If you want a top-rated car battery, you can't just buy by brand.
Performance within brands can vary by size and model, Consumer Reports' latest tests found.
Many DieHard and EverStart batteries are recommended, for example, but others from those brands scored no better than midpack in CR's testing. Moreover, Bosch, Duralast, Kirkland Signature and NAPA models also performed well in certain categories.
A switch of suppliers has resulted in improved performance from some DieHard models (sold at Sears and Kmart), which are now top-rated in four of the six group sizes that were tested. But they're also some of the most expensive batteries.
Sears recently added a new budget-priced line called Plus Start. Although their performance is mostly midpack, prices start around $55, making them about half the cost of DieHard Gold models in several group sizes.
One, the Plus Start 50235 in group size 35 ($70), is a CR Best Buy. And midpack is not such a bad thing because almost all of the tested models, including Plus Start, scored Very Good or Excellent.
Other CR Best Buys include the Kirkland Signature 12866 ($75) in group size 65; the EverStart Maxx-34N (North), EverStart Maxx-34S (South) and EverStartMaxx-78S (South) (each $90) in group size 34/78 & 78; and the EverStart Maxx-24S (South) ($80) in group size 24/24F.
No one wants the unpleasant surprise of being stranded by a dead battery. So CR recommends that you have your battery and charging system checked as part of an annual safety inspection.
Do it once your battery is more than 2 years old if you live in a warmer climate or 4 years old if you live in a colder climate. If it passes, it should be good for another year.
CR has some other buying tips:
Get the correct size. To find it, check your owner's manual or an in-store fit guide. A wrong-size battery might not fit or mount securely and may not provide enough power to start your car.
Consider your driving habits. If you make a lot of short trips and frequently stop and start the engine, choose a model that scored well in reserve capacity. That's important when the engine doesn't have a lot of time to recharge the battery between starts.
Choose a battery for your climate. Cold temperatures can sap a battery's energy and thicken motor oil, making it more difficult to start the engine.
A battery that scored well for cold-cranking amps is important for cold climates. But contrary to what you might think, hot temperatures can be even more taxing on a battery, increasing internal-plate corrosion and vaporizing the electrolyte faster.
A handle comes in handy. CR's tested batteries weigh about 40 pounds on average. If you plan on installing your own battery, a handle makes it much easier to lift and carry. Most batteries have them.
Go with a fresh model. Batteries lose their strength over time, even sitting on a store shelf. Look for a shipping code printed on the case.
The code can be a letter for the month (A for January) and a number for the year (11 for 2011). Try to get one that's no more than six months old.
Recycle your old battery. Batteries are toxic, filled with lead and acid. But they can easily be recycled, and most states require retailers to accept used batteries.
Some stores will do the removal and installation free, but others will charge you for it. Check before you buy. If you do install a battery yourself, expect to pay a core charge when you buy the new battery. It's refunded when you take in the old one.
Consumers Union Inc.
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