[bones774]

OK, my battery just went doa on my 2000 Ody, its original no complaints. So where is the best place to get a good battery, I'm thinking Walmart just because of guarantee and many locations around country. Any problems with there batteries?

 

[Cornball]

Here's from Consumer Reports:

"Two big names trade places. Sears’ DieHard batteries have consistently performed well in our past tests, while Wal-Mart’s EverStart brand often trailed the pack. This year, the EverStart batteries we tested were among the better performers, while DieHards didn’t score as well. "

Duralast (Auto Zone) 65-DL - A CR Best Buy

Also, they rated NAPA batteries pretty high.

 

[slightlycrazy]

I've been using Wal-Mart batteries for quite a while now. Yes, I had a bad battery once or twice but they replace them with no questions asked. They also started the warranty over when I replaced a battery at a year and a half old. I have never been stranded with these batteries, I have always had some warning before the car would not start on a cold morning or out in the boonies 4X4'ing.
The only time I have needed to use my AAA was for a stock Oddy battery. The van had 30K and was about a year old. (wife likes to drive) The battery died and the dealer replaced it at no charge. Now it is a year later, lets see if history repeats itself.

 

[bones774]

Well I went to Walmart and they were outta that battery, so I had to go next door to BJ's wholesale club and got an Exide. Hopefully its gonna be at least OK.

 

[Jerry O]

Here's from Consumer Reports:

"Two big names trade places. Sears’ DieHard batteries have consistently performed well in our past tests, while Wal-Mart’s EverStart brand often trailed the pack. This year, the EverStart batteries we tested were among the better performers, while DieHards didn’t score as well. "

Duralast (Auto Zone) 65-DL - A CR Best Buy

Also, they rated NAPA batteries pretty high.

Consumer Reports battery tests only confirm my feelings regarding battery quality, which is that it is most inconsistent. Brands bounce from the top of the ratings to near the bottom (as mentioned above) and I think it is sort of a crap shoot as to whether a battery will be good or bad. I have had several bad ones, which failed very early, a DieHard, an Optima Red.........I guess you just buy a known brand and hope for the best. Once we got a good Optima, it has lasted for over seven years, so far (in the Caravan). One of the things to look for in a battery is the full replacement part of the warranty. If you can get one with a three year replacement, as in no cost to you, warranty, that is the best deal, since the pro-rata part of the warranty is pretty much worthless.

Jerry O.

 

[cbxeric]

There's probably a big battery factory somewhere that makes them all anyways.

 

[J Lim]

most are made by johnson controls in milwaukee, wisconsin.

 

[bones774]

There are only a coupla battery shops but the batteries can still be made to different specs for different retailers.

 

[OdyRuu]

Needed to replace '02 battery finally (3.5 years old, out of warranty). Searched for one that has some extra capacity since the Honda battery left us stranded many times needing a jump start.

Found an AC Delco "78DT84" that has 850 cold-cranking amps (vs 550 for the Honda OEM battery) and 1000 "cold amps" that function as long-term reserve (or so I'm told -- not a battery expert). Cost $89 at PepBoys with 24 month free replacement warranty plus 84 months pro-rated.

Was going to get the Walmart special but they did not have batteries listed on their web site and I assumed the capacity was probably similar to the OEM I was trying to avoid. So I skipped that crowd.

If I have any major problems with the new battery I'll report back.

PS: One mechanic I spoke with suggested replacing the alternator with a more powerful unit.

 

[slightlycrazy]

Shortly after posting the battery on my Buick died. This may just be the last time I praise anything. Guess the hydroedges on the oddy will all be flat before the end of the month. Yeah, I know, maybe I will actually knock on wood next time I say something nice about a mechanical thing.

 

[raven69david]

Anybody know the correct size for an Optima yellow top? I searched and i could not find a definitive answer.

 

[AZRonS]

Here in AZ, we get used to the fact that batteries only last for 2-3 years due to the excessive summer heat. So I always get the best battery I can afford so it gives me good service during the time it is alive.

The last two batteries I have purchased in the last couple years were from AAA. I have had absolutely no problems with them. It is so easy when you call AAA to just have them put in a battery when they come on the service call.

I probably pay too much for them, but if there ever is a problem, I know they would adjust it on the spot because it is one of their batteries.

I don't recall how things were when we lived in the Midwest (Illinois), but out here in AZ, the battery will be working normally. Then the next time you try to start the car, it will be totally dead without warning. Kind of a way of life out here.

For many years, I would buy my batteries from Checker Auto. When I would take the dead one in, they would always adjust it and give me a new one without hesitation.

AZRonS

 

[davedrivesody]

most are made by johnson controls in milwaukee, wisconsin.

Johnson Controls recently bought Delphi when the latter went into bankruptcy. Delphi came in my 02.

 

[SagePA]

"Found an AC Delco "78DT84" that has 850 cold-cranking amps (vs 550 for the Honda OEM battery) and 1000 "cold amps" that function as long-term reserve (or so I'm told -- not a battery expert)."

Something to watch out for -- at what temperature is the CCA measured. Some manufacturers measure it at zero F, some at 32F -- makes a difference.

 

[raven69david]

Anybody know the correct size for an Optima yellow top? I searched and i could not find a definitive answer.

The answer is 34/78, however the battery needs to be turned around according to the Optima rep as they do not make a Yellow Top with reverse posts.