Best Car Battery for Arizona
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Updated: August 2021
Arizona's heat can be notoriously hard on car batteries, and it's not fun when your battery dies and leaves you stranded on the side of the road. It's a common problem: a rise in temperature of 15 degrees can cut your car’s battery life in half as the battery fluids evaporate at a higher rate in those sweltering summers, and AAA responds to thousands of dead battery situations every year.
Having a quality battery is the safest way to protect yourself from having it fail, and we have tips to help pick the best car battery to keep you driving in Arizona.
Check the Brand Out
Some brands are better than others. DieHard makes affordable, long-lasting batteries and has a wide range of batteries to fit your vehicle and give your ride the proper electric punch.
Duralast offers much of the same upside as DieHard (the same company makes both brands). Optima is pricier, but it’s also a top-of-the-line battery that won't let you down. Even store brands offer quality batteries. Kirkland Signature from Costco and EverStart from Wal-Mart both test well in comparison to signature brands.
Make Sure the Battery is Compatible
Different cars need different batteries, as they need to be the right size and match the terminals in your vehicle correctly; most battery vendors will be able to confirm correct fitment.
Check the Manufacturing Date
Batteries lose power over time, which is why you'll eventually need to replace it, so buying a battery that's been sitting too long means there's less power in it, to begin with. Try only to buy batteries made within the last six months.
Check Out the Batteries’ Performance Tests
Getting a battery with a large power reserve means it's going to have more starting power. Batteries that test well regarding battery life are important, especially in the Arizona summers, and the goal is to get a long-lasting battery in the first place.
Be Mindful of the Warranty
Most batteries will have a warranty of around three years and sometimes carry a prorated replacement warranty. The prorated warranty period will help replace the battery, but it'll still cost out of your pocket, too, so look for more extended free replacement warranties where possible. Costco has an unconditional 2-year warranty.
Also, be wary of the specifics as the warranty can be voided from neglect or misuse.
Even with the best car batteries, it's important to take care of them to make sure they last in the Arizona heat. Follow these tips to make sure you get the most out of your battery.
Check Your Battery Regularly
Make sure your battery is running at the proper charge from time to time. Two times a year is enough, and some places will even run a battery test for free.
Keep the Battery Clean
Dust and dirt can act as a conductor as it collects on top of your battery, draining the battery’s power, and can also lead to battery terminal corrosion, affecting the power flow.
Check for Warning Signs
The battery charge light is a pretty easy sign to notice if it's lighting up when you start your car, but also check if the lights are looking dimmer than usual.
Park in the Shade
Even if it's only a couple of degrees, being out of direct sunlight will keep your car and the battery cooler, and in turn, that'll help keep the battery working longer.
Best Car Battery 2021
When you need to find the best car battery for hot weather, you might as well make sure you’re getting the latest and greatest. That means updating your battery every few years as your old one gets deteriorated by the heat, and it also means making use of the most modern options.
Check online reviews to find the best car battery for hot weather, then see which of the options is a good match for your specific vehicle as well as your budget.
You’re likely to see options like these:
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- Optima Batteries 8022-091 75/25 Starting Battery
- ACDelco ACDB24R Advantage AGM Battery
- Odyssey 35-PC1400T Automotive and LTV Battery
- Optima Batteries 8004-003 34/78 RedTop Starting Battery
- Delphi BU9034R MaxStart AGM Premium Automotive Battery
- Optima Batteries 8010-044 6V RedTop Starting Battery
Why You Need the Best Car Battery for Hot Weather
If you want the best car battery for Arizona, that means getting the best car battery for hot weather. It’s really as simple as that. These batteries are designed with hot days in mind, which means they’re built to stand up to the punishment.
Batteries like those listed above will keep working longer and more reliably than lesser batteries or batteries made for cold environments. Not only will these batteries last longer and perform better, but they may also reduce the number of oil changes you need.
Understanding Car Batteries for Hot Weather
There are many different car batteries, and some are better than others for standing up to the heat here in Arizona.
Lead-Acid Car Batteries
These types of batteries are usually some of the most common, the most affordable, and the easiest to install. They may use either a wet-cell or gel-cell design. These batteries are the most inexpensive choices for standing up to heat, but they don’t last quite as long as some of the other types, and they may require some extra maintenance.
Absorbed Glass Mat Batteries
Also known as AGM batteries, these are the top of the line. They last longer than lead-acid batteries and are even more prepared for scorching hot temperatures. They don’t require much maintenance, if any, which makes them some of the best car batteries for Arizona.
What to Think About When Buying Car Batteries for Hot Weather
There are a few different aspects to consider when buying a car battery, many of which are already covered above. If you really want to make sure you’re buying the best car battery for Arizona, though, it may help to dive a little bit deeper into the details. One of the first things you should learn about is called the ampere-hour (or AH, for short).
An ampere-hour is a unit of measurement for how well a battery can support various electric systems for longer periods of time. Higher AH ratings are associated with superior dependability when temperatures soar. They’re more expensive, but it might be worth the cost to be able to depend on your battery.
The next thing you should think about is the reserved capacity of your battery. This is a measurement of your battery’s runtime while it discharges 2.5 amps. This is important because it will give you an idea of what you can expect as your battery powers many electric systems. For example, your car battery regularly powers your infotainment system, lights, air conditioning, and more at the same time.
How Do I Know When It’s Time to Replace My Car Battery?
The average car battery can last as long as five years with moderate use, but it usually won’t last quite that long here in Arizona. Even the best batteries for hot weather can only stand up to the punishment for so long, and you don’t want to risk getting stranded in a parking lot or on the side of the road. As soon as your car has trouble starting for the very first time, take it to a mechanic and see if you need a new battery.
Choosing the right battery and taking proper care of it and your car will help ensure that your battery doesn't die on the side of the road. Get the best car battery 2021 has to offer and experience more peace of mind when it comes to your car. The premier Chevy Dealerships in Arizona have first-rate service departments that can assist you with your battery selection and replacement. Find the nearest Chevrolet dealer here.
