Are all automotive batteries about the same?

[jjr]

For those of you who do not know me, I'm a skeptic.

I tend to not believe most all advertising claims,
because they are selling something. The harder they
try, the more suspicious I get.

I grew up in Ohio, which as many will know sees a
winter season... certainly NOT the more savage version
some folks endure, but a solid season no doubt.

Certainly they make better batteries these days, but
some of the Walmart units I've tried seemed less than
satisfying...

So anyways, back in the day, in Ohio, it was common to
think of a car battery as having a 2 year life span.

Later in life, I lived in Chicago and found that it's
winter took an even greater toll. "If" you opted for
a Sears Diehard you'd probably get 2 years... maybe
even 3 - but you were flirting with getting stranded.

After a few years in Chicago, my job allowed me to
move to Texas and I could finally thaw out! <grin>

I had almost forgotten about how the cold destroyed
batteries when I realized that the heat does the same
thing "almost". The constant sizable load of A/C, high
fan settings and start and stop driving took a toll
too.

Except instead of 2 years, 3 was more common and the
Premium lines could sometimes reach 4. But... you
had to check the water level, as the heat could and
does evap even the acidic battery water.

But even with 3 and 4 years of life, I, like most
folks - wanted something better.

When the Optima battery came out, I was predictably
skeptical... another slick advertisement. As I reviewed
the details on it, I got curious and made a note to
try one.

So, in 2004 when a driver's battery went dead, it
was time. I bought and installed a red top Optima.

Here's the battery:



If you look close, the little bubbles are plucked
showing the installation date.

Six years later, this car fires right up and still
suffers stop and start everyday driving including
the Texas heat of 100 degrees - A/C full blast and
plenty of idling...

Conclusion: Optima has a winner there!

Joe

[WarbirdTA]

Hi Joe,
I too, am a skeptic as well.
I remember when the yellow top Optimas came out.
All the rave about them.
Now, I hear the red tops are much better.
Like you now, I am in the hot weather.
But, I seem to get 5-6 years out of AC Delco batteries.
So, I use them in my cars.
Never tried the Wal Mart batteries.
Sears Die Hard, but found I could get AC Delco for cheaper, and they seem to last alittle longer.
Maybe someday, I'll try the red top.

George

[se1979ta]

I had the worst luck with Optimas. I killed two yellow tops and one red top over the course of about three years. I really wanted to like them since my previous regular battery leaked

It may though be from possibly having some kind of battery drain (possibly the clock?). I ended up a couple years ago (after the last Optima I killed) with a super-sized Sears Die Hard RV/Van battery and put some quick disconnects on it. I should also probably put it on the trickle charger more often than I do, but so far haven't had any problems. Kinda wish I had tried using the disconnects with one of the Optimas I had to see if it would have helped.

[WarbirdTA]

For some reason,
My 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am always drains the battery as well.
Makes me wonder what it is.
I am not the only one with this trouble, all 20th TTA owners seem to have this as well.

George