4 Car Battery Brands With The Best Warranty

In the modern consumer economy, we are spoiled for choice: nearly every market segment is highly competitive, with countless brands vying for a limited number of buyers. Overall, the battery industry is a multi-trillion-dollar industry as far as direct and downstream economic activity is concerned, with millions of Americans relying on it for their income. The car battery market represents just a part of it, but given how rapid advances are made in the EV industry, this number is only expected to grow. 

With such a massive industry, car battery manufacturers are forced to find ways to differentiate themselves and attract more buyers. One way to do so is price, but also brand image, availability, and even warranty. According to a study published in Marketing Letters, higher warranty coverages act as a signal of quality. This leads consumers to perceive products with stronger warranties as more reliable and higher in overall quality. Understandably, this strengthens consumer confidence, leading to higher sales.

However, warranty is only part of the story, as individual actions can also contribute to how long your battery might last. Therefore, make sure to check out these tips to maintain your car battery and increase its lifespan. Keep in mind that most battery manufacturers offer two kinds of warranties: full replacement warranties and prorated warranty coverages, which do not guarantee a completely new battery if it fails. Here are four car battery brands with the best full-replacement warranty.

Battery warranty coverages in the 36 to 48 month range are fairly common, but there aren't many brands out there that actually offer a 60-month (five-year) free battery replacement plan. According to Firestone Complete Auto Care, the Duralast ProPower AGM Elite is backed "by a five-year, free replacement, nationwide warranty." This battery is also backed by trip interruption coverage and a 24/7 roadside assistance program.

Duralast batteries are made by Clarios, a U.S.-based manufacturing company located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. However, the five-year warranty coverage does not include all other Duralast ProPower batteries. The ProPower AGM, situated right below the AGM Elite, is backed by a four-year (48-month) warranty, the mid-spec Duralast ProPower Ultra is backed by a three-year (36-month) warranty, and the entry-level ProPower Plus is backed by just two years (24 months).

These differences are also reflected in the price, as the price range at Firestone is set between $184.99 for the cheapest ProPower Plus and $311.99 for the most expensive ProPower AGM Elite. Keep in mind that exact prices can vary from one region and retailer to another. Either way, with the ProPower AGM Elite, Duralast is situated among a select few brands with a 60-month free-replacement battery warranty.

Optima is one of the best major car battery brands, and is typically known for its six-pack cell designs, YellowTop, BlueTop, RedTop, and OrangeTop batteries. The OPTIMA ORANGETOP™ QH6 Car Battery – 880 CCA (QH6) leads the pack with a 60-month (five-year) full-replacement warranty coverage. It's worth noting that these are lithium batteries. They differ from AGM batteries by being lighter, longer-lasting, having a higher charging efficiency, and having a much deeper usable discharge.

Not all Optima batteries come with a five-year free-replacement plan, as most other models are usually backed by 24 to 36-month replacement packages. Even Optima's own website specifically states that the free-replacement warranty of 60 months does not apply to automotive batteries. However, according to Bimmerworld.com, the QH6 came to be as a direct result of collaboration between Bimmerworld and Optima. It is intended for car use and is backed by a five-year warranty.

The HQ6 also boasts impressive numbers. 880 cold cranking amps rated at zero degrees Fahrenheit, giving you serious starting muscle in very cold weather. Moreover, it also comes with Bluetooth monitoring and management. Understandably, all of this comes at a price as the Optima HQ6 costs $849.99 — a price that can get you a couple of AGM batteries, but still within the average of what a lithium battery costs. 

Battery USA Lithium is a company founded in 1995 and in the business of making and sourcing automotive, marine, commercial, RV, and lawn batteries throughout Florida. Although they primarily deal with maritime, RV, and power systems lithium batteries, some of their products are "dual-purpose starting," meaning that these batteries can both start engines (like a car, boat, or RV engine) and provide auxiliary power for electronics or onboard systems.

However, that does not mean that a single battery has the necessary juice to power it all. That is why diesel trucks sometimes have two batteries. Regardless, all Battery USA battery products are specifically covered with a five-year free-replacement plan. The company deals with lithium batteries, and with such technology and warranty coverage, its price ranges are firmly at the top-end side of the market, ranging from $360 for smaller 12V-50ah batteries all the way up to $2,800 for a 36V-150ah boat and RV battery.

Continuing our list is another local U.S. battery brand from Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, spread out across seven different locations. Battery Wholesale was founded in 1983, and their PowerPak Platinum batteries are all backed by a five-year free replacement warranty program. These batteries are designed for cars and trucks, offering standard sizes, but also benefits such as free charging and installation.

Since this is not a large wholesaler, and because they are store pick-up only, the availability of these batteries is often limited. Either way, Platinum batteries backed by free five-year programs are flooded batteries. Knowing how to choose the right battery charger for these batteries is very important since these are known to discharge quickly. Prices range from $209.99 for 12V 500CCA batteries, while top-end 12V 750CCA batteries cost $229.99.

Flooded batteries tend to be cheaper, partly because maintenance is more frequent and often more challenging. This is because they use liquid electrolyte solutions that can start evaporating over time. In practical terms, this means having to top up distilled water every now and then so the lead plates are submerged at all times. Moreover, these batteries also require more detailed monitoring and equalization charging to fight off sulfation.