So, battery currently seems fine, almost 3 years of age, but I have had these AAA batteries die in as little as two years, and so was thinking about preemptively replacing it prior to a trip to Death Valley. I haven't done a voltage test, but in my experience batteries are good right until they are not.

Who do you guys like for a battery retailer? I used to go to Sears for a Diehard, but perhaps the bloom is off that rose. What's the best battery for our cars?

Thanks.

I've taken to buying Autocraft branded batteries from Advance Auto. As the others have said, they're all made by the same couple of companies.

What clinches the deal for me is that with Advance there's always a coupon code available for at least 20% off (search online) to purchase online and pickup in store. Plus I often get an extra 5-10% off from my credit card company as Advance offers deals through them. Furthermore, with their Speed Perks program each $50 purchase gets me $5 off a future purchase.



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XC60 / Odyssey

Stick with Interstate for a reliable long lasting battery.
Stay away from big box store batteries, too many possible issues.

"Stay away from big box store batteries, too many possible issues."

Yes, one such issue is finding a return on the "new" shelf. Check the terminals under the protective caps to find a battery with a fairly current date and no evidence of having been in a car already. Lots of monkey business in the self-serve stores. But that's where I get them. Nice to hear Interstate has a competitive price, though. Didn't know that, and DID know that wasn't always the case.
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Art Benstein near Baltimore

Broken corn chips often resemble Minnesota.

if you are still buying car batteries every few years listen up.

buy this

https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Battery-Desulfator-Desulphator-Auto-Pulse-Rejuvenator-12-48-Volt-Batteries/232725974658

it has been on my 940 wagon battery since october 2011 when i bought the battery at walmart........a nothing special duralast...battery has a little white dot saying 9/11

i have a spare i use to restore to new batteries given up for dead. 2-3 weeks in a heated space and they come out like new. does not desulfate in outside temps below 45F

8 years later it still cranks like new and holds a charge and crank like on the coldest days in december/january

the chemistry behind this device is well known and proven

How do you guys feel about AGM batteries?

Currently I am looking at a standard Centennial battery for $119 from Battery Systems, or a Full River AGM for $249.

The Centennial has 650 cold cranking amps and is an 85 month battery. Made by Johnson Controls.

I can't see popping $249 for a car battery. Thoughts?

I would love to try one but given the price difference with a very similar warranty I'm not willing to pull the trigger just yet!

Dan

I should add - I'd look hard to get a battery with removable cell caps (not sealed) so you can keep the electrolyte at the proper level. Cared for and maintained in a southeastern climate, I've had several different brand batteries last 10 years.
--
82 242-6.2L; '17 Mazda3; '16 Crosstrek

Interstate ... got one and lasted 3ys beyond expiry(with a little trickle chrg over the last winter) Then It Died.

Bought a second.
Got them both from an Interestate distribution warehouse --- for me Local--cut out the Retail midaman.

I've got a 240. M-47/H5 MT-47/H6 At the time for the H5 $90+tax

go to Interstate Website find your numbers -- see ManUfac Sug price. Google an
Interstate Distribution Center in your area -- call and see if you can show up and buy & at what price.

There's only a couple of manufacturers that make most of batteries available on a retail basis here stateside. Many different brand names on basically the same battery. I'd shop price -- check out Costco, Walmart.

Johnson Controls builds -- Bosch, Duralast, Diehard, Energizer, Everstart (Walmart), Delco, Kirkland (Costco), Autocraft, Firestone, Interstate, Motorcraft, Optima. Take your pick. The last comparo I read said the Kirkland at Costco was the best value. Nice thing about that or the Walmart brand is that replacements and warranty service are easy with lots of stores.
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82 242-6.2L; '17 Mazda3; '16 Crosstrek

Nice thing about that or the Walmart brand is that replacements and warranty service are easy with lots of stores.

That is why I get their EverStart Maxx series.
Dan

+++++1 on Walmart batteries.

I believe two battery factories make all lead acid batteries in the US if not merely North America.

https://www.battfinder.com/

In many instances of poor lead acid battery performance, I found the battery electrolyte had lost water from regular use over some years.

Whether a serviceable auto battery or not, I was able to add distilled (also get at Walmart for 1$+ gallon) and the performance was well renewed.

You can add small small amounts of water so long as the lead plates intact as described in this article:

How Do Batteries Die? Well, Let Me Tell You...

https://www.batterystuff.com/kb/articles/battery-articles/how-do-batteries-die.html
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Donate NOW! Give your brickboard.com a big DONATION!!! Find the on brickboard pages!

There is a Johnson Controls in Tampa FL and one somewhere in WY. Walmart has very fresh batteries in Tampa.
Dan