nmvettec7

Here's a few thoughts about buying a new battery for your C7 when needed or any of your other vehicles.

In my research over the past few days about batteries and who makes what brands I found the following on the internet. Bottom line, despite what brand you buy most all batteries are made by Johnson Controls.

Here's the info I found based on a question I asked....quite interesting.

Could you tell me who makes Duralast batteries from Autozone?

Duralast batteries are a line of batteries sold by Autozone which by the way, is on every street corner it seems anymore. Autozone is one of the biggest auto parts store chains in the country, known for their great customer service and exceptional products. They can thank Johnson Controls for their dependable Duralast batteries. Duralast is Autozone’s private label made by Johnson Controls. Autozone offers a diverse selection of Duralast batteries, ranging from small to large. They even offer the Optima Gel Batteries in Auto and Marine, by the way, which Johnson Controls also owns.

Below is a look at Autozone’s Duralast Battery Line, and the Optima Battery line made by Johnson Controls.

Product names, logos, brands, and other trademarks featured or referred to within are the property of their respective trademark holders.

Duralast Battery Duralast Battery 750 cold cranking Amps 935 cranking Amps 2 year free replacement 7 Year Warranty

Duralast Gold BatteryDuralast Gold Battery 850 cold cranking Amps 1000 cranking Amps 3 year free replacement 8 year Warranty

Optima Duralast BatteryOptima/12 Volts, 720 CCA (910 CA) Red Top Automotive Starting Battery with Post and Side Terminals. 36 Month Free Replacement

Yellow Optima Duralast Dual TerminalOptima/12 Volts, 750 CCA (870 CA) Yellow Top Automotive Dual Purpose Battery with Post and Side Terminals. 12 Month Free Replacement

Yellow Optima Duralast Battery
Optima/12 Volts, 450 CCA (575 CA) Yellow Top Automotive Dual Purpose Battery with Post Terminals. 12 Month Free Replacement

Optima Blue Marine BatteryOptima/12 Volts, 750 CCA (870 CA) Blue Top Marine Dual Purpose Battery with Post and 3/8 in. Stainless Steel Stud Terminals. 18 Month Free Replacement

Optima Red BatteryOptima/12 Volts, 800 CCA (1000 CA) Red Top Automotive Starting Battery with Post Terminals. 36 Month Free Replacement

Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls entered the battery business in 1978 upon acquiring Globe-Union Incorporated. Globe-Union was a Wisconsin-based manufacturer of Automotive batteries for both the replacement and OEM markets. Today, Johnson Controls is the largest producer of private label lead acid batteries in North America and is becoming a leader in Asia and South America. In 2000, Johnson Controls acquired Gylling Optima Batteries AB of Sweden. The Optima Gel Battery is well known for its quality and longevity. Johnson Controls completed the acquisition of German automotive battery maker HOPPECKE Automotive GmbH & Co. The company has an excellent customer base that includes many of Europe’s leading auto manufacturers. Johnson Controls also produce batteries for other applications such as marine, lawn and garden, commercial, motorcycle, wheelchair, and golf cart use. Most consumers have no idea of the size of the battery giant. When people think of Johnson Controls, they think of thermostats for HVAC purpose not batteries. Johnson Controls is not only the largest North American battery manufacturer, but they literally control the North American battery market.

Johnson Controls manufactures batteries for the following private labels:

Interstate Battery (Interstate)
Interstate Battery (Interstate)

Die Hard Battery (Sears)
Die Hard Battery (Sears)

Duralast Battery (Autozone)
Duralast Battery (Autozone)

Kirkland Logo (Costco)
Kirkland Battery (Costco)

Everstart Battery (Walmart)
Everstart Battery (Walmart)

Prostart Battery (Pepboys)
Prostart Battery (Pepboys)

Hope this info helps CF members.

Zymurgy

Many labels are produced my a single manufacturer such as this (for example, Champion Labs make many brands of oil filters). However, this does not mean that they are all the same. Most are made to different specs for the different brands. Bottom line ... brands DO matter.

Nuclearranger

Somewhat...

On paper? Sure. However, for batteries, the difference between 700 cold cranking amps and 800 cold cranking amps is basically useless for a car, yet, sold for 30% more.

By this logic, I get my 4th battery free by not wasting money on w/e

Also, COSTCO takes the cake, they sell these things for $80 +- a few

Glen e

When its time, i will be putting in an PC1500 ODYSSEY AGM batt. I have used eight of them on my boat, and they are bulletproof. IMO, Long-term problem with the Chevy battery is , it is small for a Supercar. It's 650 CCA… thats too small for me.

dvilin

Interesting info, thanks for sharing.

