Ok, so on Friday I pick up my car after an oil change (finally got some Amsoil in there!!!) and David, my mechanic, gives me a hint that it's time to replace the old battery...

I have been thinking of getting an Optima, but was not sure if it would be the best choice. I know some of you have it currently installed and was hoping you could give me any input.

Looking at the Red Top 35 (8020-164) or the Yellow Top D35 (8040-218).

Thanks Gents!

 

Ive got the redtop. I cant complain, I just gave a jump to a explorer last week and as soon as we connected the cables it started right up. The explorer was sitting for about two weeks and was barely turning over to begin with. I say go for it I invested over 2 years ago on a new one but if I could find a used one Id probably put one into my daily driver too.

 

Im curious how the mechanic knew it was going dead. Did he do a proper load test on it? I doubt it. I can tell when a battery is going to go dead because the engine cranks slower than normal. A good way to preserve ur battery a bit longer is to make sure ur AC, radio, headlights and other battery-draining things are shut off.

EDIT - And clean ur terminals regularly.

 

Or if you get the optima, you dont have to clean them! and also IDK about you but I had to hookup a Ford, Accord and one of those portable battery chargers when my battery died 2 years ago just to get it started up. So imo I would just get a new one, but get it tested. I think advanced auto does it free.

 

By the way, if you want to save about 20 lbs, get a smaller battery with about the same cranking amps. I have one and its been fine for over a year. I dont have the model number handy but I got it from Auto Zone. I also have a 6 lb carbon fiber Braille battery that I use for racing, but that doesnt count

 

thanks for the replies guys

deus -> you mentioned that you went with a autozone battery instead of the Optima - any reason why ? or just because it was lighter

I know that Optima has the dry cell technology which got me interested, instead of the wet cell/lead-acid batteries which are available as well.

 

I read Consumer Reports and went with an EverStart from Wal-Mart. So far its been great, and was $80 w/tax and they put it in for me free.

 

autozone batteries are pretty good and u get like a two year warranty so before the two years are up just come back with recipt and replace it that's why i like them.. i think the same as walmart

 

Optima batteries are heavy and I have heard a bit over rated. I have gotten batteries from Autozone for many years and all of them have worked out very well. I went with a smaller model of battery to reduce weight. You may not think 20 lbs makes much difference, but when you consider that the battery it at the very front and top of the engine compartment, it affects handling detrimentally. Also, a little weight savings here and there and you can get better performance and gas mileage. Like I said, I have had this battery for over a year with no problems at all. If you are in a particularly cold climate, or you have a heavy duty stereo system, you may want to stick with teh factory rated battery.

 

http://extreme.exide.com/battery.aspx

I just got this. It's a beast. I couldn't find ANY battery that offered more or even got close to the warranty. Only paid around $100.

Model Number..........Volts.....Cold Cranking Amps.......Cranking Amps.......Reserve Capacity
78DT-E108**............12 ............770 .......................950...................120

108 months warranty.

Had to call around to find one though.

 

Not sure if you have oreyli's in your state but I just got mine from there.

80 bucks with free two years replacement and road side assistance.

I have used the warranty once - no questions asked, they just replaced it.

I haven't used the road side assistance, but i think it's a pretty good deal for two years and 80 bucks

 

 

I ordered this XS Power AGM battery from JEGS. It only weighs 14lbs and is only 3" wide. I paid $120. It's nice because it is a major weight/space savings and it's almost as cheap as a standard battery. It looks nice too.

 

Is that even going to start your car in the winter with only 300ca, and no cca rating? Good Luck.

 

so instead of helping me out like these guys are, you decided to pull a rebel move, view it and make a smart @ss remark - thanks for that "maverick" - appreciate it

 

That does look pretty sick bro - great find!!

I'm going to head over tonight or tomorrow after work to AutoZone to see what they have available. At this point it's either Optima or one of the other brands I am hoping to find at the store.

As for the this beast of a battery - If I find it, I am for SURE going to snag it

 

Kinetik HC2400

I will be going with a dry cell battery as my battery is in the trunk size doesn't really matter
Havent had any issues with my advance battery, its a little over a year old and I got the middle grade.

 

I had an Optima yellow top in my 99 Corvette for 8 years and it was still going strong when I sold the car recently. Maybe keeping it on a float charger helped.

My first choice for a replacement would now be Interstate. I've had good luck with that brand over the years.

 

what about OEM? my 02 is 7.5 years old and i still have the factory battery

 

I've had an Optima Red Top in my '04 for about 2 years. No problems. Will be locating it in the trunk soon.

 

The car still starts strongly even with temps in the teens.

 

our stock batteries are horrible