The best battery for a dodge charger might be easier to find than you would expect and this is why…
The battery can be regarded as the lifeblood of a vehicle.
It is an essential component for starting the car’s engine and providing power to all the vehicle’s vital electrical parts.
While every vehicle has a battery, not all vehicle batteries are created equal, and the battery requirements differ from car to car.
A muscle car requires a different battery from what a truck will require.
The battery requirements of a performance car vary from that of other types of vehicles.
This article talks about all you need to know about the muscle car battery.
If you are searching for a new battery, this article covers everything you need to know about choosing the right car battery for your dodge charger.
What Factors Are Important For A Muscle Car Battery
CCA Capacity
The CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) capacity of the car battery refers to the amount of energy needed for the battery.
Cranking Amp, for example, defines the amount of energy required to start a car at 32 Fahrenheit, while CCA represents the speed at which the car battery puts out power in freezing temperatures.
This matters because car engines are notably harder to start in the cold.
The starter requires more work to get the engine started and for the cold thicker oil to get flowing.
A battery with an inadequate CCA rating will lead to longer starting times, more wear and tears of the started, and ultimately fail to start the car in cold weather.
You must choose a battery with adequate CCA.
Terminals
Your connections terminals are crucial to guaranteeing the battery is properly installed and will deliver the necessary power required.
It is vital to ensure that your car’s battery cables have a clean and tight connection with the battery’s terminals.
Having loose cable connections will overtime lead to problems with your batteries, and it will not conduct maximum power.
Battery posts and terminals that easily get covered with corrosion will inhibit power, eventually leading to a no-start situation.
While cleaning your terminals regularly can help prevent this, deciding on the battery with proper terminals is the first step in avoiding this entirely.
Right Size
Batteries are available in different sizes.
Before deciding on a new car battery, first consult your vehicle’s manual to determine the suitable battery size.
This is important as you want a battery that will perfectly fit in the battery tray of your car.
This helps prevent damages that might arise from vibrations and the rare chance of the battery coming loose on a sharp curve and causing damage.
Typically, car batteries can be divided by their size.
This will indicate the batteries’ length, width, and height.
Reserve capacity
This refers to the actual time that the car battery can run on its own.
A good vehicle battery will have a significant amount of reserve capacity.
This is important when the vehicle’s alternator fails, or the lights have been mistakenly left on for long.
Battery with high reserve capacity tends to be on the expensive side; however, their benefits make the price a fair trade.
Battery freshness
You should also consider the freshness of the battery when buying a battery for your vehicle. This is normally indicated by a code that contains both letters and numbers.
With the letter showing the month of manufacture while the number indicates the year of manufacture.
You are advised to go for a battery six months old or less from its manufacture date.
Maintenance.
When it concerns maintenance, there are two types of car batteries; batteries that require maintenance and batteries that do not.
Batteries that require maintenance are non-sealed and should be serviced after every six months of use.
Maintenance-free batteries are sealed, with a liquid electrolyte running in the battery.
Warranty
Like all things, it is recommended that you go for batteries that come with warranties that promise replacement within a particular period.
A car battery that offers a 5-year full replacement warranty is likely to last more than one that pegs their warranty period at a year of two.
You should also verify whether the warranty offers a full replacement or price reduction on another battery purchase.
The battery brand
The brand is vital when picking a battery for your car.
This is necessary because most brands have built their reputation through quality products while other brands have a reputation for offering counterfeited products.
Hence, you are advised to stick with brands with a reliable reputation.
730CCA, 900 CCA,
As explained above, CCA measurements ensure that the car battery has enough power to start the car’s engine, especially in cold temperatures.
Typically, batteries with high CCA readings are especially recommended for muscle cars. A battery with a CCA reading of 900A will deliver 900A at –18°C (0°F) for half a minute without dropping beneath 7.2 volts.
The higher the CCA, the better.
As long as the car battery fits into your car’s battery tray, there will be no problem.
A battery with a 730CCA or 900CCA gives you an additional time buffer and doesn’t empty the battery when you mistakenly leave the lights on or the door ajar over the night, etc.
It is also helpful on subzero mornings where other batteries with lower CCA’s wouldn’t be enough to start your vehicle.
Optima batteries
Optima batteries are tougher and last longer than general batteries.
Optima batteries also perform better in freezing temperatures, enabling your car engine to crank smoothly.
Various reasons make Optima batteries better than other types of batteries, and they are discussed below.
OPTIMA batteries are more reliable than other lead-acid batteries.
They are Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) lead-acid batteries.
This means that unlike the black box battery, the mat absorbs the electrolyte inside of the battery, enabling it to perform better since there are no leaks.
As expected, Optima batteries are a tad more expensive than other types of batteries, and so a vehicle owner should put the usability into consideration before buying one.
If you have a vehicle that you plan to sell off in a few months or a year, it’s not worth it to spend on an Optima battery.
Likewise, if you buy a used car that you plan on using for a year or two, Optima batteries would not be recommended.
Optima batteries are best used if you have a new car you are going to use for years.
This is as the battery would serve you for a minimum of 7 years. They are the best choice in such situations.
Optima batteries are available in three variants; always refer to your vehicle’s user manual when making a choice to ensure that you buy the variant that suits your car’s requirement.
Most people tend to go for a redtop or yellowtop Optima batteries to pair up with their muscle cars.
Benefits of Optima Batteries
Optima batteries have increased durability as they last 2X longer when compared to most of the other types of battery.
It is highly resistant to vibration and heat, which enables it to avoid damage and last longer than other batteries.
Optima batteries are tightly compressed; this enables it to withstand the vibrations of the car. Severe vibrations will damage most battery types, causing them to fail quickly.