Vetteman Jack

Thanks for the info. Did not realize Johnson Controls made batteries for so many brands.

W88fixer

I absolutely agree with your remarks, so....the question is which of the batteries Johnson makes for the US market are the highest quality items? I was aware that Johnson was a dominant manufacturer but didn't know that they are that big. Don

nmvettec7

Case in point:

I have compared 3 batteries for my other sports car (Jaguar XKR) that I am replacing the battery after 5 years in the car.

Interstate 49/H8.........$191.18
Duralast H8/DLG.........$174.99 (Autozone)
DieHard Gold 49/H8.....$159.29 (Sears)
EverstartMaxx H8........$123.13 (Walmart)

These batteries are all made by Johnson Controls and have essentially the same specs.

So,what would you buy?

JerryU

We toured the Johnson's Control plant in Florence SC a year or so ago. After a ~100 are charged in one of several charging tables, sitting in water to keep them cool, they go on a conveyor belt and about 8 folks at the end pull labels for what looked like over 20 brands and types! Of interest the distribution is such that if a Sears store needs one battery their trucks will deliver it! They also pick-up the old batteries and now have a reclamation facility in town. They ship and pick-up all over the South East.
Although Johnson Controls bought Optima some time ago, those are of a unique design and I believe are now only made in Mexico. They had a stock at this production facility so they could replenish those going to the many retailers they supply. By the way the engineer conducting the tour for our local ASME Section said the major difference in brands is the warranty, That is what your paying for!
However since I have had a low voltage in my C7 since new (~12.4 volts after the surface charge is gone) have been looking for a AGM battery replacement. An Optima, which I have in my Street Rod and put in my C6 will not fit! There is a power circuit board on the positive terminal so you need a matching shape. Sears now have an AMG battery for the C7. That is what I'll probably get at the first sign of a starting issue. DieHard 48 Battery Item # 02850748000P Model # 50748

Jud Chapin

Thanks for the info. If I might add, they also manufacture batteries for Advance Auto and several auto manufacturers including Ford. They have over 1/3 of the world's battery market.

not08crmanymore

I can't believe people actually research batteries..

JerryU

Hmm. If your's was reading 12.4 volts when new and the dealer said it was fine (as expected) you'd be researching as I have from October 2013! So far it still starts the car.
Sears was one of the first to list an AGM battery that fit about a year ago. DieHard 48 Battery Item # 02850748000P Model # 50748!

BenCasey

Interesting.

Walmart oil filters are, from what I've read, great quality compared to many other filters. If memory serves, the Bosche, Mobil 1 and Walmart "supertech" filters are made at the same facility. The Walmart filters were cheaper because they didn't use steel end caps like Bosche and M1. Almost the same filter area, I believe just short a few pleats.

not08crmanymore

Do they all have the same cold cranking amps? If they do,I'd buy the least expensive one!

nmvettec7

Spending a small amount of time to research is always a learning experience. In today's world many people don't want to take time to complete due diligence or research topics. I learned allot about batteries. I learned most importantly that one manufacturer makes most of the batteries for the American market and it is now easy to make a decision when having to make a purchase. I have become an informed consumer. Since I was a professional researcher for many years in the securities industry both researching and evaluating major companies and industries, I find using my past experience and tools to conduct research is quite easy and does not require much of my time.



The batteries listed above are all within 50-100 CCA amps of each other. Sizes are virtually the same of each other.

I am learning towards the Walmart Maxx battery or the Autozone Duralast due to the vast amount of retail outlets available to the consumer and their respective exchange, replacement and pro-rated policies to the consumer.

Jud Chapin

Never cared much for the Optima batteries. I worked at Advance Auto after I retired and saw way too many returned under warranty.

383vett

I'm a fan of the Odyssey battery also. I use a PC 1200 in my bracket car. Can't be beat.

Zymurgy

I'd look at CCA and warranty and buy the best value - not necessarily the cheapest.

juanvaldez

Replace it with a lithium battery and save about 35 lbs.

nmvettec7

Price is not a factor.

Cold Cranking Amps and Warranties of the batteries listed above are almost all the same regardless of the brand or price point.

I am seeking the best bang for the buck. In this situation, the most expensive (Interstate @$191.00) does not mean it is any better.