Car Battery Brands to Avoid – Tested and Reviewed

I once bought a cheap car battery to save money. Bad idea. It died in six months. One cold night, I was stuck in a grocery store parking lot. My car wouldn’t start. I had to wait for a jump in freezing weather. That’s when I learned a hard lesson—not all car batteries are the same.

A bad battery can fail fast. It can leave you stranded when you least expect it. Worse, it can cost more in the long run. That’s why picking the right one matters.

In this article, I’ll share which Car Battery Brands to Avoid. I’ll explain why they fail and what to buy instead. Let’s make sure you don’t end up stuck like I did.

Key Factors That Make a Bad Car Battery

Not all car batteries are built to last. Some die too soon, struggle in cold weather, or fail without warning. I’ve learned this the hard way. Over the years, I’ve tested different brands—some lasted three years, while others barely made it past one. Let’s break down what makes a car battery unreliable.

Short Lifespan

A good car battery should last three to five years. A bad one? It might not even last a year. Cheap materials and poor build quality cause early failure. If you find yourself replacing your battery too often, it’s a sign of a bad brand.

Poor Cold-Cranking Amps (CCA)

Ever had your car refuse to start on a freezing morning? That’s likely due to low CCA. Cold-cranking amps measure how well a battery works in cold weather. A weak battery struggles in winter, leaving you stranded when you need your car the most.

Inconsistent Performance

A good battery should hold a charge well. Bad ones drain too fast, even when the car is off. You might find yourself needing frequent jump-starts or dealing with random electrical issues. If your battery dies after sitting for a few days, it’s a red flag.

Leakage Issues

A leaking battery isn’t just annoying—it’s dangerous. Acid leaks can damage your car’s electrical system and even cause corrosion under the hood. Some low-quality brands have poorly sealed cases, leading to leaks that shorten battery life.

Warranty Problems

A solid battery brand stands by its product with a good warranty. But with bad brands, claiming a replacement can be a nightmare. Some have vague warranty terms or deny coverage, leaving you stuck with a dead battery and no help.

I once tested two budget batteries in my car. One lasted a solid three years, while the other barely made it through one winter. That second battery gave me constant problems—slow starts, quick drain, and finally, total failure. Lesson learned: a cheap battery isn’t always a good deal.

Next, let’s look at the brands you should avoid so you don’t make the same mistake.

Read More: Should I Replace My Car Battery Before it Dies

Car Battery Brands to Avoid (With Reasons & Experience)

Not all car batteries are reliable. Some die too soon. Others have bad warranties. You don’t want to be stranded with a dead battery. Based on real complaints and my own experience, here are three brands to avoid.

EverStart Value – Dies Fast & Hard to Replace

EverStart Value batteries don’t last long. Many fail in months. The warranty says one year, but getting a replacement is a hassle. Walmart often sends customers to the manufacturer, leaving them stuck with a dead battery.

I bought an EverStart Value to save money. That was a mistake. It lasted five months before my car wouldn’t start. I went to Walmart, but they refused to replace it. They told me to contact the manufacturer. After weeks of emails and calls, I gave up and bought a different brand. Cheap batteries aren’t worth the trouble.

Key Issues:
✔ Dies fast—sometimes in six months or less
✔ Warranty is hard to claim
✔ Struggles in extreme weather

Optima YellowTop D34/78 – Pricey & Unreliable

Optima YellowTop batteries used to be great. Now, many fail in a year or two. If you buy online, the warranty is almost useless. Some customers have to pay high shipping costs to return a faulty battery.

I trusted Optima for years. But my last one lasted just over a year. When I tried to get a replacement, I had to pay for shipping—on a 44-pound battery! That’s not cheap. I gave up and bought a different brand.

Key Issues:
✔ Doesn’t last long—some die in a year
✔ Poor warranty support, especially for online buyers
✔ Struggles in hot and cold weather

ACDelco Gold AUX14-200 – Bad Warranty & Fit Issues

This battery comes with a “36-month warranty,” but many people can’t use it. The manufacturer and seller often refuse to help. Some buyers also get the wrong size, even when the store recommends it.

I almost bought this battery, but a friend warned me. His died in 18 months. When he asked for a replacement, both the seller and ACDelco refused. After hours on the phone, he gave up. That was enough for me to avoid it.

Key Issues:
✔ Warranty is often denied
✔ Some batteries don’t fit right
✔ Many die within months

These brands have common problems—short life, bad warranties, and poor performance. If you want a reliable battery, avoid them. In the next section, I’ll share the best car battery brands that actually last.

Best Car Battery For Long Term Storage

I’ve used many car batteries for storage. Some last, but others lose power fast. The best ones hold a charge, stay strong, and work when needed.

Best Budget Car Battery: DieHard Red Battery Review

I’ve tried the DieHard Red Battery, and it’s a solid pick for budget-conscious drivers. It offers reliable starting power at a fair price.

Key Features

What I Like

• Affordable for most budgets
• Reliable starting power
• Easy to install
• Maintenance-free design

What Could Be Better

• Not ideal for extreme cold
• Shorter lifespan than premium options

If you need a budget-friendly battery for everyday driving, this one gets the job done. For cold climates or extra power needs, consider upgrading.

Best AGM Car Battery: EverStart Platinum AGM Battery Review

The EverStart Platinum AGM battery gives strong and steady power. It’s great for many cars and trucks.

Key Features

What I Like

• Starts well in cold weather
• No maintenance needed
• Long-lasting and strong
• Walmart offers free installation

What Could Be Better

• Heavier than some batteries
• Core charge can vary by state

If you want a strong, easy-to-use battery, this is a smart choice. It’s built to last and works well in cold weather.

FAQs for Car Battery Brands to Avoid