We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›
Winter wreaks all kinds of automotive havoc. It’s hard on your car’s exterior, your tires, and even your car’s under-the-hood parts and functions. One area that can be particularly frustrating when temps drop and you need to hit the road? Your car battery.
Freezing winter weather can not only drain your battery faster but also slow down the chemical reaction that happens each time you twist your key in the ignition or hit your ignition button. This can leave you sitting behind the wheel, watching your car sputter or fail to start.
Fortunately, there’s a workaround you can use to keep your battery warm and safe from rough or failed starts: a car battery warmer. These insulated wraps envelop your battery in extra warmth, trapping heat and preventing the problems cold temperatures can bring on. We’ve rounded up some of the best car battery warmers right here.
Our Methodology
A good car battery warmer can lock in heat without impeding your car’s performance or usual functionality. So, to highlight the best of the best, we sought out the highest-rated and most highly-reviewed products available online. Looking solely at battery warmers, we compared the top products to one another and paid close attention to details like the material, the size and battery fitment for different vehicles, the installation method (and its ease), and the amount of warmth provided. Our picks were those car battery warmers that performed consistently and delivered reliable heat to keep batteries functioning at their best even in freezing or below-freezing temps.
Best Car Battery Warmers Reviews & Recommendations
Honorable Mention
Kat’s Battery Heater
Most Durable Car Battery Warmer
Design Engineering Cell Saver Battery Insulation Kit
Best High-Performance Car Battery Warmer
Thermo-Tec Heat Management Battery Heat Barrier
Our Verdict on Car Battery Warmers
The best car battery warmer for increased heat and reliable battery performance in winter weather is the Temro Zerostart Battery Blanket, which wraps your power source in an extra 60 to 70 degrees of heat. If you’re looking for cold weather protection and added warmth at an affordable price, the Aopec Battery Insulation Kit is another great option.
What to Consider When Buying a Car Battery Warmer
If you’re in the market for a new car battery warmer, you’ll find that many products look pretty similar online. Here’s what you should keep an eye out for as you shop for the best fit for your vehicle and battery.
Car Battery Warmers Key FeaturesHeat-Retaining Insulation
A battery warmer can’t effectively heat up your car battery if the material it’s made out of loses warmth quickly. You want a product that offers layers of insulation to trap heat around your battery. Whether you’re opting for insulated wraps or wraps with heating pads, insulation (and even reflective insulation to help direct heat better) is key to ensuring your battery’s fluids don’t freeze.
Adjustable or Customizable Fit
Not all car batteries are exactly the same size, which means that not all battery warmers are going to flawlessly fit your specific battery. While you can look for products that are made specifically for the size you need, it’s easier to find ones that are adjustable or customizable. Some battery warmers, for example, can be cut to size. Others feature Velcro or adjustable straps so you can achieve a secure, safe fit.
Resistant to Oil and Abrasions
If there’s one thing your car battery warmer has to be able to do beyond heat up your battery, it’s survive all of the different fluids and potential problems it can encounter under your hood. Oil is one of the most likely contaminants, so make sure to look for a product that’s oil-resistant. And if you’ll be removing your warmer often, you can run into snags, abrasions, and potential tears; this means it’s also a good idea to opt for a product that’s abrasion-resistant and durable.
Car Battery Warmers Pricing
The price of a car battery warmer depends on how feature-filled the product is. If you’re looking for non-electric warmers that increase your battery’s temperature with insulation alone, you can find options priced between $20 and $50. If you’re opting for a car battery warmer that actually heats up and provides electric warmth, you’ll spend between $50 and $100 – though some products can be as expensive as $150.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers!
Q: Can you leave on a car battery warmer overnight?
A: You can definitely leave your car battery warmer on your battery and plugged in overnight. Having one of these insulated products wrapped around your battery can prevent its fluid from freezing and its power capacity from diminishing so you don’t experience rough or failed starts first thing in the morning.
Q: How warm do car battery warmers get?
A: It really depends on the product that you’re using. In general, if your warmer includes an electric heating element, it can raise the temperature to between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: When should I plug in my car battery warmer?
A: You can plug in your battery warmer any time you’re parked. It’s a good idea, if temperatures are staying low, to plug in regularly and especially overnight, when temperatures can drop even more.
