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IROCZ1989, I'm sorry to hear you feel my response to my friend was harsh. I guess everyone's definition of “major car guy” differs and mine might be vastly different than that of someone else's and skewed by my experiences. I'll see my friend in a few weeks at the track and I'm sure we'll talk more about his friend's situation. In the interim, I don't what my friend told his buddy about his relationship with me or what assistance I might be able to offer and don't want to put him in a position where there is any ambiguity about his situation.
I don't have the bandwidth to go through over 200 posts in a thread and determine sentiment on each of them to arrive at a conclusion, so I do what I can to explain how batteries work and how to maximize performance and lifespan, because there are as many different scenarios as there are cars on the road. They differ in age, how they are used, maintained, accessorized, where they are located, etc... and each variable can have an impact on how every consumable part on a vehicle works. I also don't have the time to figure out how to poke subliminal fun at anyone's situation. JT's title in every post he makes on this board is very clear for everyone to see- Administrator Webmaster, so there's really nothing left to conceal or reveal in that regard.
JT, we do take care of end-users who have defective products, but we don't offer lifetime warranty coverage on our products. Even within our three-year free replacement warranty coverage, we find many of the bad batteries returned to us aren't actually “bad,” but just deeply-discharged and get replaced anyway. As I've said before, every battery brand and manufacturer deals with this issue, with some going so far as to required a minimum voltage level on all batteries returned for warranty service.
I wish I had the time to do more hand-holding with folks on how to properly-maintain batteries, but I'm active on hundreds of forums and groups for cars, boats, trucks and anywhere else that people are using our products. My approach tends to be more direct and while some brands prefer to take conversations offline and out of the view of the general public, I don't want to hide anything. I'd prefer that the questions and answers be out in the open for everyone to see and reference. If it turns someone off to buying our products, I'll have to live with that.
Many brands avoid having conversations like these entirely, because they don't have a lot of volume to begin with and feel they can't afford to lose even a single customer, if they don't handle every conversation in a manner that will satisfy the opinion of every person reading it. The flipside is that if what I post helps someone figure out a battery issue or maximize the lifespan and performance of their battery, even if it's another brand, then everyone benefits. The potential for an outcome that helps consumers makes for a risk we believe is worth taking.
JT, we do take care of end-users who have defective products, but we don't offer lifetime warranty coverage on our products.
I wish I had the time to do more hand-holding with folks on how to properly-maintain batteries, but I'm active on hundreds of forums and groups for cars, boats, trucks and anywhere else that people are using our products.
As much as you've participated in these discussions, you should know I've stated I've used the Optima battery charger and that my Optima battery failed around 3 years. That's not a lifetime warranty coverage concern unless you consider 3 years or more being "lifetime".
So either my Optima battery charger failed or the Optima battery failed. It's not a matter of needing "hand-holding" on batteries. Given that the charger(s) show my Optima battery is charged but it can't handle a load, it seems clear to me which failed.
Your lack of customer care you've displayed, in several cases, is the number one reason why I will not purchase another Optima battery. You make small insults, while defending the product, to those who've had failures. That's not exactly how to "take care of" customers. In all seriousness, I've got some question if your account is real and authorized by Optima due to some of the complete lack of consideration being displayed to the end-users who've had a product failure.
JT, I've read your posts and I understand your battery failed around three years. Our warranty period is more specific than that- it is exactly three years from the original date of purchase. Since your battery was out of warranty, I offered to ship you a replacement free of charge, that carried no warranty coverage, which you declined. However, even if your battery failed several months earlier on the day before the third year of warranty coverage ended, the replacement battery would only have one day of warranty coverage remaining.
If a manufacturer doesn't offer a lifetime warranty, they have to draw a line somewhere on when they will stop providing warranty coverage and we draw it at three years from the original date of purchase. I'm not trying to insult you or anyone else here, but I apologize if you feel any of my posts have had that intent. I understand you aren't happy with the experience you've had with me or our brand, but
Believe me when I tell you how much more I would enjoy my job, if I were able to just hand out free batteries and chargers to everyone who even had a whiff of dissatisfaction with our products, regardless of how old they were, how they were used or whether they even purchased them new or not. However, the people who decide how to run our business have decided that's not the best way to do business. Maybe that's not the best course of action to take, but as I watched another battery manufacturer declare bankruptcy yesterday and two more battery brands give up their spots at SEMA this year, I have to trust that our leadership knows what they are doing.
To reiterate; my 2003 ZR2 which I bought new and traded on my then-new 2018 Silverado had an Interstate battery in it that was, at the time of trade-in, 7 years old, and was still working just fine. That vehicle lived it's entire life outdoors in cold Winters and very hot Summers, never having seen a garage.
My 86 IROC, which I bought new back in '86 and has always been garaged, currently has a nine-year-old Interstate battery which is still going strong. This is just the third battery (all Interstate) I've put in it in all those years, and when this one eventually dies---yes, even Interstate batteries don't last forever---a new Interstate will replace it. That battery currently runs about $120.
If anyone, especially after reading through this thread, still decides to buy into a bunch of advertising hype and blow $200-$300 on a battery that might last them 3 years, requires an equally-high-priced "special" battery charger to keep it alive even that long, and comes with a bunch of excuses rather than reliability, well, all I can add is, it's your $$$, bro.
Well after being burned a second time on a optima redtop I have to post this. Background is it seem johnson controls owns them and the consensus is the quality has tanked big time for quite some time. My first one I bought in 09 came out a year later and stayed always on a float charge. It died and couldn't be brought back. Fastforward to two years ago I buy another and it sat up until 4 weeks ago always on a charger since I purchased it. I was in a pinch and decided to use it to jump start my house generator battery to get it started with an impending storm comming. It failed miserably. Load tested it and now this one is weak. Optima says tough luck its out of warrenty. Buyer beware. These batterys are not made in the usa anymore and quality is crap in my opinion. Ive had bargain batterys last longer than these expensive paperweights. Ill never buy another Optima again.
