Batteries?
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 85
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Batteries?
What's the best truck/car battery out there? I've been checking into it a little for an article I'm working on and so far my research has shown that the GM owned AC Delco's are about the best to have. Supposedly they usually 8-15% longer than other batteries.
I've changed out a lot of batteries and from my own experience just about every single type i've ever used have not lasted nearly as long as they should, both maintenence and maint free types.
Sears Diehard were one of the worst. What's everyone elses opinions?
I've changed out a lot of batteries and from my own experience just about every single type i've ever used have not lasted nearly as long as they should, both maintenence and maint free types.
Sears Diehard were one of the worst. What's everyone elses opinions?
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 11,496
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
Batteries?
I've always had very good luck with the Sears batteries.
For a while there it seemed like every vehicle I jumped had a Interstate battery in it.
I used one of the dry cell batteries in my Crown Vic (one of the most expensive batteries I have purchased). It lasted right around 6 years before it started getting weak and I replaced it with a Diehard.
A few weeks ago my stock Ford battery shorted out and I just went down to WalMart and bought one of the Energizer batteries that are supposed to last 7 years. I don't expect it to last that long. Probably more like 6
For a while there it seemed like every vehicle I jumped had a Interstate battery in it.
I used one of the dry cell batteries in my Crown Vic (one of the most expensive batteries I have purchased). It lasted right around 6 years before it started getting weak and I replaced it with a Diehard.
A few weeks ago my stock Ford battery shorted out and I just went down to WalMart and bought one of the Energizer batteries that are supposed to last 7 years. I don't expect it to last that long. Probably more like 6
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
Batteries?
Personally,I use an Optima Red Top and I really like it.Its a sealed maintainance-free battery but the best part about it is that its very clean..the terminals and battery tray dont get white powder like the other batteries.The electrolyte in the optima is completely encapsulated,this means it cant spill,leak or gas like a conventional battery,hence the cleanliness.In fact,the manufacturer claims it can even be mounted upside down! If you prefer a conventional battery then a delco is the way to go,its a pretty clean battery for a conventional type.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,577
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From: Southern MD
Batteries?
If I remember correctly, there are only 3 major battery manufacturers in the U.S. Only difference in many cases is the label. Very seldom does a battery outlive it's warranty, although some do
I buy my batteries from someone who has stores all over the country, such as Sears, Auto Zone, or who ever, so if there is a problem, it can be checked and warranty adjusted on the spot.
Just be sure the CCA meets or excedes the original requirements.
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http://easyad.net/images/94vanavitar.jpg http://www.easyad.net/images/mustang1.gif
'94 E-150 Conversion Van 4.9 / C-6 -- '89 Mustang LX 5.0
I buy my batteries from someone who has stores all over the country, such as Sears, Auto Zone, or who ever, so if there is a problem, it can be checked and warranty adjusted on the spot.
Just be sure the CCA meets or excedes the original requirements.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: LA
Batteries?
Lets see 
I have good luck with AutoZone's top brand, Duralast Gold battery. It has a 3 year free replacement warranty. Have sold ALL my cars and trucks before one of those batteries gave up the ghost. If I know that I don't keep a car for long (less than say 2 years) I go with the WalMart EverStart stuff. They haven't let me down prematurely either, even though some people call them NEver start.
By the way, the Motorcraft in the 97 F-150 just died this summer. That makes for 5 years lifetime. Kinda shucks. I got the Duralast Gold for it. If nothing else, I like AutoZone's computer warranty policy. All you need to remember is your phone number and that will proof your purchase. In other stores they want the receipt. Unless you tape it to your battery (like I do), you most likely won't have it any more after 5 years. I suspect that is how the companies get away with selling bad quality.
Finally, in my book, if it lasts 5 years, that is all I expect from it.
Cheers, George
I have good luck with AutoZone's top brand, Duralast Gold battery. It has a 3 year free replacement warranty. Have sold ALL my cars and trucks before one of those batteries gave up the ghost. If I know that I don't keep a car for long (less than say 2 years) I go with the WalMart EverStart stuff. They haven't let me down prematurely either, even though some people call them NEver start.
By the way, the Motorcraft in the 97 F-150 just died this summer. That makes for 5 years lifetime. Kinda shucks. I got the Duralast Gold for it. If nothing else, I like AutoZone's computer warranty policy. All you need to remember is your phone number and that will proof your purchase. In other stores they want the receipt. Unless you tape it to your battery (like I do), you most likely won't have it any more after 5 years. I suspect that is how the companies get away with selling bad quality.
Finally, in my book, if it lasts 5 years, that is all I expect from it.
Cheers, George
New User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Batteries?
I have always had GREAT luck with Champion Batteries from SAMS CLUB
Had one in my Mercury for 8 years! I now have a 97 f150 and just put a Champion in it; started with no problems at 9 degrees outside
YMMV
TiNy
Had one in my Mercury for 8 years! I now have a 97 f150 and just put a Champion in it; started with no problems at 9 degrees outside
YMMV
TiNy
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 0
From: Lower 48
Batteries?
I've been buying my batteries from Wal Mart for about the last 10 years and have had good luck with them.
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Batteries?
I am in agreement with 94van. There are only a few battery manufacturers. When I pick them up at a warehouse for our shop they have rolls of different stickers to put on the black cases. Rule of thumb is 3-5 years of life depending on climate and usage. I generally go with a battery that has a good warranty and from an outfit that stands behind that warranty.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 11,496
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
Batteries?
Here's one for the books: One of trucks in the company pool is a '94 Ford with the straight six in it. The orginal battery just now shot craps. 
I replaced it with a Energizer from Walmart.
I replaced it with a Energizer from Walmart.