Let's Talk Batteries
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
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Let's Talk Batteries
Historically I have seen that deep cycle batteries have lower CCA ratings than traditional starting batteries. Supposedly this is due to thicker plates. They are supposed to be more tolerant of deep discharge, but can't supply as much current.
Now all of the sudden I am seeing some AGM deep cycle batteries that list higher CCA ratings than conventional batteries. I guess new technology changes things.
The question I have is, are there any charging / longevity problems associated with running a deep cycle battery as a starting battery? Some say yes, others say no. What has your experience been?
I'm not looking to start a debate on who needs or doesn't need a deep cycle battery or cost / benefit. Just a simple question, would they make a reliable starting battery?
Now all of the sudden I am seeing some AGM deep cycle batteries that list higher CCA ratings than conventional batteries. I guess new technology changes things.
The question I have is, are there any charging / longevity problems associated with running a deep cycle battery as a starting battery? Some say yes, others say no. What has your experience been?
I'm not looking to start a debate on who needs or doesn't need a deep cycle battery or cost / benefit. Just a simple question, would they make a reliable starting battery?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Earth
I have one of the Optima red tops that are similar to what your saying (cost a bit but was a needed item at the time) and its been there for just over a year or so and still runs strong, had one instance where I accidently ran it down but that was because I forgot to shut off the vent fan as the windows were fogging but after a 5 min or so charge from a friend helping I got the truck running and ran the truck for a good 15+ minutes and no issues from that...
it starts my truck just fine each and every time as well, have yet to have any issues in general from it and I do use a tender thing from time to time on it which also ensures its properly charged.
it starts my truck just fine each and every time as well, have yet to have any issues in general from it and I do use a tender thing from time to time on it which also ensures its properly charged.
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Elder User
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I had an optima red top on my Corvette. It didn't last as long as I thought it really should have, but then I abused that poor battery something awful. All things considered it probably did great.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: SW Florida
My Ranger has a marine battery in it when I bought it. Around here, batteries generally last about 3 years, any longer and the heat starts getting to them. That battery was right around 3 years old when it crapped out, but right up until it did I could park by a lake and fish, work on the truck, or do just about anything else with the radio playing and it would always fire right up when I was ready to go. I did keep an eye on the voltmeter just in case, but it never gave me any problems. When that battery died, I swapped my F-150 battery over to the Ranger and I wanted to buy another marine deep cycle for the F-150 and connect it using the studs instead of the automotive terminals. Easier to disconnect and service, and the automotive type cable lugs like to stretch out and get loose after a while anyway. Of course the store didn't have the size I needed so I just bought a standard battery instead. Not that big of a deal but I wouldn't hesitate to buy another marine battery.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Lafayette, IN
Heat kills batteries, but accelerates the internal reaction for more CCA. Cold does the opposite--longer life, but fewer CCA.
I have a retired friend who used to live in Arizona. He replaced batteries every two years. Around here, I often get 6-7 years on mid-cost batteries, 4-5 if it's from Walmart. I've never bothered with the high-dollar ones like Optima. (I did have one DieHard that had a dead cell after two years, but that's the lone exception for me).
Jason
I have a retired friend who used to live in Arizona. He replaced batteries every two years. Around here, I often get 6-7 years on mid-cost batteries, 4-5 if it's from Walmart. I've never bothered with the high-dollar ones like Optima. (I did have one DieHard that had a dead cell after two years, but that's the lone exception for me).
Jason
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: Roseville, MN
If i recall correctly the Optima red top is their starting battery. I think the yellow top is the deep cycle and I know the blue top is ther marine battery.
I have a blue top in my Bronco. It's about 10 years old now and has been run dead at least 4 times (never the batteries fault). It still works great, even cranking in cold Minnesota winters 9of course I don't have Arizona heat to deal with).
Not sure what that says to the original question, but I'm sure impressed with how this battery is performing.
I have a blue top in my Bronco. It's about 10 years old now and has been run dead at least 4 times (never the batteries fault). It still works great, even cranking in cold Minnesota winters 9of course I don't have Arizona heat to deal with).
Not sure what that says to the original question, but I'm sure impressed with how this battery is performing.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Earth
If i recall correctly the Optima red top is their starting battery. I think the yellow top is the deep cycle and I know the blue top is ther marine battery.
I have a blue top in my Bronco. It's about 10 years old now and has been run dead at least 4 times (never the batteries fault). It still works great, even cranking in cold Minnesota winters 9of course I don't have Arizona heat to deal with).
Not sure what that says to the original question, but I'm sure impressed with how this battery is performing.
I have a blue top in my Bronco. It's about 10 years old now and has been run dead at least 4 times (never the batteries fault). It still works great, even cranking in cold Minnesota winters 9of course I don't have Arizona heat to deal with).
Not sure what that says to the original question, but I'm sure impressed with how this battery is performing.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2013
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Nothing special is correct, Red is starting, Yellow is deep cycle, Blue is marine, which is also a deep cycle type battery. I've used deep cycle batteries in a few different cars and trucks over the years, I've never noticed any adverse effects myself. In the end it's not going to hurt anything if you use deep cycle vs. starting, so if you want to, try it out lol.
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From: Freehold
Optimas quality has really taken a step down in the last 5 or so years. They used to make excellent batteries and generally would last much longer than your run of the mill stuff-NOT ANYMORE.
The shop i work for has an AAA program where they sell you batteries off the service truck. AAA used to supply exides (JUNK!) and the guys would constantly have to replace them in peoples cars, now they supply DEKA (east penn) and they are better but not great either.
I find the quality of batteries just like everything else has suffered and what you would once get 5+ years out of your lucky if you get 3. If I was to buy a battery and be satisfied with it Id buy an odyssey. They are a good bit more $ but they last and last and last.
The shop i work for has an AAA program where they sell you batteries off the service truck. AAA used to supply exides (JUNK!) and the guys would constantly have to replace them in peoples cars, now they supply DEKA (east penn) and they are better but not great either.
I find the quality of batteries just like everything else has suffered and what you would once get 5+ years out of your lucky if you get 3. If I was to buy a battery and be satisfied with it Id buy an odyssey. They are a good bit more $ but they last and last and last.
Senior User
Joined: May 2013
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While I will agree optima's quality has gone down slightly, I buy them because they are gel batteries, which can be mounted in any position. (upside down or on it's side)
And since there are only truly 4 mass producing automotive battery manufacturer's (see below), no matter what you buy, it's almost all the same crap lol.
Johnson Controls: Optima, Interstate, etc.
East Penn: Deka, etc.
Exide
Enersys: Odyssey
I will agree though, odyssey while being very pricey does have a higher quality, but the price is way high because they are such a small branch of their larger company.
And since there are only truly 4 mass producing automotive battery manufacturer's (see below), no matter what you buy, it's almost all the same crap lol.
Johnson Controls: Optima, Interstate, etc.
East Penn: Deka, etc.
Exide
Enersys: Odyssey
I will agree though, odyssey while being very pricey does have a higher quality, but the price is way high because they are such a small branch of their larger company.
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