United Tire and Service News

The winter inevitably means there's a likelihood that we'll wake up one frosty morning and our batteries will unfortunately be dead. There are some batteries, however, that are more durable, stronger, and better suited for frigid temperatures. 

Absorbed Glass Mat Batteries are Best for Cold Weather

Normal "flooded" batteries are filled with sulfuric acid. Not only is this dangerous, because the acid can leak out, but it is not ideal for cold weather. Absorbed glass mat batteries are the latest in battery technology. They are much safer, because the glass mat within the battery absorbs the acid. Also, absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries are more effective in cold weather. They put out more voltage and amperage than traditional batteries. They are a little more expensive than traditional batteries, but drivers in cold climates may feel that these AGM batteries are worth it. Read on to learn about the five best AGM batteries for cold weather. 

DieHard Gold

DieHard Gold is an excellent AGM battery at an affordable price. It is more affordable than the Platinum model that is also included in this article. It utilizes unique "Stamped Grid" technology to improve the battery's durability. The manufacturer claims that this model features a 60% increase in electrical flow. This battery comes with a three-year warranty that provides free replacement if the battery fails.

ACDelco Professional

ACDelco is a well-known automotive parts brand that makes batteries and other types of components. ACDelco is owned by General Motors, but its batteries will fit many non-GM vehicles. The ACDelco Professional is a leading AGM battery that has some unique features that you won't find in competing batteries. It uses a pressurized valve system that is supposedly leak-proof. This system is intended to prevent the battery acid from damaging the battery's terminals, which could reduce the battery's life. The ACDelco Professional battery comes with a three-year warranty that covers free replacement with the same model of battery. 

Optima YELLOWTOP

Optima is known for making high-performance batteries, and the YELLOWTOP model is one of its heavy-duty batteries. This battery is intended for modified vehicles that need even more power than standard vehicles. For example, a large 4x4 truck would be a good fit for this battery. Of course, it'll still work just fine on less powerful vehicles. The Optima YELLOWTOP battery is so powerful, in fact, that it can be used for industrial vehicles like tractors. As with the other batteries on this list, the Optima YELLOWTOP utilizes AGM technology. It comes with a three-year warranty.

DieHard Platinum

The DieHard Platinum is similar in design and technology to the DieHard Gold battery also included in this list. It also uses DieHard's proprietary "Stamped Grid" technology to make the battery more durable. It is a little more expensive than the DieHard Gold battery, though it utilizes premium components that may help the battery perform better and last longer. The DieHard Platinum comes with a three-year warranty.

Optima REDTOP

The Optima REDTOP is one of the best cold-weather batteries on the market today. Like the other batteries on this list, it utilizes AGM technology to improve performance and reliability. However, the REDTOP also has something called "Spiral Cell Technology." This technology is supposed to make the battery more durable and to decrease recharging time. This battery also comes with the standard three-year warranty.