Optima batteries make use of absorbed glass mat, which makes it leak-proof, and consequently, they require zero maintenance. This has the extra benefit of helping the battery serve for a more prolonged period without any issues.
Optima batteries are highly resistant to external factors, and they do not get affected by the environment.
Optima batteries discharge at a way slower rate compared to other battery types.
Optima batteries perform better than other batteries because of the reasons below;
They are made of pure lead; Optima’s battery components comprise 99.99% pure lead.
Without any impurity to get in the way, the battery conducts electricity faster, providing a more significant burst of starting power.
They use Spiral cell technology; Each one of the six cells in an Optima battery employs AGM plates for the purpose of holding the acid in place.
The case is totally sealed; therefore, able to withstand harsh environments and rough terrains. This results in no leaks, no maintenance, and no engine compartment contaminants.
Ever Start Platinum battery.
Your car’s battery is its lifeblood, and you must buy one that is powerful enough for your muscle car.
You would never worry about power with the Ever Start Platinum Battery.
The Ever Start battery delivers optimal energy in all weather conditions, even in freezing weather.
You will never be worried about bad weather hampering your automobile.
It is created to deliver a powerful starting burst, ensuring that you never encounter any trouble starting your car.
The Ever Start battery is also 20 times more resistant to external vibrations as a result of rough terrains.
It is incredibly flexible with its ability to mount anywhere in combination with the spill-proof design.
Its reserve capacity is a lengthy 90 minutes, letting you get almost 2 hours of power, even when your muscle car is switched off, or there’s a fault with your alternator.
The Ever Start Platinum battery is the most suitable choice for your power-hungry muscle car. Being able to carry all your car electricity needs – GPS, DVD players, heated seats, start-stop technology, and audio systems.
This Ever Start battery delivers 900 cold-cranking amps (900CCA) and offers power, reliability, and long life for your muscle vehicle.
Ever Start Platinum Battery features:
- Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM)
- 900CCA (Cold-cranking amps)
- For high electrical needs
- Extended lifespan
- 4 years free replacement warranty
- Perfect for muscle cars
Bosch 94R battery
This Bosch 94R Battery is one of the best for muscle cars.
Bosch 94R High-Performance Batteries provide peak power and superior charge acceptance for muscle cars with the highest electronic demands – regenerative braking, start/stop systems.
The 94R battery features exceptional AGM technology and satisfies the highest power supply and starting standards even in icy weather conditions.
Many reviewers have stated that it’s lasted them for several years past the listed date.
Bosch battery uses high-density negative paste to extend the battery life considerably while also enhancing stability.
This battery lasts longer than other batteries, thanks to its enhanced alloy.
It makes use of a vent cap design to prevent acid from leaking, even when driven over rough ground.
Its robust envelope separator utilizes a puncture-resistant back that ensures that the battery acid continues flowing and never shorts.
This enhanced circulation ensures that the battery doesn’t overheat as well as improves its life. The 94R from Bosch provides far more power and withstands a high amount of charging cycles.
Key Features
- Lasts 2X longer than conventional batteries
- Constant power and low consumption in stationary mode
- Latest technology
- 5-year free replacement warranty
Kinetic battery
Kinetic batteries harness the most advanced AGM battery technologies to bring the very best in power to your vehicle.
Whether you are a daily driver or you want a battery that will last for years with you occasionally driving, the Kinetic batteries have the energy to serve your needs.
Kinetic batteries bring to you compact power that will fit in all muscle and performance cars.
It comes with a sealed absorbed glass mat (AGM) design, perfect for muscle cars.
The leak-proof design, coupled with the fact that it has no external vents, eliminates the risks of any damaging or hazardous leaks.
This is tailored for the muscle car driver.
Key Features:
- Charges more efficiently
- Sealed and, therefore, leak-proof. Would not spill or create rust or discoloration. It can be mounted even upside down!
- Lasts longer than most battery types.
- Withstands heat, vibrations. Great for racing or off-roading terrains.
- Sealed absorbed glass mat AGM design
- 100% sealed. Maintenance-free
- 2-year warranty
How long do batteries last?
The average lifespan of any good battery is 5-7 years, with some brands lasting beyond ten years. Your car battery will last longer if your vehicle is regularly driven and the battery is kept at full charge.
Good in the winter?
All battery brands discussed here are great for all seasons, including winter.
Warranty
The warranty offered on batteries differs from company to company.
Most brands offer a 2-year warranty while some offer as much as a 5-year free replacement warranty.
How many spare batteries should you have?
If you just bought a new battery, having a spare battery in your car is a waste of space and, therefore, not recommended.
The only time you should have a spare is when your battery is old and nearing its expiring date or has displayed signs showing it needs to be replaced.
In such a case, it’s a wise idea to keep a spare battery in case your old battery dies on you. However, the best option is to replace the old battery when due without waiting for it to die on you.
When should your muscle car battery be replaced?
The principal purpose of the car battery is to start your vehicle.
The battery is rechargeable and it uses this charge to turn on the engine and to power the car’s systems while parked.
Once the car has been started, the alternator generates the electric power required to recharge the battery.
Over time, the car battery becomes weak and loses its ability to hold the charge, and the weak battery will be unable to start your car.
To avoid such a situation, you should replace your car battery before its capacity falls to a dangerous level.
A car battery, on average, has a lifespan of 5 to 7 years.
This gets even longer if the car is used daily, and the battery is kept at full charge.
There are a few signs that signify that your battery is failing.
If the battery is weak, the engine will turn on slower than usual, with the dash lights becoming dim or flickering when you start your vehicle.
Another indication that the car battery is weak is when the power windows move much slower when the engine is turned off compared to when it is running.
Lastly, you may notice that while the lights are bright when the engine is revved, they become dim when the engine is idling.
