New car batteries powerful, but costly
Many car batteries look and perform much like those Consumer Reports tested 10 years ago. But a newer type of lead-acid battery called absorbed glass-mat, or AGM, is gaining ground in new cars and as a replacement battery.
Battery manufacturers claim that AGM batteries, which can replace conventional batteries in many vehicles, have advantages, including longer life, better durability and increased safety.
These batteries contain an absorbent fibrous glass material that surrounds the plates and lines the interior. It helps keep the plates secure and less subject to being vibrated loose. Manufacturers claim AGM batteries are completely sealed and spill-proof, which makes them safer and more maintenance-free than traditional designs. But at $145 or more, AGMs can cost more than twice as much as some conventional models.
CR’s latest tests of 23 batteries included four AGM models. One of them, the DieHard Platinum 50090, $180, scored the highest in CR’s ratings for its group. And most of the other AGM batteries in the test performed better than the traditional models in the same group size.
Of Group 65 batteries, CR designated three models as Quick Picks: the NAPA Performance Select 8465, $79; Autocraft Titanium 65-2, $80; and Duralast 65-DL. Of Group 34/78 and 78 batteries, CR named three models as Quick Picks: DieHard SUV, Truck and Van 29990 (South), $100; NAPA Select 8434/78, $86; and AutoCraft Titanium 34/78-4, $80.
A NEW TEST
This year, CR used a new battery-life test that closely follows a test recently adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers. The new standard is intended to better replicate real-life conditions and to take into account changing technology for both conventional and AGM batteries. The test dictates several different drain-and-recharge cycles over a 100-hour period where the battery must meet voltage and amperage limits.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BATTERY FOR YOUR VEHICLE
‘ Have your old battery tested. Before you go shopping for a new battery, get your battery tested by a repair shop as part of an annual safety inspection. It’s particularly important to test your battery if it’s more than 2 years old and you live in a warmer climate, or 4 years old and you live in a colder climate.
‘ Know your battery size. Many cars, minivans, SUVs and pickups use one of five common sizes with either side- or top-mounted terminals. Check your owner’s manual or in-store fit guide to get the right battery for your car.
‘ Insist on real-world performance. Along with good life-testing performance, choose a battery that scored well in CR’s reserve capacity testing. Full ratings are available on www.ConsumerReports.org.
‘ Look for a no-maintenance or sealed battery. With those, you don’t have to check or refill the electrolyte levels, as you must with models with inspection caps. Some batteries with caps also claim to be maintenance free. All sealed and AGM batteries are maintenance-free.
‘ Consider your climate and driving. Where and how you drive plays a large part in determining which battery is right for you. A battery that performed well in CR’s life tests is a good start, especially if you make a lot of short trips that don’t give your car’s alternator much time for recharging.
‘ A handle comes in handy. An attached plastic loop eases lifting and carrying. Because the average weight of the batteries CR tested is 40 pounds, this helps if you install or remove the battery yourself. All the models CR tested have a loop, except Interstate’s Mega-Tron Plus MTP-65 and Mega-Tron 11 MT-65.
‘ Dispose of your old battery safely. Some retailers will install your new battery free of charge and will dispose of the old one for you. Batteries are made up of largely of toxic lead and acid, but can easily be recycled.
Visit the Consumer Reports Web site at www.consumerreports.org.