Quite the Complete Opposite, I've had nothing but Luck with my Optima Group 75-25 Battery and its been VERY reliable in my 91 Trans Am GTA, their far superior to other Battery's out there
Quite the Complete Opposite, I've had nothing but Luck with my Optima Group 75-25 Battery and its been VERY reliable in my 91 Trans Am GTA, their far superior to other Battery's out there
That's not the norm, ... by far. I have luck with them to. When their brand new.
Believe me when I tell you how much more I would enjoy my job, if I were able to just hand out free batteries and chargers to everyone who even had a whiff of dissatisfaction with our products, regardless of how old they were, how they were used or whether they even purchased them new or not. However, the people who decide how to run our business have decided that's not the best way to do business. Maybe that's not the best course of action to take, but as I watched another battery manufacturer declare bankruptcy yesterday and two more battery brands give up their spots at SEMA this year, I have to trust that our leadership knows what they are doing.
It's not just a matter of people who have a "whiff of dissatisfaction with our product". It's the fact your product had failed them as has the company's customer service.
I'm not here for a free battery and charger. I'm here because I expected my expensive Optima battery to last a bit longer than the 3 year warranty. I don't consider that an unreasonable expectation. Especially considering I've had conventional batteries last 3X as long for far less cost. Once again, my fault was that I trusted my Optima battery was not the issue for my starting issue on my collector car. Had I known my Optima failed as it did, I would have had an official warranty claim as I wouldn't have put that off over taking the job of removing and testing a starter that I was putting off. The end result is the same. My Optima battery failed too soon and left a bad product experience. Their customer service made it worse.
Maybe those who run the business should take a better look at your engagement with their customers. Seriously, I didn't want to go that way. It's one thing to have the unfortunate experience of a dealing with a failed product. It's even worse for the company's representative to show a pattern of taking jabs to their customers while promoting the product and not taking care of the customer. Someone should realize that needing to use Twitter to validate your position, along with the feedback shown, indicate there's a problem with the company's representative.
That's not the norm, ... by far. I have luck with them to. When their brand new.
I retired from AUTOZONE after working there 20 yrs, I sold Battery"s there like the Optima, Duralast & others but the Group 75-25 Optima Red Top to me proved to a
battery that's always reliable, don't expect them to last more than 3 yrs though, that's their average life span, not 5 or 10, remember in Pontiac Firebird's
that the clock is always running and drains a small amount of energy and when that Road Rocket sits for quite awhile without being started
the battery will loose energy as well as letting corrosion build up on the side terminals, these you have to absolutely KEEP CLEAN at ALL Times
I retired from AUTOZONE after working there 20 yrs, I sold Battery"s there like the Optima, Duralast & others but the Group 75-25 Optima Red Top to me proved to a
battery that's always reliable, don't expect them to last more than 3 yrs though, that's their average life span, not 5 or 10, remember in Pontiac Firebird's
that the clock is always running and drains a small amount of energy and when that Road Rocket sits for quite awhile without being started
the battery will loose energy as well as letting corrosion build up on the side terminals, these you have to absolutely KEEP CLEAN at ALL Times
That is the whole point of this thread. Most batterys have 3 year warranties. Optimas just dont last much past that if they can even get there. While regular duralast lead acids or other brands for example will pass that 3 year and then some. So what is the point of spending x amount more on an Optima when the battery life is less than a regular lead acid? None. Your paying a premium on an Optima for advertising and sponsorship, not for long living battery. Are we supposed to be amazed and grateful that a $200 battery lives 3 years and then dies a couple of month into that third year? 3 year warrenty is a joke on a battery that expensive. It should be min 4 years or more. Only way to extend the warrenty past the 3 years is to buy the Optima charger when you buy the battery which makes the purchase even that much more expensive. For example have an Interstate mega the old green that was dated 2009 when it went south in my Mustang in 2017. I replaced it with another Interstate. Cost? $110. Didnt even care that I had to replace it. 8 years on a $100 battery? I'm happy with that. That should be the norm for Optimas. It's not. They tout the battery as tough and able to withstand this motorsport and that grueling race. But cannot even survive in a garage queen or somewhat daily/ daily driven vehicle.
Guys dont you think this thread is ending up a bit too trailing???
Optimas are maybe 50$ more than a Duralast so assuming they last the same and most people here are in agreement on 3 years without theoriticising on the best way to take care of your dear battery, we are talking 16$ difference a year....
Your other option would be to get this ’trusted’ Odyssey battery which would approximately put you $100 more.
So your choice is either risking 16$ per year or $33 per year for the Odyssey. I am saying ‘risking’ as a battery at the end of the day is still a closed box and no one will ever bet on a longer period. Lets admit it. Batteries are a gamble.
So when you put a financial impact to a debate I think that 5 pages worth of forum discussions is excessive[ish]. I hope i don’t get flamed for speaking up my opinion. I am a very active follower on this forum.
I had a Yellow top in my Camaro for almost 20 years before it gave up. Most have done something wrong
OK didn't drive it much because I now live 5000 miles away from where the car is.
Guys dont you think this thread is ending up a bit too trailing???
Optimas are maybe 50$ more than a Duralast so assuming they last the same and most people here are in agreement on 3 years without theoriticising on the best way to take care of your dear battery, we are talking 16$ difference a year....
Your other option would be to get this ’trusted’ Odyssey battery which would approximately put you $100 more.
So your choice is either risking 16$ per year or $33 per year for the Odyssey. I am saying ‘risking’ as a battery at the end of the day is still a closed box and no one will ever bet on a longer period. Lets admit it. Batteries are a gamble.
So when you put a financial impact to a debate I think that 5 pages worth of forum discussions is excessive[ish]. I hope i don’t get flamed for speaking up my opinion. I am a very active follower on this forum.
