Topic: Longest lasting battery ever?

[wing]

Okay it's 10 years old, the battery in my S2000! 

Kept it on the charger all winter, she started right up... Kind of, sputtered and spurted a bit before starting.  Assumed, bad gas maybe....

Well wouldn't start a day later, doh.  Quick boost with the Yaris and it cranked over without the sputtering it was doing with the weaker battery.   10 years, it is done, it did well.

Time to go shopping!

[EV Dan]

It's hard to suggest a battery that would for sure last 10 years, but as far as battery warranties are concerned, the crappiest experience I had at the well, Crappy Tire. They would not take back their Eliminator battery with clearly printed production date on it because I lost the warranty papers. It was the stupidest thing they could do to a customer since all the warranty periods were written on the battery anyway.
The best experience I had at Costco. No questions whatsoever, full money back. As I found out later it was the alternator to blame in that case.
Now I'm a Costco addict 
Good luck with the shopping!

[wing]

Oh should check Costco good idea.  I'll call a shop I use tomorrow I'm hoping they are not big coin, it is a funny size.  Small and specialized.

[articsteve]

Probably a Panasonic.

Should be under $500. 

[dr_spock]

I also had a Panasonic last that long.  Too bad you can't buy them retail. 

[Schmengie]

^^ I didn't know Panasonic even made car batteries.

The original Mopar battery in my 2000 Neon lasted just shy of 7 years. It was starting to weaken noticeably when I replaced it with an Eliminator from CT. I probably could've gotten another 6 months out of it, but it was getting too close to winter to take the chance.

[wing]

I can get an A/C Delco for $106   Are they good?

[Gardiner Westbound]

I can get an A/C Delco for $106   Are they good?

I like the ACDelco Professional Maintenance Free Battery at around $120 installed.

I look for the longest free replacement period. Watch for excessive installation costs, warranty adjustment charges, mock-official fees including bogus ecotaxes, and other ripoffs that bleed money out of your pocket for no good reason other than they can.

[wing]

Installation charges?  I'm going to pick it up and drop it into the car, it takes 10 seconds.  I asked about warranty was told it is a 5 year pro-rated.

[Gardiner Westbound]

Installation charges?  I'm going to pick it up and drop it into the car, it takes 10 seconds.  I asked about warranty was told it is a 5 year pro-rated.

See attachment

[articsteve]

I can get an A/C Delco for $106   Are they good?

The actual GM  AC/Delco died during the bankruptcy.

If your buying one of their premium batteries it's from Johnson Controls.  If it's one of their lower tier batteries it's a no name from China.

[davidy]

Kirkland Signature (made by Johnson Controls) batteries at Costco. Was there yesterday and noticed that they advertise a 3 year replacement. Cheaper than Canadian Tire too. Costco has the best return policy among the big chain stores.

Dave

[RunsinLight]

I don't think my parents or I have ever changed a battery in a car and we normally keep cars for 10 years.

[RunsinLight]

I can get an A/C Delco for $106   Are they good?

The actual GM  AC/Delco died during the bankruptcy.

If your buying one of their premium batteries it's from Johnson Controls.  If it's one of their lower tier batteries it's a no name from China.

Do they sell them under the AC  Delco name?

[Careener]

The Optima barreries are supposed to be good aren't they?

[wing]

Well Costco didn't have my battery, they had a 51R fitment but not 51, too bad it was only $70 there.  Then CTC only had Motormaster in my figment, it is kindof an oddball figment apparently.   Ah well, bought the motor master, I only start the car like 10 times a month, should be good

[No H2O]

Kept it on the charger all winter...

Having worked with batteries and chargers at work, I've had the chance to test them and speak with various people in the industry.

There are two thoughts on battery maintenance during the off season. One it to use a battery maintainer that switches to a "float" mode and the other is one that after being in the absorption phase it switches off (when current decreases to a certain level) and lets the battery self drain to say 12.6 V and then starts charging again. The latter is actually better for longer life.

BTW, 12 years and going in my Honda; 16 years in the Toyota when it was sold and it lasted at least another 2 years till I lost contact with the buyer. Both of them are OEM Panasonic batteries.

I use a CTEK US Multi 3300 charger that goes on sale at CTC now and then. It has a "cold" mode which should be used in a cold garage.

[No H2O]

The Optima batteries are supposed to be good aren't they?

According to a buyer at Costco, they stopped selling them some time ago. Too many issues.

I prefer FLA batteries to VRLA batteries; the latter has its advantages, but so many more disadvantages.

[No H2O]

I didn't know Panasonic even made car batteries.

Not only do they make batteries, they seem to make the best batteries based on the life I have had from them.

Unfortunately, they come with the vehicle out of Japan and cannot be bought here. 

[davidy]

Kept it on the charger all winter...

I use a CTEK US Multi 3300 charger that goes on sale at CTC now and then. It has a "cold" mode which should be used in a cold garage.

Thanks. I have the Motomaster Eliminator Intelligent 2A Battery Charger....but it's limited.

The CTEK 3300 has a battery desulphation feature, compact and water resistant.

Dave