIEW

BRAND

DETAIL

Optima Batteries 8002-002 34 RedTop
Odyssey 65-PC1750T Automotive and LTV Battery
Optima Batteries 8025-160 25 RedTop Starting Battery
DieHard 38188 Group Advanced Gold AGM Battery GP 34R
Delphi BU9094R 94R AGM Battery
optima batteries 8002-002 34

Optima Batteries 8002-002 34 RedTop

When talking about cold weather-optimized DC power source for your vehicle, the most important aspect is that it should be able to start your ride even in the harshest of winters.
Thankfully, we’ve got just the right product for you.
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The Optima Batteries 8002-002 34 RedTop is specifically designed to provide optimal starting power regardless of the weather. It has a high 800 cold cranking amps (CCA), giving your vehicle enough juice to start its engine and keep it up and running even in the freezing cold.
It also has an ample storage capacity of up 50-ampere hours. Should your ride encounter some electrical problem because you forgot to charge your battery, the power cell still contains enough charge to run necessary electronics with its reserve capacity of 100 minutes.
While most users are satisfied with this product, some have complained about longevity issues. But no need to worry, since the warranty coverage is up to 36 months.
PROS
High 800 CCA
Storage capacity of 50-ampere hours
100-minute reserve capacity
36- month warranty
CONS
Doesn’t last as long as other batteries
Read the full review of Optima Batteries 8002-002 34 RedTop
odyssey pc 1750t

Odyssey 65-PC1750T Automotive and LTV Battery

There are simply times that you need all the power you can get out of your battery. Perhaps, winter is a little colder than usual or you own a vehicle with a bigger engine than the rest. Don’t worry though, we’ve got the product just for you: the Odyssey 65-PC1750T.
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With its 950 CCA, you won’t have any problem starting your car even in the midst of winter. In fact, this is the item has the highest CCA rating in this list and a good option for buyers whose main priority is starting power.
It also features a non-spillable design so you can mount it any way you want with no worries about acid leaks. It is also vibration-resistant and has a longer reserve capacity of up to 145 minutes.
The only issue we have is customer service, as Odyssey customer representatives take too long to respond to our questions. But overall, this is a great battery you can use for your car throughout the whole winter season.
PROS
950 CCA
Non-spillable design
Vibration-resistant
145-minute reserve capacity
CONS
Poor customer service
Read the full review of Odyssey 65-PC1750T
optima batteries 8025-160 25

Optima Batteries 8025-160 25 RedTop Starting Battery

If compactness is your main consideration, then a good option to consider is the Optima Batteries 8025-160 25 RedTop.
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This small car battery model has a 720 CCA rating, which is not that far behind from other models in our buying guide. It can still give you optimal starting power even in low temperature settings.

It is very tough and durable, thanks to its resistance to shocks and vibrations. It can also store up to 44 amp hours of charge, giving it a reserve capacity of 90 minutes.

You don’t have to worry about refilling your Optima 8025-160 25 RedTop with distilled water, thanks to its maintenance-free feature. Despite having a relatively low CCA and reserve capacity, its speedy recharging capacity makes up for it. Plus, it works with most trucks, motorcycles, and cars.
But like other Optima RedTop batteries, it doesn’t last as long as expected based on the reviews of previous users. There were also warranty complaints, so better double check the fine print before you make a purchase.
PROS
Small and compact
720 CCA
Resistant to shock and vibration
90-minute reserve capacity
Maintenance-free
Speedy recharging
Works with a variety of vehicles
CONS
Relatively low CCA and reserve capacity compared to other batteries
Doesn’t last at long as expected
Read the full review of Optima Batteries 8025-160 25 RedTop
diehard 38188

DieHard 38188 Group Advanced Gold AGM Battery GP 34R

If you’re looking for a reliable power cell at the lower price range, we’ve got you covered. The DieHard Advanced Gold is not only affordable, but also has all the specifications and features needed to handle the increased power demands when the temperature starts plunging.
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For instance, this product has a 775 CCA rating, which makes it powerful enough to start vehicles even in cold weather.
Even if you encounter problems charging problems, you still got plenty of time to reach your destination safely with its power storage capacity of 55 ampere hours or 120 minutes of reserve capacity. That’s two hours of using the battery to power your car’s essentials--more than enough time to seek help from a professional.
The DieHard 38188 also has 20x vibration resistance compared to its peers, able to handle the bimps and shocks of daily ride. You can be sure that it won’t suffer a vibration-induced premature failure.
But take note that it doesn’t fit a few car models, so better make sure that it fits your car first before you finalize your purchase.
PROS
Affordable
775 CCA
120-minute reserve capacity
Vibration-resistant
CONS
Fits only a few car models
delphi bu9094r