I started this thread. I feel that car enthusiasts who search for info about Optima should be able to come here and read both good and bad reviews, in addition to Optimas response to such posts. The more posts the better. Optimas response seems in my opinion to be in the corner that Optimas quality has not changed. While others here say other wise. Be it truth or not, the more people that post here and give feed back here weather good or bad is just more voices in Optimas ear. Voices = buyers and customers. So be it 5 pages or 125 pages, the more the better. If you have been burnt by Optima you would understand. By the tone of your post I assume you have not. I've been burned more than a few times, as have others here. If this thread turns people away from buying Optimas so be it. Maybe they will value customers over profit. You can come here and say it's long winded. If it bothers you you can always just not read it and move on. Usually those with that mind set have no skin in the game. You can always buy an Optima battery and give us feedback as to how it turns out. Take a chance.
Optimas are maybe 50$ more than a Duralast so assuming they last the same and most people here are in agreement on 3 years without theoriticising on the best way to take care of your dear battery, we are talking 16$ difference a year....
That assumption doesn't match my personal experience, which is only what I can speak of. Of the 30 or so years I've had batteries, I can't recall any of them failing within 3 years as my Optima did. Speaking of Duralast - I've a 2008 sticker on one that still is good. I can't verify that tag but I do know I've had it since 2014 so it's atleast lasted twice as long as my Optima. I don't expect 12 years from a battery. But I also don't expect only 3 years from a battery that is billed as premium battery. I regularly get over 5 years from conventional batteries. I'd have to buy 2 or 3 Optimas to last the same time I've gotten in several of my conventional batteries.
Originally Posted by aseychell
Guys dont you think this thread is ending up a bit too trailing???
So when you put a financial impact to a debate I think that 5 pages worth of forum discussions is excessive[ish]. I hope i don’t get flamed for speaking up my opinion. I am a very active follower on this forum.
Some definitely won't be interested and that's understandable. They've the choice to ignore the topic and not participate. Not sure how cost difference per year of a battery has a factor in thread length and battery life isn't the only concern raised here. Regardless, our site is community-based where people share and exchange information and we don't put a limit on thread length as long as the topic doesn't violate ToU and is still useful. If there's someone that thinks the Optima battery only costs an additional $16 a year for 3 years and that's the only concern, I'd say there is still some room for discussion.
The advantage of owning a Red Top Optima AGM ( Absorbed Glass Mat) Battery over a standard acid battery is that it should not be tested or charged as a Gel cell or regular flooded battery & the top of the battery has two built in flame arrestors one on each side of the top of the Optima and it can be mounted in any position, sideways, slanted, upside down and of course right side up, try doing that with your standard Wet Cell battery, not a good idea
Last edited by FASTLANER66; 05-20-2020 at 07:38 PM.
Just FYI and this will surely be my last post on this thread...
IrocZ, I currently have a redtop in my GTA for 3 years and in my C5 for 5 years. I have a Varta in my Mustang which I had to replace twice within two years then the 3rd one is still kicking for the past 4 years. I had an AC Delco in my RS2000 which lasted forever (10+) and so did a cheap locally produced battery in my daily driver (Peugeot). I had a FIAMM on my wifes car (Rav4) which only lasted a few weeks then the replacement I got from warranty has been working for the last 7 years.
So beleive me I did try various brands with different outcome. Batteries are a gamble no matter what everyone says. A lot of external factors are at play with all of them resulting in different lifespan of batteries. Yes there can be factory defects and if a brand sells more than others (be it better marketing or otherwise) it is obvious that there will be more complaints as there are more quantities.
I am in no way expecting people to agree with me or not but wanted to put here my final opinion as everyone has the right to do so I assume.
I had a Yellow top in my Camaro for almost 20 years before it gave up. Most have done something wrong
OK didn't drive it much because I now live 5000 miles away from where the car is.
Sorry, but most of us haven't done anything "wrong".
I too had an old USA made red top. It lasted maybe 9 years and suffered through being frozen two winters while dead and still came back. They USED to take the abuses. Once the manufacturing went to Mexico the quality went to sub-par.
I had another Mexico red top that didn't make the warranty and I know of two other people that had red tops that didn't make the warranty.
All of Optima's claims about needing a special charger is crap, the alternator in a car doesn't know the chemistry of the battery that is attached. Fact is the quality isn't there any more once Johnson Controls bought them and moved the production to Mexico
ironwill, I would again reiterate that you do not need a special charger to charge an Optima battery.
JT, again, I'm not trying to take jabs at anyone here. You clearly don't like the answers I have to offer and perhaps because of that, you questioned my legitimacy as a representative of the Optima brand. I only used the Twitter account to answer your question about whether or not I am an official representative of Optima, which I clearly am.
aseychell, this thread probably is getting a bit long, but I'm still active on far longer threads on other forums and I'm more than willing to stick with it here as well. One of the cost factors folks don't associate with car batteries is the cost of their time. Whether you are spending $100 on a store brand or $200 on our batteries, the time you spend to take a battery out of a car, drive to a store, buy a new battery, bring it home and install it all have value. Even a $15/hr Amazon employee might end up with $30 worth of their time to buy a battery.
If that battery fails at an inopportune time or the value of your time is more than $15/hour, then the cost of time spent to resolve the situation could be much higher. With all of that time expense on the line, it would make sense that people would want to get their money's worth with any battery they buy and make sure they keep it properly-maintained. Doing that will maximize performance and lifespan and minimize the amount of time in the long run, that they spend dealing with it and to use the gambling analogy, significantly improve their odds.
IROCZ1989, I would again reiterate that while I understand individual experiences can vary, the quality of our products has changed for the better over time.
FASTLANER66, ideally it would be best to test our batteries as AGM batteries, but they'll probably load-test fine as a flooded or regular battery if someone's load tester doesn't have that capability. Likewise, AGM-specific charger settings are ideal, but regular settings will work fine as well. You are correct that gel-specific settings should definitely be avoided not just for Optimas, but all non-gel batteries. While our batteries can be mounted in virtually any orientation, we don't recommend upside down for safety reasons and if you do mount it on its side, it's best to keep those vent ports on the top side, if possible.
scooter, I would again reiterate that the false claims about a special charger being needed for our batteries are not made by us. You can use most chargers without issue on our batteries.
