If didn't really fit in any of the tech sections, but who makes the best 12 volt vehicle (passenger car and light truck) batteries? I'm a battery snob and have only used name brand batteries in small items like flashlights, but it seems like there aren't that many "name brands" when you get into auto batteries. I'm certain that they are made by a handful of companies, and rebranded, but what brands have y'all had good experiences with?
The World's Best Batteries?
- Thread starter Stendec
- Start date
+ 1 on Optima - yet I have a love hate relationship with the one currently installed in my POV...
I would stay away from Die Hard.
Most black batteries are made in the same factory just different color tops & labels.
I have had the best luck with Interstate batteries
Most black batteries are made in the same factory just different color tops & labels.
I have had the best luck with Interstate batteries
I don't know anything about them personally, but heard a bunch of recommendations for Odyssey batteries while at Police Fleet Expo.
I love my Optima Yellow-Top... I bought the dual post one so I the top posts to add my stuff to... I'm actually working on gettin a second Optima and running a dual battery / dual alternator set-up...
ohi007 said:
Is that Auto Zone brand or just any batteries from Auto Zone? I've had a few problems with 1 or 2 of the cheaper brand they sell...
just whatever they sell for the type of vehicle i am buying for, so i guess the auto zone brand.
i always get one with dual posts on it (top and side) so i can keep my equipment hook up seperate from the vehicle's factory connections.
i always get one with dual posts on it (top and side) so i can keep my equipment hook up seperate from the vehicle's factory connections.
I had a Optima Red Top that worked alright. The salesman told me it would work great with my lighting and whatnot...then 8 months later it died and the top had warped. I went back to the store and showed them the Red Top (different salesman) and they said that Red Tops are just a replacement for factory batteries and not really designed to take the loads of stereo systems, bass systems, lighting, sirens, etc. So I had the Red replaced for a Yellow for like $4o more and thus far havent had problems. So if you have a veh with woos and thats what the battery is going on, get Yellow and if no aftermarket junk, Red. Blue is for Marine.
Also wanna get dual posts so that the energy doesnt "bottle neck" out of two posts.
Also wanna get dual posts so that the energy doesnt "bottle neck" out of two posts.
red top= Automotive Starting
yellow top= Deep Cycling & Cranking
http://www.optimabatteries.com/home.php
(or go nuts- buy a blue top) :shock: (hey, if its good for a RV....) :twisted:
yellow top= Deep Cycling & Cranking
http://www.optimabatteries.com/home.php
(or go nuts- buy a blue top) :shock: (hey, if its good for a RV....) :twisted:
Stendec said:Wow, thanks, I had no idea a greasy black box would attract such attention.
That's...what...she said?? :shock:
Another vote for Optima Red/Yellow tops and if its mounted somewhere inside the Odyssey sealed units are nice as well.
Damn the optimas have quite a price tag. i think i paid 60 bucks for my last battery, and the guy popped it in for me...
If you have the money, Optima; if not, I actually go with Kirkland (Costco Brand). In my travels, they apparently are the same manufacturer (Johnson Controls) as the Die Hard batteries and even the Walmart brand too. Problem is, if I spend money on a Die Hard, I'd might as well go Optima; so I find the Kirkland a good compromise...
The "Best" automotive battery depends upon where you live and work, that is, the region of the US. Batteries for cold climate areas have better cold cranking amps.
For years, Interstate batteries, as formulated for different climates, provided a value battery for the performance.
Consumer reports does survey batteries and for the Southeast U.S., the Durazone from Auto Zone was recommended. That's what I have used, just from a cost basis. I have used Ford OEM (Motorcraft) and they never lasted more than a couple of years. Die Hard does not stand as high in the ratings as they once did.
Many of our agencies with patrol vehicles like the Optima batteries, but a cold winter or real hot summer can kill even these quality batteries.
For years, Interstate batteries, as formulated for different climates, provided a value battery for the performance.
Consumer reports does survey batteries and for the Southeast U.S., the Durazone from Auto Zone was recommended. That's what I have used, just from a cost basis. I have used Ford OEM (Motorcraft) and they never lasted more than a couple of years. Die Hard does not stand as high in the ratings as they once did.
Many of our agencies with patrol vehicles like the Optima batteries, but a cold winter or real hot summer can kill even these quality batteries.
yeah thats how my optima died. when my ex wife bought the red top for my f 150 when i was on korea the sales people didnt put the right CCA battery in it. It lasted 5 years with loads put on it. it died on a day the temp was below 30. i ve found out that wal mart batterys do not hold up well with small loads on the if you let them sit to long. i killed 3 batteries in (all three fried a cell and wouldnt hold a charge)9 months so i upgraded to a die hard with no problems as of yet.
It also pays to check the cables for corrosion and tightness. No battery's gonna help if periodical maintenance isn't performed well.
I have a battery from a Caterpillar (direct fit) in my Jeep. rugged as hell and after 4 years it's still going strong (3 new england winters so far)
Consumer Reports just did an article on car batteries, but their tests don't reflect the demand that ELB members might need because of emergency lights and two-way radios.
As discussed in this thread, a lot of factors need to be considered in choosing a vehicle battery.
The configuration (side or top terminal), make of vehicle, and climate zone (North or South) figured in the results. Duralast batteries from Auto Zone were ranked lower than in the previous studies, but you could buy two of them for what an Optima Red Top cost. Die Hard top terminal batteries seemed to perform well in Fords, but other brand batteries proved better in Chrysler, GM SUV and sedans, Toyota and other Japanese vehicles.
And, . . . If an emergency vehicle is not equipped with an upgraded capacity alternator, many quality batteries may fail prematurely because of the amp load and current drain.
As discussed in this thread, a lot of factors need to be considered in choosing a vehicle battery.
The configuration (side or top terminal), make of vehicle, and climate zone (North or South) figured in the results. Duralast batteries from Auto Zone were ranked lower than in the previous studies, but you could buy two of them for what an Optima Red Top cost. Die Hard top terminal batteries seemed to perform well in Fords, but other brand batteries proved better in Chrysler, GM SUV and sedans, Toyota and other Japanese vehicles.
And, . . . If an emergency vehicle is not equipped with an upgraded capacity alternator, many quality batteries may fail prematurely because of the amp load and current drain.