...Its about that time...the battery is almost 4 years old and I am going to replace it. I havent had any issues with it, but with winter being here now, I would like the piece of mind. Any reccomendations for battery?
Thanks
Rich

 

I grew up in my Dad's independent auto repair shop in the fifties. My Uncle was his partner and specialized in Starters/Generators/Regulators.

In those days of generators, point ignitions and carburetors, everything had to be in top shape for the car to be reliable. What I learned from my uncle was how important it is to have the best and strongest battery you can get. If the battery is hot and strong the starter spins the engine better, starting quicker. This makes for less wear on the starter because it turns over less. It also makes less work for the generator because the battery is not drained on a start requiring lots of work(more wear) from the generator to recharge it.

Also in those days, batteries in a new car were of minimal capacity and quality and needed replacing pretty soon. My uncle and my Dad would never buy anything but the very best, highest capacity Delco battery they could get their hands on. They had very little starter/charging system problems.

Over the years I have followed this philosophy MOST of the time. For my farm truck that gets started, run a mile or two and then shut off, I NEVER use anything but the best Delco battery I can find and they are incredible. Sometimes on my families road vehicles I'll be in a pinch when I need a battery and will buy a non Delco, but get the highest capacity I can get.

From what I can tell, Delco batteries, if you get their top of the line unit, are STILL superior to any other battery you can buy.

I'm sorry to answer your "what time is it" question with telling you how to build a watch, but I wanted you to understand that when replacing your battery, you should NOT get a low capacity battery, especially if you have tough Winters.

If you can find a high capacity 84 month Delco battery in your area, it will be worth the extra money in the long run if you have the extra money up front.

Hope this helps.

 

I have to agree...Delco is pretty much a no-brainer.
While I do NOT work for them,Autozone seems to have a good product(one of few).I have run their Batterys for years with no problems.Their warranty is excellent.I usually do the "Duralast Gold.

 

I always use Costco and recommend Costco batteries, and I put in the biggest cold cranking amp I can fit in there. I've never had a problem and they're warranty is just as good if not better than the rest. The one in my truck is going on its 5th year, and when it was 0 degrees here a few weeks ago, it started just like normal. I did get it tested back in October (didn't want to enter the winter months with a weak battery) and it tested fine. And on top of things, they're consistently ~$25 cheaper than Oreilly, Napa, AutoZone, etc...

 

Also purchased a truck battery at Costco. High output, long warranty and lower price...

 

I got a Diehard Platinum. So far so good after 3 months. We'll see about the winter time, but I have no reservations that this will be flawless.

-rockstate

 

I've used the Duralast Gold, 1000 CCA for years in every truck. Absolutely no issues, even though the warranty is pretty darn good. This truck is mostly a work truck, powering winches, extra lights, truck stereo all day, at times. Hardly typical.

Dave

 

i agree, duralast gold at autozone is hard to beat.. 1. it has never failed me no matter how much i draw off it 2. it is fair priced. 3. good cca . 4. 3 year free replacement, 5 year prorated, cant beat it..

 

I run Costco's batteries in my 6.0 PSD. 100 month warranty.
They started getting a little soft on the starts after 2 years so I took them back, all ready for a battle. I guess there's a 36 month full replacement warranty as well.
No testing, hassle, nothing; just 2 brand new batteries!
I wish I could afford Optimas but with service like that from Costco?

 

I always run one made by Johnson Controls, with the most CCA and longest warranty, available at a nationally recognized chain in case that warranty ever has to be used while away from home. This usually equates to:
1. Wal Mart Everstart Maxx
2. Autozone Duralast Gold
3. Advance Autocraft Titanium

In that order. All fit the criteria I set above, at least the southern Wallys are JC, and wherever you go, your always around the corner from a Wal Mart and not to far from Autozone or Advance.