You clearly don't like the answers I have to offer and perhaps because of that, you questioned my legitimacy as a representative of the Optima brand. I only used the Twitter account to answer your question about whether or not I am an official representative of Optima, which I clearly am.
No, it's a matter of your refusal to understand, and take care of, your customers and stand behind your product where it really counts - not just talk. Your talk is what's part of the problem. You display the belief that everyone else is the problem. You've spent a lot of time in this thread trying to sell the product while not really helping the customers who've had issues or concerns.
Whether you are spending $100 on a store brand or $200 on our batteries, the time you spend to take a battery out of a car, drive to a store, buy a new battery, bring it home and install it all have value. Even a $15/hr Amazon employee might end up with $30 worth of their time to buy a battery.
If that battery fails at an inopportune time or the value of your time is more than $15/hour, then the cost of time spent to resolve the situation could be much higher. With all of that time expense on the line, it would make sense that people would want to get their money's worth with any battery they buy and make sure they keep it properly-maintained. Doing that will maximize performance and lifespan and minimize the amount of time in the long run, that they spend dealing with it and to use the gambling analogy, significantly improve their odds.
......Anyway , since I was given my bluetop for free from a friend , and I have no real financial skin in the game , what I will do is to continue to use the bluetop just as I would any other battery , and report my results with it here from time to time . My car has a brand new starter , alternator , all electrics are in perfect 100% not hacked in the least condition and the car starts great . Let's see how long this battery lasts ! ....
......The post above was in early 2016 and I had the battery about a year when I posted about it (in fact it may have been late 2014 when I got it) .....
2014 till 2021, my bluetop lasted right around 7 years and it's end was on a 29 degree morning when it barely started the car. Since the closest place to get a battery was Autozone I got a die hard gold and we'll see if this one makes it past it's warranty (3 years) .
The blue top is a marine deep cycle correct? Kudos you got 7 years out of it. Was it in a daily driver? I think these batteries are mostly used in cars that don't see as much time as a daily. Maybe that is the issue. The down time. I dont know. When spring comes mine has been on the trickle for 2 months now. Hopefully it will be fine this spring. On my third one. Curious on the new Diehards. Looking to get one for my mustang next year. The Interstate is approaching 6 years and doesn't hold a charge long anymore sitting in the garage like years past. Feel the diehard is a good value compared to the market?
The blue top is a marine deep cycle correct? Kudos you got 7 years out of it. Was it in a daily driver? I think these batteries are mostly used in cars that don't see as much time as a daily. Maybe that is the issue. The down time. I dont know. When spring comes mine has been on the trickle for 2 months now. Hopefully it will be fine this spring. On my third one. Curious on the new Diehards. Looking to get one for my mustang next year. The Interstate is approaching 6 years and doesn't hold a charge long anymore sitting in the garage like years past. Feel the diehard is a good value compared to the market?
Hi IROCZ1989, Yes indeed my car is my daily driver year round except for when there is snow and salt on the roads, and I'm right with you in believing that any battery that has extended times of sitting will never last as long as a battery in regular use. Even people like you who do all the right things with the battery charger/maintainer still report premature failures and so I'm convinced the batteries don't like the downtime. The Blue top I had was advertised as being good for both high amp cranking and deep cycle use, a claim I gotta admit to being somewhat skeptical of since every other battery seems to be for either high cranking amps or deep discharge, but not both. They (Optima) advertise two different types of batteries with blue tops, the traditional deep cycle and the more expensive one that I had for high current starting and deep cycle. It's funny, my friend who gave me the battery bought four of them when he was going to restore a good sized boat and when he scrapped the project a couple of months later he gave me one of the batteries. He put two of them in one of those dodge diesel pickup trucks and used the other as a trolling battery on his little boat. The one on trolling use lasted barely a few years, the set in his truck went maybe five years, and I got seven out of mine, all in all for the kind of money they cost I'd have been happy to see them all last at least the seven years mine did.
As to the die hard, I paid $160 for the die hard gold, and if I get anything approaching, or over, five good years I'll consider that a good value. I will update your thread whenever the die hard decides it's had enough.
My Optima battery lasting only 3 years and 7 months is not what I consider to be good enough....Post #103
I'm not here for a free battery and charger. I'm here because I expected my expensive Optima battery to last a bit longer than the 3 year warranty.....Post #214
It DID last "a bit longer" than 3 years, so why are you still whining?
I can't recall any of them failing within 3 years as my Optima did.....Post #220 And there we have it, a flat out lie. Yes, moderator who enjoys all the support of your buddies here as they extol your wonderful virtues like nice little sheepdogs. Look, I don't know you, you don't know me, but the facts are undeniable....you LIED. Your battery did not fail "within three years" as you now claim. Look go ahead and ban me, but know that what you did here is just sickening to those few of us that take integrity seriously. The freakin' Optima guy went above and beyond by offering you a replacement for your OUT OF WARRANTY battery and all you did was blast him, and his company. Indeed the entire thread has been nothing more than a huge pile on of opinions and group think. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but it is just that, an opinion and while they can be freely shared, do it with some class and a little less hostility. Look, I don't know this Jim guy either, but he has a big ole set for constantly coming back to this site to rationally discuss the issues all while the wild hounds cheer each other on about how horrible his company is....oh, keep in mind these are likely the same rah, rah Merica group that talks of the horrors of lost jobs to Mexico and proud union brothers that stand shoulder to shoulder in unity to denounce anything not made in Merica, but when it comes time to have work done on their houses do they willingly pony up and pay union wages across the board or do they opt to go the cheap route and hire non union people or maybe get some of the union brothers to give them a freebie because, sure they are all rah, rah Merica? But I digress. I've read this post with mild interest, and like many of the opinionated posts on this site it just makes my head hurt. Allow me to summarize my opinion before my opinion gets banned and you can get back to your bashing of a man that was trying to help....Your experience with ANY product may vary, the Optima guy had the guts to come back time and time again and was NEVER was disrespectful in ANY of his posts while the Moderator of this site wanted the Optima guys livelihood to be challenged (Maybe those who run the business should take a better look at your engagement with their customers. Post #214 Dude, you seriously just threatened the man's livelihood, c'mon man, you gotta be better than that.) and then what was next, the Moderator flat out lied about the facts as I've pointed out above. Now, do what you will and I fully expect you to delete my post and ban my account, go ahead or leave it and earn a bit of respect from those of us who still value integrity and NOT lying, but honestly, I don't care, this site really is a bunch of whiners and why I never really did much other than lurk. Wait, that said, I have had a few good experiences with some members and for those members I am grateful, but this entire thread of let's beat on a particular manufacturer is just sickening.....Insert Ban Here....
