The tests are tough by design. We charge and discharge the batteries thousands of times while in a 167º F water bath to simulate underhood temperatures and find out how long they’ll last. We also put them in a freezer to see how they’ll perform at 0º F, and we track how long they’ll last if you leave your car’s headlights on or the charging system fails.

There are many factors that have an impact on battery life, with weather being one of the most significant. (While batteries typically fail in cold temperatures, it’s the hot temperatures that cause the degradation.) That’s where our extreme testing can separate the batteries with promise from those that come up short.

Many of the highest-scoring are pricey absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries. They’re known for having a long service life and being able to tolerate deep discharges—when the battery has been significantly drained to 10.5 volts or below, such as when the lights are left on overnight. But some top-rated lead-acid batteries cost less than many of their competitors, says Frank Spinelli, who oversees testing of car batteries at Consumer Reports.

“Price doesn’t necessarily mean better performance,” Spinelli says. “We’ve got some less expensive batteries in our ratings that score very well.”

Below you’ll find the top-performing battery in each category we test. You’ll also find information below on how to know which type of battery your car needs and tips for buying a replacement battery.