Auto Batteries

[chas22]

Before you decide to go to the dealership to purchase a battery, read this and save some money.

http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/publish/us/en/products/power_solutions/media_kit/about_power_solutions/backgrounder.html

[Red Arrow]

WalMart,  works for the Buick. 

[rwarn17588]

Before you decide to go to the dealership to purchase a battery, read this and save some money.

http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/publish/us/en/products/power_solutions/media_kit/about_power_solutions/backgrounder.html

I'm all about the Optimas, especially for my old truck. But saving money is not one of the strong suits of that battery.

[TUalum0982]

I always go with the largest battery with the most CCA that will fit in my car.  My dad has done this for YRS with no issues whatsoever.  We use Sears Diehard batteries.  If I remember correctly, if you get the gold series, free replacement warranty the first 2yrs no questions asked.  They could have changed that recently, as I have a company car now and dont keep the car long enough to worry about that stuff anymore.

[nathanm]

I'm all about the Optimas, especially for my old truck. But saving money is not one of the strong suits of that battery.

+1

I used to go the cheap auto parts store brand and play the yearly warranty replacement game, but it's a pain in the butt, given that the batteries pretty reliably fail after only a year. Cheaper than buying an Optima, though.

[heironymouspasparagus]

Wal-Mart is now getting all batteries from Johnosn Controls.  Low bid.  The big problem with Wally is if there is a question about battery failure, they are absolutely clueless and will ALWAYS tell you the battery shows to be ok.  And I know better. 

Duralast at AutoZone is also JCI, but a much higher end battery.  Interstate has some interesting choices, and the Optima is great.  But pricey.  AGM lead acid is an exellent solution and much less likely to spill - no free liquid.

JCI is definitely the biggest in the country, and make some very good batteries.
(Sound biased?  I am...)

[Red Arrow]

Wal-Mart is now getting all batteries from Johnosn Controls.  Low bid.  The big problem with Wally is if there is a question about battery failure, they are absolutely clueless and will ALWAYS tell you the battery shows to be ok.  And I know better. 

I had a WalMart battery (for my Buick) go bad while still in warranty.  They made good on the warranty. 

[heironymouspasparagus]

I did the same thing for a Caddy and they said it was good.  Idiot at the desk didn't understand his "test equipment".

I still buy plenty at Wal-Mart, just not batteries.  I go to AutoZone for that.  I definitely want the JCI family of batteries!  Great company and great product!  (Yes, I am biased and for good reason.)

As with Sears - will do shocks there, but nothing else.

[Red Arrow]

I haven't used Sears for auto work since they cut the snoot off an air cleaner housing in order to install a one size fits all upper radiator hose rather than the proper preformed one.

As few friends have had some horror stories on really important things like brakes which just went to reinforce my decision not to use Sears for car work.  I still like Craftsman tools.  Prices on sets aren't too bad.  Just hope you never need to replace something like a single wrench.

[PonderInc]

I was surprised when the original battery on my 99 Chevy Prizm lasted about 8 years!  I replaced it with a Sears battery (bought the most expensive model they sold) that didn't even last two. (Plus it took them forever to install it.)   Last time, I just bought whatever they gave me at O'Reileys with the longest warranty, and installed it myself.   

Maybe it IS worth buying one from the dealer...?

[Red Arrow]

I was surprised when the original battery on my 99 Chevy Prizm lasted about 8 years! 
...
Maybe it IS worth buying one from the dealer...?

I think maybe you were just lucky with the original battery.

[Gaspar]

I have never purchased a battery. 

I have changed about half a dozen, in as many vehicles.  I never buy a new car, and when the battery goes, I go to WalMart.  Each time they look up the battery, and tell me it was purchased there and replace it for free.  I have no idea how long the warranties are on batteries, but they haven't been able to make any money from me!?

[Red Arrow]

I have never purchased a battery. 

I have changed about half a dozen, in as many vehicles.  I never buy a new car, and when the battery goes, I go to WalMart.  Each time they look up the battery, and tell me it was purchased there and replace it for free.  I have no idea how long the warranties are on batteries, but they haven't been able to make any money from me!?

Your luck is so bad, it's good.  I think the free replacement depends on the grade of battery but the guarantee goes to prorated before most go bad.

[nathanm]

Your luck is so bad, it's good.  I think the free replacement depends on the grade of battery but the guarantee goes to prorated before most go bad.

That's been my experience. When I buy from O'Reilly, I'll usually get one replacement for no charge, and by the time the next one goes out, I have to pay a few bucks, and the third time the warranty is usually out. 

[Conan71]

Depending on how you look at it, I guess my luck with batteries is good:  It's unusual that I ever wind up making a warranty claim, they seem to last to the end or to where there is very little proration left on it.