Delphi BU9094R 94R AGM Battery

It’s an established fact that starting your car’s engines is harder during cold weather. But the good news is that you don’t actually need to spend top dollars just to get a power cell to get the job done. We’ve searched the market and found another affordable solution to this cold weather issue–the Delphi BU9094R 94R AGM.
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This product has a very high CCA rating of 800, which means it’s powerful enough to get your vehicle’s engine running even in the midst of winter. Tough and durable, it can handle whatever shocks the road may throw at it, thanks to its vibration resistance that’s 20 times greater than that of conventional batteries.
It is also perfect for the modern car with all its added electronic accessories since it can store a greater amount of charge compared to other options. It has a capacity of 80-amp hours and a reserve capacity of 140 minutes, giving you enough time to reach your trusted car mechanic should trouble arise.
PROS
Affordable
800 CCA
High vibration resistance
140-minute reserve capacity
CONS
none

Why You Should Pick Your Battery Wisely

Starting your car is usually a problem when the weather gets colder. As the temperature drops, the engine oil becomes more viscous, making it difficult to start the engine. The cold air also becomes denser, affecting the air that ignites the fuel. In other words, your vehicle’s engine requires more power to start compared to normal conditions.

That’s why you need to choose a power cell that can surmount these difficulties and get your vehicle up and running in no time.

Another reason why you need to buy a battery especially designed for cold weather is the temperature’s effects on your battery output.

Remember, your power cell’s electrical output is a result of a chemical reaction in its electrolyte solution. But this reaction slows down when the temperature plunges, resulting in lesser power output in cold weather. So, make sure to check your battery’s cold cranking amp (CCA) rating, as it’s a good indicator of how well it performs in a cold environment. If you choose one with a lower rating, there’s a chance that it may not be able to start your vehicle due to the lack in starting power.

It’s also extra difficult for help to come during winter in case your car battery suddenly dies. With all the slippery snow on the road, expect the tow truck to arrive a bit later than usual.

During this period, you’ll be entirely dependent on the charge stored inside the power cell to keep things in the car up and running. That’s why it pays to check on a product’s storage and reserve capacity, which is a good estimate of how long it’s going to last.

The amount of electronics onboard your car is also a factor to consider when choosing the power cell you need. For the gadget-laden ride, choose an option that has higher reserve capacity.

Buying a car battery best suited for cold weather will save you tons of trouble when winter comes. We’ve already provided you with five different options, but you need to evaluate for yourself which product suits you best in terms of pricing and specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the best car battery for cold weather?

AGM batteries are best for cold weather over lead-acid batteries. Optima Red Top is a high-performance battery ideal for cold weather. When the weather gets cold and the temperature drops, your car battery will find it harder to start the car. For cold weather, it's recommended to buy batteries with a high cranking amp and above-average reverse capacity.

Are AGM batteries good in cold weather?

Yes, AGM or Absorbed Glass Mat batteries are great for cold weather. They don't rely on an active liquid for producing electricity. So there's no risk of the liquid freezing. This also takes away the risk of leakage and spillage that is often the case with wet batteries. The AGM batteries can withstand repeated draining and charging cycles as compared to wet batteries.

Are interstate batteries good in cold weather?

Interstate offers different battery models and not all of them are ideal for cold weather conditions. For reliable performance under cold conditions, you need to look for AGM batteries. The Interstate 31M-AGM is one such model. It has cold-cranking amps of 925 and RC@25 amp of 200. You should purchase similar models of Interstate for cold weather.

Can cold weather kill your car battery?

Temperature does affect your car battery. When the temperature drops, your battery finds it harder to deliver the necessary current to power your car. Cold weather can damage your car battery, but it depends on various factors. If it's fully charged and it's in new condition, then the damage will be less. It also depends on the temperature itself.

Why do car batteries fail in cold weather?

Batteries fail in cold weather because they freeze too. Lower temperature can freeze your car battery, starter, and engine. If you do not use your car regularly in winters, the electrolyte inside of a battery will turn into the water from acid as voltage gets lower and lower. To ensure reliable performance even in colder weather, you should go for AGM batteries with higher CCA.

Do car batteries last longer in cold weather?

There's no evidence to suggest that car batteries will last longer in cold weather. In fact, a low battery will lose its power faster when the temperature drops. To ensure batteries last longer in cold temperature, you need to manage proper voltage. The more discharged a battery become, the higher the likelihood that it will get damaged and have a reduced lifespan. You should keep your battery fully charged.

What should car battery voltage be in cold weather?

Car batteries should always have as high voltage as possible. Batteries tend to lose power when the temperature drops below 32°F. After that, it will continually lower power. That's why new batteries with full voltage don't get damaged more than half voltage batteries. If possible, you should charge your battery from time to time in the winters.

How do I start my car in cold weather?

If your car fails to start in cold weather, you can do a couple of things. The first is to shut off all the accessories including the heater, radio, and headlights. This would divert all the battery to start the engine. Next, you can try to hold the ignition for at least 10 seconds. The aim is to deliver enough current for the engine to start.

How do I keep my car battery from dying in cold weather?

To keep your car battery from dying, you need to use less of its power. So shut off all the accessories like lights and heater. Use a trickle charger to keep your battery charged. Finally, you should charge your battery to its maximum capacity. If your battery is old enough, replace it with a new one.

Is a car battery any good after it freezes?

A frozen car battery will not work instantly. You'd have to charge it back up and the electrolyte will turn back into acids. Even after that, you'll face problems and there will be starting issues. It's best to replace a car battery after it freezes in cold weather.

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