| Best Choice |
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Optima Batteries 8022-091 75/25 Starting Battery | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Best Value |
|
ACDelco ACDB24R Advantage AGM Battery | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Premium Pick |
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Odyssey 35-PC1400T Automotive and LTV Battery | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
- 1. Optima Batteries 8022-091 75/25 Starting Battery
- 2. ACDelco ACDB24R Advantage AGM Battery
- 3. Odyssey 35-PC1400T Automotive and LTV Battery
- 4. Optima Batteries 8004-003 34/78 RedTop Starting Battery
- 5. Delphi BU9034R MaxStart AGM Premium Automotive Battery
- 6. Optima Batteries 8010-044 6V RedTop Starting Battery
Most people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about their car batteries. But if you live in extreme weather—especially if you frequently experience high temperatures—there’s a good chance you might need to replace your car battery sooner than you expect.
A car battery that’s designed for extreme temperatures is a must-have accessory, but unless you’re a car enthusiast, you might not know that. In this article, we highlight the features you need to prioritize as you shop for the best car battery for hot weather.
The Best Car Battery for Hot Weather
Spend just a little time browsing car batteries and you’ll find that Optima Batteries is one of the most popular brands. We selected the 8022-091 75/25 RedTop Starting Battery as our Best Choice because it features a strong AH and CCA rating. You get 44 AH and 720 CCAs. So, for most people who live in regions with varying weather, you’ll be confident that your car will start every time.
We also like that Optima batteries are 15 times more vibration-resistant than the competition and feature a spiral cell technology that offers improved performance. Plus, flexible mounting options give you the freedom to install this battery in the optimal configuration for your car.
- 44 AH rating
- 90-minute reserve capacity
- Spiral cell technology
- 15 times more vibration-resistant
- Brand Optima
- Model OPT8022-091
- Weight 33.1 pounds
720 CCA rating
Flexible mounting options
Faster recharging
Poor customer support
Warranty may not be honored
Many car owners are concerned about buying aftermarket batteries. However, ACDelco is a perfect solution because it’s one of the few OEM parts manufacturers in the automotive industry. It is a trusted automotive brand that has been supplying OEM parts to General Motors for decades.
If you’re shopping on a budget, you’ll like this affordable AGM battery that features a 325CCA rating to reduce power output for those who need to start their cars in warmer climates. We also like that this is a virtually maintenance-free battery. Plus, the corrosion-resistant terminals and spill-proof and vibration-resistant design help to give you confidence while you’re on the road.
- OEM manufacturer
- AGM battery
- Vibration-resistant
- Corrosion-resistant design
- Brand ACDelco
- Model ACDB24R
- Weight 31.2 pounds
325 CCA rating
Leak-proof design
No maintenance required
Inconsistent warranty support
Inconsistent lifespan
If money is no object, then you should consider purchasing an AGM battery as it provides the best performance, especially for vehicles in warmer climates. We believe the Odyssey 34-PC1400T Automotive and LTV Battery is a great option for premium shoppers.
Specifically, this battery features a high AH of 65 and an 850 CCA rating. These ratings ensure that you’ll have plenty of power to keep your battery running, even in tough weather conditions. We also like that Odyssey’s batteries last 70 percent longer than other brands. You’ll like that in as little as four to six hours, the battery can be completely recharged to 100 percent.
- 65 AH rating
- AGM battery
- 3-10 year service life
- 100-percent recharge in 4 to 6 hours
- Brand Odyssey
- Model 35-PC1400T
- Weight 50 pounds
850 CCA rating
Lasts twice as long as conventional batteries
Vibration-resistant design
May need an expensive charge
Expensive
Optima Batteries makes our list again because the company consistently offers high-performance batteries that are designed to keep you on the road. The 34/78 RedTop Starting Battery is ideal for a range of vehicles. We like that it features a 50 AH rating as well as 800 CCAs, making it ideal for a variety of climates.
You’ll also like that this battery features a 100-minute reserve capacity. Other important features include the spiral cell technology and vibration resistance. More importantly, this is an AGM battery, helping to reduce the total amount of maintenance you need to perform on your car.
