Group 75 batteries in the CR tests all scored a Good rating, though there were gradations of that (with list prices in brackets), starting with the Exide Nascar Select N75-84 ($105). After that it was Champion 750 Performance Series Part No. 75-2 ($85), Interstate Mega-tron Plus MTP 75 ($112), Motorcraft Silver BXT-75 ($101), and ACDelco Professional 75-7YR ($130).
CR also has some general tips for buying a battery:
- Look in the dealer's catalog to find out what size you should buy and how many Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) are necessary.
- Try for a battery with the that has the maximum available reserve capacity, a figure which should be included in the store's literature.
- Instead of worrying about the battery's warranty period, CR says, look for one with the longest free-replacement period, preferably two years or more.
- Because it's still in the store, don't assume that the battery is fresh. There will be a code on the battery explaining the date. Usually, it's a letter designating the month (A for January, etc.) with a number for the year (9 for 1999).