I cant seem to have luck with my redtop. The trick is NOT to let it die. Once you let it die, you'll never get it back

-matt

 

I think I wrote earlier in this thread my redtop died at least 3x, leaving lights on, or parking for extended time with alarm. It doesn't diminish performance. Just push-start, or get a jump, and it's good to go.

But then again, my redtop was dated 2002, supposedly during the good era, and was still alive and kicking hard till at least 2009 when I traded in the car.

Dr J

 

My first Red Top lasted 3 years and I have 4 years+ on my current Red Top. If you don't have a modern battery tester, I'd recommend checking your battery at a local parts store annually. The new battery testers can tell what your Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) are currently. My baseline 650 CCA Red Top tests at 625 CCA, so it's still good.

I use the gel batteries because of past out-gassing problems with the basic lead acid batteries causing corrosion.

 

Optimas exist for one good reason and that's to prey on the average automotive enthusiast who is easily influenced. And that's putting it nicely. The warranty blows, the prices are ridiculous and their reputation is mixed at best. If you need a battery in your trunk, sideways or upside down then yes you need a gel cell, but there are other options out there. If you don't need to do any of that, there is absolutely no reason to buy anything other than a regular SLAB.

 

I will never buy another one.

 

Optimas are fine. Both optimas and regular batteries seem to last about 4-5 yrs.. My optima did it though after being completely discharged many many times. I even left it over the winter discharged for months at a time and it came back much better than I would expect a regular battery.

THey are generally fine. I would chose it if you are mounting it in cabin.. I sure as **** wouldnt mount a regular battery in cabin unless it was in a sealed/vented battery box