- 50 AH Rating
- 100-minute reserve capacity
- Spiral cell technology
- Best for harsh weather conditions
- Brand Optima
- Model 8004-003
- Weight 38.8 pounds
800 cold cranking amps
High-performance AGM battery
15 times more vibration-resistant than competition
Inconsistent warranty support
Inconsistent battery life, depending on conditions
Noticeable voltage drop from starting car to operation
Delphi is another quality brand that’s best known for providing OEM parts not just to automakers, but to consumers as well. We think you’re going to like the Delphi BU9034R MaxStart AGM Premium Automotive Battery. It offers a commendable 55 AH rating as well as 775 CCAs. This makes it more than adequate for people who live in regions with varying climates.
We also like that this AGM battery features a 120-minute reserve capacity. The improved cycle life makes it preferable to less durable batteries. Meanwhile, this battery is designed to be 20 times more vibration-resistant than the competition. We also like the corrosion-resistant sealed housing it contains.
- 55 AH rating
- AGM battery
- 120-minute reserve capacity
- 20 times more vibration-resistant design
- Brand Delphi
- Model BU9034R
- Weight 41.9 pounds
775 CCA
OEM AGM fit replacement
Improved cycle life
Inconsistent warranty support
Poor customer support
To close out our recommendations, we have another option from Optima Batteries. This time we’re highlighting a six-volt battery, so be mindful of this as you do your search. The 8010-044 6V RedTop Starting Battery features a 50 AH rating and an 800 CCA rating, making it ideal for a range of climates.
We like that, as is standard with Optima, you get a battery that’s designed to be 15 times more vibration-resistant and has a maintenance free design thanks to the fact that this is an AGM battery. You also enjoy high-powered delivery and premium spiral cell technology.
- 50 AH rating
- 100-minute reserve capacity
- 15 times more vibration-resistant
- Maintenance-free AGM design
- Brand Optima
- Model OPT8010-044
- Weight 18.5 pounds
800 CCA rating
High-power delivery design
Spiral cell technology
Pricey
Inconsistent performance
Best Car Batteries for Hot Weather Buying Guide & FAQs
Unless you don’t mind being stranded on the side of the road because your car battery died, it’s important to get the best quality car battery that fits within your budget and is designed for extreme temperatures.
While it’s not necessary to break the bank when shopping for a car battery that can stand up to hot weather, it is important that you prioritize a few specific features. Doing so will help you to differentiate between car batteries that are designed for temperate climates versus those that are meant to perform even under harsh conditions.
Why You Need a Car Battery for Hot Weather
The obvious reason why you should buy a car battery for hot weather is because these types of batteries are designed to stand up to the punishment of consistently working even when the weather would make a lesser battery give up. Typically, consistently hot weather can reduce the lifespan of a standard battery.
In addition, extreme heat can actually cause corrosion to form on your battery, which also works towards shortening the overall lifespan. Over time, this will impede the electrical flow and your car’s performance.
- Car batteries designed for hot weather will improve performance.
- A car battery for hot weather may reduce the number of oil changes that you need.
- It’s less likely that you’ll unexpectedly find that the battery in your car has died.
Types of Car Batteries for Hot Weather
It’s important to understand the different types of batteries and how they can improve your car’s performance, especially in hot weather. There are a wide range of batteries that car owners can choose from. The following batteries are ideal for use in hot weather.
- Lead-Acid
Lead-acid batteries are extremely common and tend to be the most affordable options for budget-focused car owners. They are easy to use and install. These batteries can be further broken down into wet-cell and gel-cell batteries.
Wet-cell batteries are also known as flooded batteries because they contain liquid. While they’re still some of the cheapest options available, when you’re shopping for car batteries for hot weather, these are the lowest performing in terms of lifespan. Expect to also perform maintenance to prevent electrolyte loss.
- Absorbed Glass Mat
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) is a premium battery option and a top performer. Compared to lead-acid batteries, these batteries offer longer life cycles. Specifically, they feature a unique configuration where an electrolyte suspension is in close proximity to the metal plates.
