If you take lots of short trips and do at least some of your driving in warm weather regions, long battery life is especially critical. That’s because quick trips offer little recharging time, and high temperatures can increase oxidation within the battery and boil off the electrolyte needed for current.

Our tests of car batteries mimic those tough conditions to measure how many charge-and-discharge cycles a battery can endure before its voltage falls below an industry-specified minimum. Results varied from the excellent (as many as seven drain-and-recharge cycles) to the merely fair (fewer than two).

But widely varying life-test results aren’t the only reason to be picky about your next car battery. Some models provide more cold-cranking amps, a measure of battery current available for frigid climates. Some provide lots of reserve capacity, which determines how long a battery can run a vehicle if its charging system fails. And while all batteries we tested come with free-replacement warranties, the best extend that coverage to three years.

We tested 39 batteries within five group sizes that, together, cover many of the foreign and domestic cars and light trucks on the road. Our ratings emphasize life-test results over reserve capacity and CCA performance. Here, by group size, are some notable models:

¢ Group size 65. These fit nearly all cars and trucks from Ford, including large Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury sedans, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. We like the NAPA 84 Select 8465 ($80), the Duralast 65-DL (at $60, from Auto Zone, it’s a CR Best Buy), and the ACDelco Professional 65-7YR ($90). The maintenance-free NAPA is suitable for cold or warm climates, while the ACDelco – another maintenance-free model – is best for cold.

¢ Group size 75. For DaimlerChrysler midsized cars, recent General Motors subcompact and compact cars, and most pre-’95 GM vehicles. In cold climates, try the ACDelco Professional 75-7YR ($90). In warm, consider the NAPA 84 Select 8475 ($70). Both are maintenance-free.

¢ Group size 24/24F. The choice for Acura CL and TL sedans, Honda Accords after 1998 and Odyssey minivans, 1992-’97 Nissan pickups, and most Toyota Sienna minivans. At just $40 (from Wal-Mart), the maintenance-free EverStart High Power 24-3N is a CR Best Buy and a good choice for cold climates.

¢ Group size 34/78. These fit many large Daimler/Chrysler vehicles, most 1996-’00 GM pickups, SUVs and midsized and large sedans. We recommend the EverStart MAXX-1N for cold climates (at $60, from Wal-Mart, it’s a CR Best Buy) and the ACDelco Professional 78DT-6YR ($90) for warm. Both are maintenance-free models.

¢ Group size 35. For many Japanese-nameplate vehicles, including most recent Honda Accords, most Subarus, and most Nissan and Toyota vehicles. The NAPA Legend 7535 ($60) is maintenance-free, while the Autocraft Silver 35-1 ($50, from Advance Auto) requires periodic checks of its electrolyte levels. Both are suitable for cold and warm climates.

When buying any battery, look for a shipping date no more than 6 months old, since batteries tend to degrade on the shelf. Most batteries have a shipping-date code on the case or label. It includes a letter for the month (“A” for January) and a number for the year (“5” for 2005).

And check installation costs. Advance Auto, AutoZone and Wal-Mart do it for free. Sears stores charge $12.95, which includes inspecting the charging system. You can pay $40 or more elsewhere.