My Optima battery lasting only 3 years and 7 months is not what I consider to be good enough....Post #103
I'm not here for a free battery and charger. I'm here because I expected my expensive Optima battery to last a bit longer than the 3 year warranty.....Post #214
It DID last "a bit longer" than 3 years, so why are you still whining?
I can't recall any of them failing within 3 years as my Optima did.....Post #220 And there we have it, a flat out lie. Yes, moderator who enjoys all the support of your buddies here as they extol your wonderful virtues like nice little sheepdogs. Look, I don't know you, you don't know me, but the facts are undeniable....you LIED. Your battery did not fail "within three years" as you now claim. Look go ahead and ban me, but know that what you did here is just sickening to those few of us that take integrity seriously. The freakin' Optima guy went above and beyond by offering you a replacement for your OUT OF WARRANTY battery and all you did was blast him, and his company. Indeed the entire thread has been nothing more than a huge pile on of opinions and group think. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but it is just that, an opinion and while they can be freely shared, do it with some class and a little less hostility. Look, I don't know this Jim guy either, but he has a big ole set for constantly coming back to this site to rationally discuss the issues all while the wild hounds cheer each other on about how horrible his company is....oh, keep in mind these are likely the same rah, rah Merica group that talks of the horrors of lost jobs to Mexico and proud union brothers that stand shoulder to shoulder in unity to denounce anything not made in Merica, but when it comes time to have work done on their houses do they willingly pony up and pay union wages across the board or do they opt to go the cheap route and hire non union people or maybe get some of the union brothers to give them a freebie because, sure they are all rah, rah Merica? But I digress. I've read this post with mild interest, and like many of the opinionated posts on this site it just makes my head hurt. Allow me to summarize my opinion before my opinion gets banned and you can get back to your bashing of a man that was trying to help....Your experience with ANY product may vary, the Optima guy had the guts to come back time and time again and was NEVER was disrespectful in ANY of his posts while the Moderator of this site wanted the Optima guys livelihood to be challenged (Maybe those who run the business should take a better look at your engagement with their customers. Post #214 Dude, you seriously just threatened the man's livelihood, c'mon man, you gotta be better than that.) and then what was next, the Moderator flat out lied about the facts as I've pointed out above. Now, do what you will and I fully expect you to delete my post and ban my account, go ahead or leave it and earn a bit of respect from those of us who still value integrity and NOT lying, but honestly, I don't care, this site really is a bunch of whiners and why I never really did much other than lurk. Wait, that said, I have had a few good experiences with some members and for those members I am grateful, but this entire thread of let's beat on a particular manufacturer is just sickening.....Insert Ban Here....
If you do any amount of searching you will find THOUSANDS of posts on various websites about how bad Optima battery quality has become since they sold out to Johnston Controls and moved production to Mexico. The FACT of the matter is it has nothing to do with "buy American made" and everything to do with quality going downhill.
They REALLY have it out for people who badmouth their product online too. I posted a slightly negative review on their PUBLIC Facebook page and they just banned me. I can still view their stuff since it is public, but I can't reply or react to any of their posts.
The sad part is that they sponsor events to make it cheaper for some people to get into racing events and they outwardly appear to care about the customer, but unless you REALLY push they will just screw you
Scooter: Could be they have the worst product on the market, I don't know, but much of that is still opinion until someone comes up with scientifically demonstrable proof that the product is factually worse now than previously. I really don't have an opinion one way or the other about it, I just think that the tone of this entire thread is horrible. People can disagree, but let's do so respectfully, and the way everyone piled on the Optima guy is just sickening, I dislike bullies and that is exactly what happened here....in my opinion. I mean, Jesus the Moderator wanted Optima guy's boss involved, that isn't sharing of an opinion, that is going out of your way to be a jerk.....As Optima banned you, I anticipate my banning is mere moments away.....Enjoy the day, enjoy life, it is far too short and bring happiness to a stranger when possible, or join this forum and bash Optima batteries....yeah, I say that with a smirk.
Scooter: Could be they have the worst product on the market, I don't know, but much of that is still opinion until someone comes up with scientifically demonstrable proof that the product is factually worse now than previously. I really don't have an opinion one way or the other about it, I just think that the tone of this entire thread is horrible. People can disagree, but let's do so respectfully, and the way everyone piled on the Optima guy is just sickening, I dislike bullies and that is exactly what happened here....in my opinion. I mean, Jesus the Moderator wanted Optima guy's boss involved, that isn't sharing of an opinion, that is going out of your way to be a jerk.....As Optima banned you, I anticipate my banning is mere moments away.....Enjoy the day, enjoy life, it is far too short and bring happiness to a stranger when possible, or join this forum and bash Optima batteries....yeah, I say that with a smirk.
Anecdotes aren't evidence, but when they go to lengths to cover up unfavorable reviews you KNOW they are trying to cover shady business decisions.
My Optima battery lasting only 3 years and 7 months is not what I consider to be good enough....Post #103
I'm not here for a free battery and charger. I'm here because I expected my expensive Optima battery to last a bit longer than the 3 year warranty.....Post #214
It DID last "a bit longer" than 3 years, so why are you still whining?
