wcsinx

The vast majority of the time when batteries leak, it's because they weren't properly secured. Now bear in mind that Optima batteries ARE in fact lead acid batteries (not actually Unicorn tears as OptimaJim states), and they CAN leak.

While it's true the acid can't be easily poured out because the glass mat is kept below the saturation point, that doesn't mean it can't come out with agitation and/or wicking effects. Perhaps it's you who should do a search?

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q...attery+leaking

Optima batteries are garbage. And I can replace my Walmart battery 3x-4x for what you paid for that battery. But your money is yours to spend however you see fit.

tandt

Longest life batteries I've ever had have been AGM's, think I'll stick with proven results. 10+yrs in my bike too.

wcsinx

Jim, is that you?

If you want to use a battery that has, in recent history, received a string of complaints regarding premature failure, requires a special charger, and costs 3-4x more than a conventional battery, then that is your choice.

lionelhutz

Optima was good when they were a small private owned US company but since the corporate buy-out by Johnson they're just running on their reputation.

I never use a maintainer on any the battery in car. I drive my cars enough to keep the battery charged. I do pull the battery in the winter and I'll connect a Ctek about 1 day a month or so just to keep them charged over the winter.

You can get an acid mat for like $5 and using that combine with actually looking at the battery regularly would avoid any acid damage from happening.

ppcgm

You guys are making me worry about this. I'd thought I'd just buy an Optima to replace the "regular" battery in the C5 I picked up a few weeks ago. Now, not so sure. What is the consensus on the best battery / arrangement to have in a 2004 ?

Scn1998

Ive had a battery leak and therefore the AGM battery was the answer. It wasn't a securing problem, the battery froze (and cracked) when i was in Alaska. The AGM battery was the answer to prevent ever having that happen again.

Vetteman Jack

Had two Red Tops in the past. First one was better than 7 years old when I sold the car and it still worked great. Second one came in my current car when I bought it. It died right after it was three years old. Replaced it with a Sears DieHard Platinum and so far, five plus years later, not one problem at all from the battery.

There for a while Optima was having some problems with reliability on their Red Tops. Hopefully they have improved them.

LoneStarFRC

The dual-terminal Sears Die-Hard Platinum P4, ftw.

wcsinx

Uhh

Wrong

Crack the case on an AGM and drive around a bit and guess what ... acid comes out. The glass mat is essentially a sponge. Now imagine a sponge soaked to just slightly below its saturation point with water (i.e. it's not dripping). Now shake the sponge. What happens?

Sigforty

Nice life span! I am currently at 9 years on my red top.

Scn1998

Guess I needed to be more specific. Got the AGM to help me from having a frozen battery that cracked the case. Not having to worry about driving around splashing acid as in Alaska you weren't driving a vette in the winter.

lionelhutz

Then you should remove the battery from the car and store it where it can't freeze during the winter months.

Scn1998

Lol I totally agree... Though to be honest I had no idea that batteries would freeze and I didn't think to pull the battery. Eventually built a garage and added heat which helped matters for sure.

Macleod52

Mine haven't caused any problems but they are "fully charged" at 12.4-12.5v. That's below what a fully charged battery should be. Mine haven't caused any problems yet "crosses fingers" but we'll see. I'm not sure if they'll let me return it and buy a standard battery or not.

LoneStarFRC

If your Optima is more than 36 months old, you own it COMPLETELY. No returns, no pro-rating against the cost of a new battery, no NOTHING. No exceptions. Period.

wcsinx

but .. but ... but ... but

OptimaJim has assured me repeatedly that all Optima batteries last a minimum of 20 years to offset the 4x cost.

So I wonder why they only warranty them for 3 years?

WEIRD RIGHT?!

Macleod52

I bought the first one in August of 2013 and had it replaced this past spring. My receipt stated a 3yr free replacement and it appears that now I only get a 9mo replacement (even though the store clerk stated it started the 3yrs over again). Not sure what to do at this point. I still have a few months left.

lionelhutz

Warranties almost never start over when you get a warranty replacement.

mrr23

When it comes to batteries, there is a date code on them they use to determine warranty time.

itsonlyairandfuel

I'm going at 12 years for my red top. I use a battery tender. The fastest way to kill a battery is by letting it self discharge a few times. Letting the computer slowly drain it is even a quicker way to ruin a battery.