ncali

looking at batteries I thought I would buy an optima red top. I was told that Glass Matt Batteries are also
spill proof , a bit cheaper and beginning to become the preference over Gel

has anyone used a glass matt battery?

aaronc7

I've used a rep top for about 5 years now. I've acidentally ran it down very low a time or two and it's still kicking and doing well. Normally though I do leave it on a battery tender.

grantv

Lots of us I think. I run an Interstate AGM, all good.

gimp

78 is just slightly larger than stock and fits fine. Does the job.

jpb1978

Spill proof is the only way to go. Mine is Optima Red top after cleaning up vented acid from previous batteries.

ztheusa

Optima battery is not gel.

killian96ss

Any decent AGM battery will work. Optima Red Top AGM batteries are good and what I'm currently using in my 02Z (8004-003), but they are pricey. I recently got a good deal on a Champion AGM for my Corolla from Pep Boys for $140. It appears to be a good battery and has the same case as several other AGM batteries I've seen from other stores which leads me to believe they are all made by the same mfg and then labeled differently for each retailer, so go for the best deal available.

Steve

mhanley

I just recently bought a AGM battery from Rural King and it was made by Exide for $135. It's been great so far 84 month warranty 36 free replacement.

Mike

lionelhutz

Optima hasn't been anything special for some time now. Find the best deal on an AGM if that's what you want. Best deal would be considering price vs warranty.

As an alternative, get an acid absorbing mat and stick it under whatever normal battery you chose. Then, just keep an eye on it for any possible acid leaking. AGM batteries can still vent or spill acid, so they are not a guaranteed fix.

wcsinx

Correct, it's a common misconception that AGM batteries are leak proof. They are not.

And Optima is owned by Johnson Controls who makes batteries for many labels. There is absolutely nothing novel nor unique about Optima batteries.

*waits for OptimaJim to post in the thread explaining how their batteries are made from elven spooge and unicorn tears*

aaronc7

Good info here... I bought the red top because I was in a hurry and needed one and that's what the auto store had. Next time around I'll look for a cheaper AGM most likely.

captaingeek

Hi Team,

looking for a battery now. Any good deals out there in cyberspace? also have an napa, auto zone and pep boys here in town too.

jjc508520

If there is a Sears nearby you (going out of business) I got their "top of the line Die-Hard" (AGM) for a pretty good price. I know I'm rolling the dice with the warranty

Velocity_Vette

You don't have to worry about rolling the dice on a Die-Hard. My Die-Hard Platinum is entering it's tenth year - yes, you read that right - and it's still going strong and no it doesn't stay on a trickle or similar. The car gets driven like it's meant to.

Going for an Optima is basically saying I like to give a battery company $60-$70 extra bucks for something inferior when there are better batteries out there but hey when I pop the hood at the car show I can show everyone the battery I paid way too much for and didn't buy the C5 Corvette battery cover because that's going to cover my pretty Optima.

JHrinsin

Back in November I bought the 38.7 or 39.2 lbs (depending on who's specs you want to believe) Group 78 AGM battery from Advance Auto (Johnson Controls) with 115 min 60 Ahr rating that was on sale, plus an on-line discount code along with a soon to expire SpeedPeaks reward. After sales tax and the core charge refund it came to $136 net. My second choice was going to be the heavier 46.5 lbs Group 78 AGM battery from Rural King (Exide) with 120 min 60Ahr rating.

ncali

I found a battery wholesale distributor in west sacramento that sold me a new Decka battery that they put their lable on
for 80.00 with a 3 yr warranty

Jackie N

I run AGM in my fun cars. Also leave em connected to a CTEK charger when not in use.

Some people scoff at paying a little more for an AGM battery but it's peanuts compared to all the other mods you'll likely do to your ride .

1KLRTOY

grassblaster

i leave my agm plugged in dead of winter.
never any issues.

i vote agm

captaingeek

Costco battery for about $90 not a bad deal