Car batteries that won't let you down - ConsumerReports.org
Waiting until your car won’t start isn’t the best time to start shopping for a new battery. But according to our research, that’s exactly what most people do. Chances are you won’t find the best bargain when you’re standing by the side of the road with a dead car, and you’ll be lucky to even procure the right battery for your vehicle. A better plan is to have your battery’s condition checked every year by a mechanic, especially once it’s a couple of years old. If you can’t remember when you last replaced your battery or had it checked, now would be a good time to get up to date. Summer is right around the corner, and contrary to what you may have heard, hot weather is tougher on car batteries than cold winters. These cost significantly more than conventional batteries, but they excel in our tests. Further, they are spill-proof, usually last longer, have a low self-discharge, can better tolerate deep discharge, and stand up well to extreme temperatures. Thus, AGM batteries are especially well suited to certain conditions, such as for cars that might be parked for extended periods or vehicles with high power demands due to accessories. Source: www.consumerreports.org
