I've always purchased either used DieHards or Interstates, or new Duralasts. There is an Everstart (Wal-Mart I think) battery in my Suburban that the previous owner put in, dual terminal, 850CCA, going on 8 years of age next summer (7/01 on the case sticker). And yes, it's in a Texas truck dealing with Texas heat, dual AC, and towing. There is a ONE YEAR OLD Duralast top post battery in my Torino and it might as well be a cinder block. It sat for six months with the dome light on and although it has taken a charge, it isn't strong enough to start the car without a jump no matter how long I leave it on the charger. It might have 12.6 volts in it but it's not starting that car without cables attached to the Suburban's top posts.
So I'm thinking I want to buy a new dual-terminal battery for the Suburban, plug the side terminals in the old one, clean it off, check the water, and drop it in my Torino, and use the one-year old Duralast as the core for whatever I put in the truck. I haven't bought a new car battery in about 3 years, so I don't have any receipts and won't get a free replacement or a pro-rated anything, but covering a $12 core ought to be good enough.
I'm just not sure who to go with this time. Both Everstart Maxx and Duralast Gold have dual-terminal, high capacity, giant bad mother batteries. Both are priced under $90. Both have 3 years free replacement. I'd be putting either in myself, so Wal-Mart's free installation doesn't mean anything to me, because I won't let their techs touch my vehicles (not that I've had a bad experience, but because I don't trust anyone to touch my vehicles, and I have heard too much about Wal-Mart techs screwing things up to even think of changing my mine). AutoZone warranties have always treated me right. Wal-Mart customer service sucks but I always get my way one way or another. The auto departments are usually better than the front desk anyway.
I'll take any and all ideas and toss them in the mix. If I'm spending $80-$90 on a battery I want it to last 5-8 years. I'd prefer a battery I can add water to although it seems those went the way of Quadrajet carburetors and Corinthian leather. I think they call them low-maintenance batteries now although to me it's a marketing gimmick. I won't buy a sealed battery and I WILL pry up "sealed" caps if I can get a screwdriver in there. Maybe not on one of those Delco Freedom batteries with the green eyeballs, but you get the idea. It's 2am, of course I'm rambling...topic subscribed...flame on...
So I'm thinking I want to buy a new dual-terminal battery for the Suburban, plug the side terminals in the old one, clean it off, check the water, and drop it in my Torino, and use the one-year old Duralast as the core for whatever I put in the truck. I haven't bought a new car battery in about 3 years, so I don't have any receipts and won't get a free replacement or a pro-rated anything, but covering a $12 core ought to be good enough.
I'm just not sure who to go with this time. Both Everstart Maxx and Duralast Gold have dual-terminal, high capacity, giant bad mother batteries. Both are priced under $90. Both have 3 years free replacement. I'd be putting either in myself, so Wal-Mart's free installation doesn't mean anything to me, because I won't let their techs touch my vehicles (not that I've had a bad experience, but because I don't trust anyone to touch my vehicles, and I have heard too much about Wal-Mart techs screwing things up to even think of changing my mine). AutoZone warranties have always treated me right. Wal-Mart customer service sucks but I always get my way one way or another. The auto departments are usually better than the front desk anyway.
I'll take any and all ideas and toss them in the mix. If I'm spending $80-$90 on a battery I want it to last 5-8 years. I'd prefer a battery I can add water to although it seems those went the way of Quadrajet carburetors and Corinthian leather. I think they call them low-maintenance batteries now although to me it's a marketing gimmick. I won't buy a sealed battery and I WILL pry up "sealed" caps if I can get a screwdriver in there. Maybe not on one of those Delco Freedom batteries with the green eyeballs, but you get the idea. It's 2am, of course I'm rambling...topic subscribed...flame on...