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Any thoughts on replacing the OEM battery on my '20 Z51 3LT with 10K miles. The reason I ask is that I had to replace the battery on my 22 Silverado High Country with less than 15K miles on it. It seems that the OEM batteries are not, shall I say, reliable. The cost is not a problem, I just don't want to be stuck somewhere with a dead battery while traveling this summer. I do keep it on a maintainer while it's in winter hibernation. For peace of mind I may. I also change my FOB batteries every 2 years.
I learned some years ago there are only 2 battery manufacturers in US for wet cells, Gould and Johnson Controls, the biggest being Johnson. No matter whose name is on the label, it is made by one of the two. There are many publications showing which is made by who. Even AC Delco is made by Johnson. With that most of the specs are identical. Because of this I always buy the Wal Mart (Johnson) because they have the best warranty at best price, and there are WalMarts everywhere across the country.
I learned some years ago there are only 2 battery manufacturers in US for wet cells, Gould and Johnson Controls, the biggest being Johnson. No matter whose name is on the label, it is made by one of the two. There are many publications showing which is made by who. Even AC Delco is made by Johnson. With that most of the specs are identical. Because of this I always buy the Wal Mart (Johnson) because they have the best warranty at best price, and there are WalMarts everywhere across the country.
And Walmart has a decent drop-in AGM battery if you want to go that route.
A battery that matches or exceeds power requirements specified by the vehicle's manufacturer, vehicle's charging/starting system has been and is in good condition, battery trickle charged (battery tender) when stored, installed in a vehicle used/stored in a moderate climate (batteries will not last as long in HOT <especially> or cold climate) should last 6 years.
Good idea to start looking to replace at 5 years old.
I base this opinion on my owning/operating a chain of auto parts stores over 16 years and buying/selling/warranting literally thousands of batteries over the years.
The below is what I'd recommend when you do replace it:
My 2017 Suburban just got its first battery replacement this year. My 2017 Ford F150 is on the original battery - I plan to replace it this year, soon. Neither of these spend time with a battery tender. They spend the Winter in a heated garage - Summer outside.
My 2021 C8 is on its original battery - its on a battery tender all the time its in the garage. I'm not saying the tender helps or does not - just stating the conditions. Its also always garaged.
5 years on an OEM battery is pretty much end of life. If you want to push it you can go 6-7 years, until it won't start the car when it is cold.
If you want to make sure that you are never left flat, replace it at 5 years.
I started using Deltran Battery Tenders back in 1987 with my first C4 and had Batteries Last 10 years. My Corvettes are Not Daily Drivers so when parked in my garage i connect the Tender !!
If you're not worried about the cost and just want to make sure your car is reliable for your summer trips, it might be a good idea to get a better battery. Look for one that comes with a solid warranty, has more power for starting your car in cold weather (CCA), and is known for lasting a long time. In my opinion, brands like Optima, Interstate, and AGM are usually good choices because they're known for their quality and long life.
I do like the AGM technology and they do seem to last longer. Other cars/trucks I’ve owned over the past decade had AGMs as OEM and never let me down. However, doesn’t the charging system in the vehicle need to have the capability to charge an AGM to get the full advantage? Charging voltage levels are a bit higher in AGMs so putting them into a vehicle without the extra umph seems to be a waste….unless just the AGM materials, etc, are just better than flooded types?
I do like the AGM technology and they do seem to last longer. Other cars/trucks I’ve owned over the past decade had AGMs as OEM and never let me down. However, doesn’t the charging system in the vehicle need to have the capability to charge an AGM to get the full advantage? Charging voltage levels are a bit higher in AGMs so putting them into a vehicle without the extra umph seems to be a waste….unless just the AGM materials, etc, are just better than flooded types?
Technically, AGM batteries have a different optimum charging profile than FLA. In practice it doesn't seem to matter.
I learned some years ago there are only 2 battery manufacturers in US for wet cells, Gould and Johnson Controls, the biggest being Johnson. No matter whose name is on the label, it is made by one of the two. There are many publications showing which is made by who. Even AC Delco is made by Johnson. With that most of the specs are identical. Because of this I always buy the Wal Mart (Johnson) because they have the best warranty at best price, and there are WalMarts everywhere across the country.
Not entirely true. Neither of these companies manufacture for Odyssey which is also made in the US. An Odyssey group 48 is a great option for an 8th gen Corvette and is what will be going in my Z06 in a year or two.
down here in South Florida, I replace every three years. I’ve had one go bad at 2 1/2 years on my C7, when it was stored outside in the sun and Hondas down here don’t last longer than two years, again, if stored outside.
Not entirely true. Neither of these companies manufacture for Odyssey which is also made in the US. An Odyssey group 48 is a great option for an 8th gen Corvette and is what will be going in my Z06 in a year or two.
Johnson Controls Power Division (the battery division) was sold off and rebranded as Clarios which owns Optima. Optima batteries are made in Monterey, Mexico.
My experience has been that after 3 years you are on borrowed time. And when the battery is bad it often manifests as issues that are not obvious to be coming from the battery.
I plan to get a lithium ion battery when the time comes.
Battery
