Need New Battery

[Vizzy]

Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
Originally Posted By: RoGuE

Both the Duralast and Autocraft are Johnson Controls, aren't they?


They are. Essentially the same battery.


Anything standard from JC is a really good product. The most important thing is to get the freshest battery you can. Avoid buying one that has been sitting for months...Usually you can see a clearly labeled date of manufacture right on the battery itself. If it is more than a couple of months old don't buy it.

 

[RoGuE]

Thanks for all the help. I got the Duralast Gold. It was a nice fresh one, dated 07/10.

 

[StevieC]

Awesome...

I read somewhere that a battery dated within 6 months of the current date is considered "fresh" and the best to pick from.

 

[EricZoom]

Originally Posted By: RoGuE
Thanks for all the help. I got the Duralast Gold. It was a nice fresh one, dated 07/10.


Same with me, Got the Gold today also dated 7/10. My red top went after almost 3 yrs., so got a pro-rated amount of $46 from them. Ended up paying $53 total for the Gold, which included tax,felt pads and grease. The only thing that was strange is the reserve capacity was more on the Red (105), than the better Gold (95).

 

[RoGuE]

Thanks for reminding me about that. Are the felt pads and grease necessary? I've never seen those before and it looked like they were only practical on batteries with the top post terminals, not on the side terminal battery like the one in the Suburban? Should i go out and get some or leave it be?

 

[EricZoom]

I've always used the pads and grease, because they keep help keep corrosion off the terminals.

 

[mjoekingz28]

Originally Posted By: RoGuE
I just made my decision easy. The Interstate for $99 (-$10 rebate plus 6% shop fee and 6% sales) has 650 CCA with a 7 year warranty and the Duralast Gold for $95 (plus 6% sales tax) has 800 CCA with an 8 year warranty.

I normally don't mind Wal-Mart but the chance it might be an Exide with that fact this is something that can leave you stranded makes me nervous.

Thanks for all your help everyone.

Anyone think I should get that free alternator test done anyway?


What is the problem with Exide? Just got one from their warehous. Same price as the Economy battery from AAP.

 

[charbaby]

I like the W*M MAXX. 3 year free replacement and great cranking power, just like the other stores carry. MAXX are $77.00 today +tax. Batterys aren't an item that I have ever had problems with and I used to buy the absolute cheapest car batterys that I could find. Now, I buy the least expensive highest rated battery. I don't know if there is a difference considering that I have never had battery problems...Ever!...Almost 40 years!

 

[charbaby]

I have never had a car battery not last at least it's mininum rated years(at the worst). And at the best, they went another year or two beyond their mininum rating.

 

[charbaby]

I meant to say, maximum rating.

 

[Paulson]

I bought an interstate for my 2001 suburban in the winter of 2008/2009... still had the factory battery in it which in my opinion did a dang good job.

I'll never buy a battery at walmart... rather pay $100 for a battery that will last at least 5 or more years than deal with one a bit cheaper that will die in 2.

 

[PandaBear]

Originally Posted By: Paulson
I bought an interstate for my 2001 suburban in the winter of 2008/2009... still had the factory battery in it which in my opinion did a dang good job.

I'll never buy a battery at walmart... rather pay $100 for a battery that will last at least 5 or more years than deal with one a bit cheaper that will die in 2.


My walmart battery has been going for 7 years and so far they last longer than anything I've ever used. Johnson Control made batteries are very good even as a Walmart label.

 

[Colt45ws]

I wouldnt buy a new WM battery after they changed the warranty. No pro-rate anymore, and you only get one warranty replacement. Thats why the batteries have a serial on them now. If it comes back in the system as a warranty replacement already, you are screwed.