solidaxel

I am looking at batteries and I thought I would ask what you folks are using for longevity/storage

Bob's 64

As far as brands go, I use Interstate. Never a problem.

Bob D.

solidaxel

You do have a way to test them in the winter, we have a heat problem out here and that is hard on them also

warrenmj

This is covered in many past threads so doing a search will get you lots of info quickly That being said, I now only buy Walmart batteries. Inexpensive and every one I've bought (I have 4 vehicles) have long outlasted the warranty here is Colorado.

GTOguy

Walmart. Though they used to be cheap, they hold up unbelievably well for me. I have one in each GTO and one in my Corvette. The GTO batteries are from 2002 and 2003 and still functional with virtually no issues or fuss. I am going to replace them for peace of mind soon, though. I mean, who heard of a 16 year old car battery that still worked? The sad thing is that they cost less than $30 each. The one in my Corvette (same exact battery) cost $118 3 years ago. Hope IT lasts 15 years!

65 396

2X with Bob D. Love my Interstate

capevettes

I put Interstates in both my 61 and 65. I got 11 years out of each. I have heard good things about Wally World batteries.
Johnson Controls manufactures a large portion of all the brands.
Just put new Interstates in both cars. Why change?

solidaxel

I went there first and did not find much, I guess I did not put in the right search

Nowhere Man

There is only three manufactures of car/ truck batteries. Pick one and go with it

dcaggiani

The go to battery seems to be the Optima red or yellow top. If you use your Vette often - not a problem. If you store the Corvette - problem - unless you use a trickle charger.

I switched over to the Odyssey and never had an issue since..... I hear that the XS brand is also top notch. You will pay more for these but they ARE worth it.


Dan

Nowhere Man

only on the internet around my area no one uses them so fair I got seven years out of my AC battery in my Chevelle only driving it spring though fall. and I do not use a battery tender

solidaxel

Optima was a staple a few years ago !
They moved there operation South and since then they have been out of favor here in the desert

MikeM

I buy 2-3 batteries a year because I seem to always have a place to put a new one. I used to buy exclusively WalMart because the they were the least expensive and they always lasted and performed well. Then, a few years ago, they got an attitude about their batteries, raised the price way up (as did everyone else). Then Rural King came to town.

$45-$50 will get you a battery that fits many cars and other equipment. The batteries are made by Exide. My experience, I had one that lasted only 13 months. One month out of free replacement but RK fully covered it anyway. Several have expired just months after the 60 month pro rated guarantee and some have lasted several years past the pro rate period. More in the pipe line. We'll see how long these last. Most of my batteries spend a lot of idle time not being used or charged. Some are in pretty rough service and sustain a lot of vibration.

https://www.ruralking.com/battery-525-cca-1.html

PS. If you're not comfortable with a five year guaranteed battery, my next choice would be the WalMart stuff at more than double the price.

solidaxel

I checked the Odyssey batteries and there are so many to choose from and the price is the same, all over the place !

SWCDuke

Many "name brand" and most "house brand" batteries are made by Johnson Controls. Check out their Web site for the various brands.

I have a 16 year old 26R that I use in a couple of cars that is still going strong even after killing it stone dead a couple of times. It was an Autozone house brand made by JC and cost 40 bucks back in late 2001.

I believe all the Walmart batteries are also made by JC, and often the difference between the premium price battery and standard is simply the additional warranty, but internally they are identical.

Before you install, peel off all the tacky labels and put the warranty label on the bottom.
That way you have a very unobtrusive plain black battery that won't stick out like a sore thumb.

The secret to long battery life is charging it before you apply cranking load after sitting for more than a few days. You can also remove the two top caps to check the water, which I do every year during the car swap job. Water consumption is low, but I have added a bit over the years, and always use distilled water.

Duke

R66

Since JC Penny quit selling "Lifetime Batteries" good for 11 - 14 years, I have tried Exide, Interstate, Farm and Fleet, Rural King and many others. Little difference.
Best thing I have found is monitoring the battery when not in use and putting a cheap $6 Float Charger from Harbor Freight on them. I have 8 batteries that set unused most of the winter months - mowers, cars, truck, backhoe, UTV, etc.
Here is a link to some maintenance info that might help: https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/check-a-car-battery
In the ILL state, we have the opposite weather problem, but I think Sulfation is the killer, not hot or cold. I have two "one year" mower batteries that are over 4 years old. I used to replace them every spring.

DZVette

Lots of info here:
http://jgdarden.com/batteryfaq/batbrand.htm

DZ

Mike Geary

just bought a Walmart battery for the wife's Acura.

Their top of the line is made in Mexico. Next step down had a sticker "made in Saudi Arabia".

Decided to stick with the North American continent. About $95 with exchange.

Tom/99

I just replaced the battery in my 65 coupe with another Delco. The last one was one month short of six years. The series 24 battery was $86.82 out the door.

John BX NY

I get the AC Delco advantage battery and charge it before winter storage. It's been fine for over five years now. I'm not comfortable using a battery tender in my untended (pun intended) garage which is at another house nearby.

Not a fan of the looks of a green or orange battery in the engine compartment.