I can't recall any of them failing within 3 years as my Optima did.....Post #220 And there we have it, a flat out lie. Yes, moderator who enjoys all the support of your buddies here as they extol your wonderful virtues like nice little sheepdogs. Look, I don't know you, you don't know me, but the facts are undeniable....you LIED. Your battery did not fail "within three years" as you now claim. Look go ahead and ban me, but know that what you did here is just sickening to those few of us that take integrity seriously. The freakin' Optima guy went above and beyond by offering you a replacement for your OUT OF WARRANTY battery and all you did was blast him, and his company. Indeed the entire thread has been nothing more than a huge pile on of opinions and group think. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but it is just that, an opinion and while they can be freely shared, do it with some class and a little less hostility. Look, I don't know this Jim guy either, but he has a big ole set for constantly coming back to this site to rationally discuss the issues all while the wild hounds cheer each other on about how horrible his company is....oh, keep in mind these are likely the same rah, rah Merica group that talks of the horrors of lost jobs to Mexico and proud union brothers that stand shoulder to shoulder in unity to denounce anything not made in Merica, but when it comes time to have work done on their houses do they willingly pony up and pay union wages across the board or do they opt to go the cheap route and hire non union people or maybe get some of the union brothers to give them a freebie because, sure they are all rah, rah Merica? But I digress. I've read this post with mild interest, and like many of the opinionated posts on this site it just makes my head hurt. Allow me to summarize my opinion before my opinion gets banned and you can get back to your bashing of a man that was trying to help....Your experience with ANY product may vary, the Optima guy had the guts to come back time and time again and was NEVER was disrespectful in ANY of his posts while the Moderator of this site wanted the Optima guys livelihood to be challenged (Maybe those who run the business should take a better look at your engagement with their customers. Post #214 Dude, you seriously just threatened the man's livelihood, c'mon man, you gotta be better than that.) and then what was next, the Moderator flat out lied about the facts as I've pointed out above. Now, do what you will and I fully expect you to delete my post and ban my account, go ahead or leave it and earn a bit of respect from those of us who still value integrity and NOT lying, but honestly, I don't care, this site really is a bunch of whiners and why I never really did much other than lurk. Wait, that said, I have had a few good experiences with some members and for those members I am grateful, but this entire thread of let's beat on a particular manufacturer is just sickening.....Insert Ban Here....
Originally Posted by toomanybirds
Scooter: Could be they have the worst product on the market, I don't know, but much of that is still opinion until someone comes up with scientifically demonstrable proof that the product is factually worse now than previously. I really don't have an opinion one way or the other about it, I just think that the tone of this entire thread is horrible. People can disagree, but let's do so respectfully, and the way everyone piled on the Optima guy is just sickening, I dislike bullies and that is exactly what happened here....in my opinion. I mean, Jesus the Moderator wanted Optima guy's boss involved, that isn't sharing of an opinion, that is going out of your way to be a jerk.....As Optima banned you, I anticipate my banning is mere moments away.....Enjoy the day, enjoy life, it is far too short and bring happiness to a stranger when possible, or join this forum and bash Optima batteries....yeah, I say that with a smirk.
You say you dislike bullies but look at your own attitude toward those on this site. You start by questioning why I'm "whining" because my Optima battery lasted approximately 3 years and 7 months in comparison to some conventional batteries of mine lasting approximately twice as long for less the price. This thread was about Optima batteries and I have my own experience that I wanted to share and it was appropriate to the discussion.
You will also notice that I, initially, thought it was the starter on the car until I realized it was actually the battery. Part of this was due to the fact the Optima battery charger kept showing the Optima battery as fully charged. The other issue was I actually did suspect the starter was weak. After a few months, when I tried to use the battery in another ThirdGen, that's when I discovered it was actually the Optima battery. So the battery actually did fail months earlier than 3 years and 7 months.
You're calling me a lair despite I clarified the battery's (more exact) date in years and months within different posts. My intention was not to lie and I don't consider myself as having done so. In the overall view, it having failed exactly at 3 years or 3 years and 7 months is virtually no different to me. The point is, I expected better for a product that is billed and marketed as a premium battery over a conventional battery. Anyone that has had the experience of a product lasting just long enough to get out of warranty period before failure knows exactly the disappointment, frustration and bad experience that it can cause to the consumer. Calling me a liar for saying 3 years or 3 years and 7 months is wrong and sort of splitting hairs. It also overlooks, as I stated, that I did provide the relevant information.
..oh, keep in mind these are likely the same rah, rah Merica group that talks of the horrors of lost jobs to Mexico and proud union brothers that stand shoulder to shoulder in unity to denounce anything not made in Merica, but when it comes time to have work done on their houses do they willingly pony up and pay union wages across the board or do they opt to go the cheap route and hire non union people or maybe get some of the union brothers to give them a freebie because, sure they are all rah, rah Merica? ....
Man, this sure sounds like someone with bigger problems than people talking smack about his favorite car batteries...... Anger issues much????
I’m not sure if anyone was a “bully” since I read this entire thing ages ago and ain’t about to reread it again, but I’ll chime in to say I do distinctly remember having serious respect for Jim who kept coming back time and again with pretty rational answers defending the brand and its policies and processes and whatnot the whole way along like a one-man Alamo.
Regardless, my takeaway for the ol mental filing cabinet when I originally read this thread was grab an Odyssey>Optima. Wellll last week after its umpteenth two week sit in the winter cold of the driveway while away the Interstate in the Tahoe finally bit the bullet, with a nice soaked battery tray to be sure. 4.5 years - not quite the 6 year commitment stamped on the top but I was pretty satisfied considering it sat numerous times for long winter stretches uncharged and then on a trickle charger while the iroc was out in the summers.
Thing was, absolutely nowhere including online had a group48 size Odyssey available. What was available just down the street at Canadian Tire was a group48 Optima Yellowtop. (A relatively new offering in that size as I understand).
