Battery replacement
Melting Slicks<br><img src="/forums/images/ranks/3k-4k.gif" border="0">
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Colorado Springs Colorado
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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.
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.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 17,571
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From: Fresno California
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!
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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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?
Johnson Controls manufactures a large portion of all the brands.
Just put new Interstates in both cars. Why change?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,186
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From: Toosoon Arizona
I went there first and did not find much, I guess I did not put in the right search
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2012
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From: Boynton Beach FL
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
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
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
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
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
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 26,118
Likes: 1,874
From: Greenville, Indiana
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.
$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.
Last edited by MikeM; Jan 6, 2018 at 08:02 AM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
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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
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
Last edited by SWCDuke; Jan 6, 2018 at 09:27 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,449
Likes: 2,628
From: Really Central IL Illinois
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.
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.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,019
Likes: 1,098
From: Aggieland TX
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.
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.
http://jgdarden.com/batteryfaq/batbrand.htm
DZ
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,311
Likes: 223
From: Temecula CA
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.
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.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,946
Likes: 407
From: Bronx New York
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.
Not a fan of the looks of a green or orange battery in the engine compartment.