My Red Top when fully charged reads 12.7 volts. After sitting in my cold garage for 3 or 4 days, the reading is down to 12.2 volts. I do not know if the parasitic drain would take it down this far in this short time. I have also heard that a Red Top should not be allowed to go below 12.4 volts. Should I keep a float charger hooked up whenever it is in the garage

 

I would say in 3 to 4 days you shouldn't need a charger unless your system has issues.

 

I only put a tender on mine if it sits for 2 weeks or more without driving. (I have a Redtop also in my 99 Coupe)

 

Mine is fine for 3 to 4 weeks at a time between drives. I fitted a yellow top Optima since I am away from home for long periods

 

I had a Red Top that was toast after a few weeks. It would drop to 12.2 , sitting unconnected to my car over night. Replaced it with a Yellow Top and no more issues, (so far). I might add once again, Optimas warranty is a JOKE! Just try to get it warrantied without several issues! My Yellow Top is the LAST Optima Ill EVER own!

 

I changed mine out with no questions asked, and it was my fault it died.....I'd say thats a pretty good warranty.

 

I agree, When I first got my red top I left my car in the garage with the lights on and the interior lights and it was dead as a door nail, Took it back where I bought it and no questions asked, Got a new one and no issues at all now.

 

it seems red tops are crappy batteries for these cars.

I had one in mine and it gave me nothing but start up problems.

 

My red top seemed to have issues if left for more than 2 weeks. Now I have a Ctek charger which resolved the problem.

 

I haven't heard much good about those batteries! Put a pie plate under a real good CCA battery so you don't have to worry about leaks. Auto Zone Gold here,,,,spins her real fast!

 

Auto Zone Gold for me too

I had a 2 yellow tops in last 2 years
both would not hold a charge and after 10 months had to take them back.
After taking the seconf Yellow Top back i said I wanted something esle.

They gave me an Auto Zone Gold( no issues anymore) and a 100.00 bill back.
I was happy!

 

I had a Red Top in my '00 and my '03. Always kept a battery tender on it when it was just sitting in the garage.

 

I HATE MY RED TOP!!!!!! Thankfully I got it replaced 1 DAY before the POS 36Month warranty was up because it could not hold a charge for more than 2 days! 2 DAYS!!!!!! NEVER AGAIN OPTIMA

 

Good thing I have a CTEK battery tender.....

 

Man this thread is a few hours too late,just bought a red top this afternoon. Are there much problems when used as a DD?

 

I have had one problem in the 3 years I have had mine. Like I said in my other post, it was my fault that it died. I have let me car sit for over a week and come back and it starts right up with no problems.

 

In my previous cars I have gone through about 4 optimas. they are fine if you start the car everyday. But if you let it set for over a week it will be dead. And from then on its hesitant on cranks. I would stay away from them. Over rated

 

from what I understand Optima moved their manufacturing to a ...country with a less than stellar rep for build quality. when that happened optima's quality went to absolute crap.

I bought my yellow top for the Vette alomst 4 years ago. supposedly it was just before that move. I'm starting to have issues with it now which make me think its about time for a replacement, but 4 years is the longest I've ever had an optima last. in my otehr car I used the blue tops (deep cycle, Marine design) because the dual terminals made it easy to add accessories. when the 3rd or 4th (Can't even remember) kicked while still within its warranty I put in a die hard platinum. I've been recommended odessey by a few people who say they are great batteries, come to find that odessey makes the die hard platinum's same exact battery, different colored case (optima apparently makes the lesser die hards)
I've been very happy with that, the C5 will definitely be getting one when this yellow is done. might be very soon. either I've got something draining it, or the battery is about gone. I'm hoping its the battery, much easier fix!

 

Run, don't walk, back to where you got it and say NO THANKS!
When mine died shortly after it was bought, it sunk to 12.2v. Returned to a Optima dealer which Bubba said "Hey, it's still more than 12 volts". They swapped out the battery for a Yellow Top and another $50, (after a long argument). A week later, they called and demanded the battery back because it was still sitting right at 12 volts. My Yellow Top is @ 13.1 charged with 120 RC.
Optimas attitude and stupidity kept me from returning the Yellow.. As we all know, the C 5 needs a Min of 12.5 to make the computer happy and 120RC, not 100 RC..
Those of you that have had good luck with the red, great. I didn't and Im never drinking the Optima Kool-aid again!

 

There is nothing wrong with the red top, It does take special care to have one, If you have a daily driver it will work out great, If you have a garage queen you will need a CTEK battery tender to keep it up to par, Mine is a DD and I only had 1 issue and it was my fault, My car sits outside in 20-30 degrees weather and it has never failed me. Like I said, It is a great battery if used on a DD or if the car sits using a ctek.
Just my 2 cents.
Mr.Bill