Additionally, they offer a slower discharge rate and tend to perform better in extreme heat. Their maintenance-free reputation also makes them a fan favorite among car owners who don’t want to tinker with their battery if there’s an issue. However, AGM batteries can lose water due to heat exposure, which will also impact the lifespan.
What to Consider When Buying Car Batteries for Hot Weather
Now that you know about the different types of car batteries for hot weather, what do you need to keep in mind as you shop between brands and models? There are a lot of aspects that are important, but the following are key to finding a suitable car battery.
- Ampere Hour (AH)
The ampere hour is a critical figure for people who live in hot climates. It refers to how long a battery can maintain a performance load while working for longer periods of time. This includes supporting various electrical systems. That’s why you should look for batteries with a higher AH rating.
The higher the AH rating, the less likely it is that your battery will give out on the side of the road during a road trip. However, while batteries with a higher AH rating offer improved performance in the heat, these types of batteries cost more than those with a lower AH rating.
- Size
Batteries are not a one-size-fits-all affair. Many cars can only accommodate batteries that are mounted in very specific ways. Likewise, the actual dimensions of a battery may not be compatible with the way your car is designed under the hood.
Whether you’re shopping online or browsing in a store, it’s a good idea to check under the hood or refer to your car’s handbook to confirm the dimensions of your current battery. As a rule of thumb, you should leave at least a 3.4-inch clearance between your battery and the hood to prevent a fire hazard.
- Cold Crank Amps
While this might not seem important if you live in a hot climate, many people live in regions where the weather can vary greatly from one season to the next. If you live in such an area, then the cold crank amps (CCA) rating is going to matter once the temperatures begin to dip.
The CCA refers to how many amps a battery emits at zero degrees for up to 30 seconds at a rate of 7.2 amps. For people who live in regions that experience very cold weather, this is essential.
Look for batteries with a higher CCA for peace of mind and the knowledge that your battery will reliably start your car in cold weather. However, if you live in a consistently hot locale, look for a lower CCA rating, as you’ll need less amps to start your car.
- Reserve Capacity
This refers to your battery’s run time when discharging 2.5 amps. And just like the CCA rating, this is an important figure. Unless you plan to solely drive and not use any of your car’s other systems such as the air conditioning, sound system, or lights, you’ll need to power multiple systems simultaneously while your car is running.
If you live in a warmer climate, you need to do all of the above without overloading your battery. Typically, AGM batteries are considered the top performers in this category as they can hold up to 80 percent of their charge, including after a deep discharge.
Tips for Buying and Using a Car Battery for Hot Weather
Now you know what types of batteries to prioritize and the core features that should be at the center of your mind as you shop for a car battery designed for optimal performance in hot weather. But there are still a few tips and tricks that can help you shop for a battery like a pro.
Consider the following recommendations so that you can find a battery that has the power you need to keep you from being stranded on the side of the road.
- Decide whether you want a battery that requires maintenance or not.
- Check the warranty as point of purchase can sometimes impact whether it is honored.
- If you’re unfamiliar with car maintenance and repairs, it’s best to have a professional replace your car battery.
Best Car Battery for Hot Weather FAQs
We’ve compiled a few of the most popular questions shoppers have as they consider buying or replacing their current car battery. While this may not cover every burning question you have, we’re confident that this will give you the information you need to make an informed buying decision.
A telltale sign is when your car won’t start. However, every battery has an average lifespan, so look at the manufacturer’s date on your battery.
With moderate use, they can last up to five years. However, if you live in a hot climate, this lifespan may be reduced.
Batteries drain when they’re carrying more of a load. Common systems such as air conditioners or even using power windows can impact battery life.
Our Top Pick
We chose the Optima Batteries 8022-091 75/25 RedTop Starting Battery as our Best Choice because of its strong performance statistics and reasonable price point. This battery offers 44 AH and a 720 CCA rating. For the majority of people who live in regions with variable climates, you can drive with confidence that your car will start every time.