Long story short, I’ll post again at some point in the next 13weeks to 13 years to report in on how long she lasted.
Alright, I've been quiet about the technical side of this but I'm going to weigh in a bit.
AGM batteries are a form of Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) battery. A lot of people call them "sealed" but it's actually vented. Think more like "not serviceable" because the fluid can't be replenished when lost. AGM are electrolyte starved, meaning there isn't much fluid that can be lost before it becomes a problem. This makes the AGM battery life shorter than flooded lead acid battery in conditions where electrolytes are lost, such as hot weather and overcharging.
AGM batteries require a slightly lower charging voltage than flooded lead acid batteries. The alternators in our cars don't know that and overcharge the battery in hot temps. Combine that with the electrolyte-starved nature of the battery, and the battery loses fluid quickly and doesn't last long in hot engine bays in the middle of summer. Flooded lead acid batteries are a far better choice for a starting battery in our cars because of the high operating temps in summer when most our cars are on the road.
AGM batteries are more tolerant to heavy discharge though. Normal starting batteries (flooded lead acid) hate to be discharged, even by 15%, and can't handle many discharge cycles. AGM batteries are much more tolerant to discharging and can handle on the order of 50x more moderate discharge cycles. And it will handle more deep discharge cycles too. So AGM can be an advantage if you're the kind of guy that parks their car a lot and lets the battery discharge.
The AGM won't give hardly any warning of failure because it'll hold voltage pretty well until the day it's done. It's just the nature of the beast. That's why people feel like their battery failed without warning even though it was gradually losing capacity and wearing out. Flooded lead acid batteries have a different voltage curve with wearout and give more feedback & warning of impending doom.
VRLA suppliers (not just Optima) are trying to get into the starting battery market. Their marketing spiel is AGM is an advanced lead acid battery that will provide improved starting over standard flooded lead acid batteries. But it's not true. The prices are 1.5 to 2 times more expensive than flooded lead acid batteries, and Optima is even more overpriced than standard VLRA batteries. And it does not give the cranking and life benefit for starting applications. Although it is a benefit in a cycling application where batteries are discharged.
Regarding build quality metrics and such, no battery manufacturer is going to lay those numbers on the table in the public square. Just forget about it. You don't get to see that kind of stuff, and people that do see it don't get to tell about it.
Alright, I've been quiet about the technical side of this but I'm going to weigh in a bit.
AGM batteries are a form of Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) battery. A lot of people call them "sealed" but it's actually vented. Think more like "not serviceable" because the fluid can't be replenished when lost. AGM are electrolyte starved, meaning there isn't much fluid that can be lost before it becomes a problem. This makes the AGM battery life shorter than flooded lead acid battery in conditions where electrolytes are lost, such as hot weather and overcharging.
AGM batteries require a slightly lower charging voltage than flooded lead acid batteries. The alternators in our cars don't know that and overcharge the battery in hot temps. Combine that with the electrolyte-starved nature of the battery, and the battery loses fluid quickly and doesn't last long in hot engine bays in the middle of summer. Flooded lead acid batteries are a far better choice for a starting battery in our cars because of the high operating temps in summer when most our cars are on the road.
AGM batteries are more tolerant to heavy discharge though. Normal starting batteries (flooded lead acid) hate to be discharged, even by 15%, and can't handle many deep discharge cycles. AGM batteries are much more tolerant to discharging and can handle on the order of 50x more discharge cycles (it varies depending how often and how deep a discharge). So AGM can be an advantage if you're the kind of guy that parks their car a lot and lets the battery discharge.
VRLA suppliers (not just Optima) are trying to get into the starting battery market. Their marketing spiel is AGM is an advanced lead acid battery that will provide improved starting over standard flooded lead acid batteries. But it's not true. The prices are 1.5 to 2 times more expensive than flooded lead acid batteries, and Optima is even more overpriced than standard VLRA batteries. And it does not give the cranking and life benefit for starting applications. Although it is a benefit in a cycling application where batteries are discharged.
Regarding build quality metrics and such, no battery manufacturer is going to lay those numbers on the table in the public square. Just forget about it. You don't get to see that kind of stuff, and people that do see it don't get to tell about it.
What about a relocated agm to the trunk area out of the bay heat? This thread got more life than a 3 year old Optima!
What about a relocated agm to the trunk area out of the bay heat?
Heat kills batteries. It's definitely more favorable inside the car, whether AGM or flooded lead acid. If you're going to have a battery inside the interior then it probably becomes important to consider other factors like the spill resistance of AGM.
Honestly, I get 11-15 years from batteries in all my cars. Maybe bought 2 batteries my entire life. I don't know what the hell is wrong with all you people!
Heat kills batteries. It's definitely more favorable inside the car, whether AGM or flooded lead acid. If you're going to have a battery inside the interior then it probably becomes important to consider other factors like the spill resistance of AGM.
Honestly, I get 11-15 years from batteries in all my cars. Maybe bought 2 batteries my entire life. I don't know what the hell is wrong with all you people!
If this is true, I'm left wondering, where do you live? If you live in a State with a mild climate sure I can see that kind of battery life being possible, but I believe that where I live the temperature extremes play a big part in battery mortality. I will enclose two pictures of the temperature report from the small airport near where I live, one from August and one from February. You say heat kills batteries, I couldn't agree more except to say that extreme cold ain't their best friend either...
Heat kills batteries. It's definitely more favorable inside the car, whether AGM or flooded lead acid. If you're going to have a battery inside the interior then it probably becomes important to consider other factors like the spill resistance of AGM.
Honestly, I get 11-15 years from batteries in all my cars. Maybe bought 2 batteries my entire life. I don't know what the hell is wrong with all you people!
So far I have been pulling 10-14 years out of batteries too but haven't picked up a new optima.
However, I have 2 early death stories, 1st one is the new napa battery i put in my Hawk clone, I got maybe 20 starts out of it and pooof, dead.
