APOD Firearms

Looks like I need a new battery. Recommendations?

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  • breakingcontact

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    Previously in cars I planned to keep a long time, I'd have Interstate batteries and if it was a beater, I'd just get a cheap Autozone/Walmart battery.

    This is for a car I plan to keep so I want to get a good battery. What is a good value out there for a quality battery?
     

    Shotgun Jeremy

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    Carquest has good wet cell batteries.

    Personally, I prefer gel cell batteries over wet cells. I haven't heard of a bad gel cell brand yet. Gell cells in general are more durable than wet cells. I have an Optima in my truck right now, but I will probably go with a less expensive brand gel cell next time.
     

    SR9TEX

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    Sep 23, 2013
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    Interstate mega-tron hands down the best battery out there.

    Had my fair share of other brands and quite a few optima red tops but interstate has out lasted and out preformed any of the previous brands I had.
     

    Shotgun Jeremy

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    Wet cell batteries weakness' are in the water evaporating, drastic temperature differences are tough on them, and they're prone to shock. Gel cell batteries are maintenance free, handle the temperature much more stable, and can take a bit of tossing around (driving off curbs, etc....). I THINK gel cell batteries are good for 5 years vs the wet cells avg lifespan being at 3, but it's been a while since I looked into it.
     

    Vaquero

    Moving stuff to the gas prices thread.....
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    Apr 4, 2011
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    Yeah.
    I gotta get a new battery too.
    My 9 year old interstate finally bit the dust.
    I think I'll get another one.
     

    rsayloriii

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    I just replaced the Optima that had been in my truck since 2005. Still started the truck just fine even though it was "bad". Only reason I replaced it was because I was having some issues that I couldn't figure out ... and the battery didn't change that.
     

    Shotgun Jeremy

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    I replaced my first Optima Red top after using it for 6 years. The only reason I replaced it was because it was 6 years old. I've used them on military equipment for years-never had a problem with them. Being the battery guy for the shop, they really made my job easier. lol
     

    tXfactor

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    Jul 16, 2013
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    Optima is like the Kimber of batteries. Their quality is just not there anymore. They just milk that name...

    Look into the DieHard Platinum batteries from Sears. Same technology as the Optimas, but better quality and better warranty. Also, half the price.
     

    rsayloriii

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    I replaced my first Optima Red top after using it for 6 years. The only reason I replaced it was because it was 6 years old. I've used them on military equipment for years-never had a problem with them. Being the battery guy for the shop, they really made my job easier. lol

    My first Optima came from the Walmart parking lot. Apparently somebody had changed it in the parking lot and just left it there. It was totally dead with absolutely NO voltage. I took it home and put it on a charger. It came back to life (even though it was "bad" according to the tester) and I used it for 5+ years before I sold the vehicle it was in. No clue how old it was to begin with.
     

    rsayloriii

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    Optima is like the Kimber of batteries. Their quality is just not there anymore. They just milk that name...

    Look into the DieHard Platinum batteries from Sears. Same technology as the Optimas, but better quality and better warranty. Also, half the price.

    I know that I was disappointed to see "Made in Mexico" stamped on my new one, but I'll take made in Mexico over Made in China.
     

    Bozz10mm

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    I have been using the one's Advance Auto sells. Autocraft Gold or Platinum. I can get a good 5 years out of them before I replace them. Even tho they are still working, I don't trust any battery after 5 years. Used to be, you could tell when a battery was going bad. Now days, they are like electronics. Working fine in morning, dead cell that afternoon.
     

    coachrick

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    I have been using the one's Advance Auto sells. Autocraft Gold or Platinum. I can get a good 5 years out of them before I replace them. Even tho they are still working, I don't trust any battery after 5 years. Used to be, you could tell when a battery was going bad. Now days, they are like electronics. Working fine in morning, dead cell that afternoon.

    +1 on that. Mine always die in the summer though.

    Somebody can explain why it makes so much difference nowadays with all the electronic 'stuff' in vehicles; but I've experienced that "good in the morning...deader than heck by lunch" syndrome. Let me tell you, you do NOT want the battery to die in a vehicle like the Volvo XC60, especially if you are locked out with only the keyless fob in your pocket. NOTHING will open. I reckon other 'smart key' vehicles are similar.

    Only problem I had with that vehicle in ~60k miles...three batteries in that 3.4 year time span...all replaced under warranty, but a pain in the rear on one particularly hot summer afternoon ;)

    Not to mention, some vehicles are particularly susceptible to the 'overnight drain' if the auto is parked for extended periods. There is still a slight drain on the battery from all the whizbang computer stuff going on behind the scenes.
    I gues we need to consider stuff like that when picking a new battery...along with CCA, resistance to temperature variations, warranty, cost, etc

    Life used to be so simple... :)
     
    Last edited:

    shooterfpga

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    Optima is like the Kimber of batteries. Their quality is just not there anymore. They just milk that name...

    Look into the DieHard Platinum batteries from Sears. Same technology as the Optimas, but better quality and better warranty. Also, half the price.

    Ive replaced 13 yellow top optimas in my truck under a period of 5 years and most of it was within a 2 yr period. I now run conventional batteries.

    Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
     

    Shorts

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    The DieHard Platinum is a recommended battery for my model truck. With that in mind, I'd apply the quality of the brand altogether. At least, worth a search for your vehicle.

    The DieHard Platinum for my truck is on sale right now. Don't know if it that particular model only or Sears putting batteries on sale. Worth a look. Perhaps you'll end up with a deal.
     
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