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Best Car Batteries for Cold Weather
Car slow to start on cold mornings? These batteries start strong in winter and last longer. Here's how to pick the right one.
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#1 Best overall: AGM battery
Top pickStarts strongly in the cold, lasts longer, and handles phone chargers, heated seats, and extra lights.
Key trade-off: better in cold weather, but costs more up front.
#2 Best budget: standard battery
A lower price and a good choice for mild winters and simple cars.
Key trade-off: cheaper, but weaker in very cold weather.
#3 Good to have: portable jump starter
Small and easy to keep in your car. Starts a dead battery without another car.
Key trade-off: not a battery replacement, but a great backup.
Before you buy
- Match the battery group size in your owner's manual.
- In cold areas, look for a higher CCA (cold cranking amps) number.
- Many auto stores recycle your old battery for free.
DIY: How to replace your car battery
Safety first: Car batteries are heavy and contain acid. Wear gloves and eye protection. Some newer cars need the new battery registered by a shop or scan tool, so check your owner's manual.
- Turn off the car and remove the key.
- Disconnect the negative (–) cable first, then the positive (+) cable. This order helps prevent sparks.
- Remove the hold-down bracket and lift the old battery out carefully. It's heavy, so bend your knees.
- Clean the cable ends with a wire brush if they have white or green buildup.
- Put in the new battery, facing the same way, and tighten the hold-down bracket.
- Connect the positive (+) cable first, then the negative (–). Start the car to test it, and take the old battery to an auto store for recycling.
Ready to do it yourself?