2nd,.We just picked up a 19 GMC acadia with low miles. We had it 3 weeks or so, she went to go to work on a monday,, car wouldn't start and the battery was shoot.
If this is true, I'm left wondering, where do you live?
Just about an hour north of TTOP350. Seen -25°F in winter and over 100°F in summer, but I'd say most the summer is in the 80's and usually doesn't get much over 95F. It's the local underhood temp at battery that matters though. Batteries have a max ambient operating temp of 50°Ç (122°F). They're happiest around 70°F. There's a rule of thumb for percent loss of life for every +10°F above that but I can't remember off the top of my head. I think the key is I don't hardly get in any stop and go traffic, and my drives are often 30 minutes so the battery stays really well charged.
As far as the Firebird goes, it's only driven in summer. The air filter is over one battery tray and I'll see 125-145°F air temp idling, so I assume the battery sees similar temp at other tray. That'll drop to about +5 to 10°F over ambient on the move. But it takes a while to increase internal temp of a big box of lead wrapped in thick plastic, and I usually don't spend much time at idle.
My Firebird battery is 6 years old and it's been treated like crap. Gone dead multiple times in winter storage but I catch it quickly and recharge, it doesn't sit like that long which would be even worse for it. I didn't even get a battery tender until 2 years ago. I know I've knocked more than 50% life off that battery with my abuse, but it's still going.
I saw another Jay Leno vid on you tube just before that Scotty one saying he switched to Odyssey batteries.... His jet bike had one when he bought it, found out more about it, made in USA, military uses it, 12 year service life, etc... I had an early Optima, bought it in 1995, lasted 10 years... But have Odyssey now...
Yes, the video I saw was for sure older
After my almost 10 year Optima Yellow top, I bought some cheaper batteries, then when it came time to upgrade, I saw a lot more complaints about Optima Battery life, so went with Odyssey... 1 for my firebird, 1 for my daily driver
In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Jay Leno was talking about how much he loves Optima batteries, which I found a bit ironic considering all the bad reviews I've seen. He claims that he gets up to 10 years out of them, and also mentioned that he keeps them all on a battery tender (he must have a hundred of those). His cars obviously don't get driven every day. My Dekka AGM battery is 8 years old as of this month, and I'm happy with it. They don't offer the AGM for thirdgens though...
I watch Jay Leno's YT channel and have also noticed he'll occasionally list an Optima battery as an upgrade and that he likes them due to how long they last. I'd like to know if his (newer) batteries still last as long as he states or if he's basing it off of older batteries. His 10 year reference means some of his batteries are likely prior to when Optima's quality concerns, and change of production, have been referenced and discussed on various forums.
If he still gets 10 years or "forever", as he once claimed, then maybe I really did just get one bad. But my concern was not just an expensive battery that didn't last. It's also about their customer service when an issue does develop. I'm still considering options as I've got a few cars that need new batteries.
I watch Jay Leno's YT channel and have also noticed he'll occasionally list an Optima battery as an upgrade and that he likes them due to how long they last. I'd like to know if his (newer) batteries still last as long as he states or if he's basing it off of older batteries. His 10 year reference means some of his batteries are likely prior to when Optima's quality concerns, and change of production, have been referenced and discussed on various forums.
If he still gets 10 years or "forever", as he once claimed, then maybe I really did just get one bad. But my concern was not just an expensive battery that didn't last. It's also about their customer service when an issue does develop. I'm still considering options as I've got a few cars that need new batteries.
Me too JT. The conventional lead acid Motorcraft battery in my E450 V-10 powered motorhome is 10 years old, and cranks that V-10 over like it's nothing. But you just know it has to be living on borrowed time, and I plan to replace it this year before it dies on me during a trip somewhere.
One day, I did some minor maintenance on my engine and forgot to reconnect the ground cable.
The car still ran fine, started okay. Seemed normal.
But it wasn't long before the battery started showing signs of trouble, and died. A couple weeks at most and it was gone.
Installation is crucial. Grounding, cable size, all of that matters to the life span. Its hard to tell when a battery has a short life whether it's the battery's fault or the installation is in question, especially with people that mod their cars.
That said, I've been using wal-mart batterys for the last 5 years. I Know, yuk... but... Every year I walk in to customer service with my good battery from last year and they hand me a new one free of charge with a new warranty. Just keep bringing it back apparently and you never have to buy another battery again. And there is no lie or funny business, I Straight up tell them "I let my car sit for a few weeks and the battery seems like its weak, its still good but I'd like to replace it, I am willing to pay extra" but they never ask for money just go get a new one and done.
Five years now, four new batteries later, one time payment of $100~? Worked out so far.
One more thing. There is a company called Mighty maxx on ebay that sells AGM batteries for very low cost. I bought one of their $40~ units just to test it out and it cranked over my 5.3L LS swap (battery in the trunk mind you) better than the giant lead-acid battery. It also holds at 13.2v after charging and sitting, unlike the lead-acid which seems to drop 12.85v brand new after a charge. So now I Keep it as a battery jump box and I have used it to jump random people's cars that are broken down a couple times already. Just food for thought, the battery doesn't need to be expensive anymore and there are MANY alternatives out there.
I've been using Walmart Maxx Ever Start batteries, manufactured by Optima's parent company, Johnson Controls, in my trucks for many years. Good batteries. Never any issues. They last. They're inexpensive. So when the time came to replace one last month, I discovered something I've not seen for decades: the Green Eye.
My previous WM batteries didn't have one. And many of the other new batteries at WM don't have one either. But this one did, and some others, too.
It's probably already been established that the big JC owns/manufactures 2/3 of the batteries sold in the US, such as Optima, Interstate and Walmart brands, to name a few, as well as many auto parts store brands. And I've read that it also owns 49% of GM/AC Delco's current battery manufacturer, Middle East Battery Company, in Saudi Arabia.
So, JC, on all brands of new batteries that are going to feature the classic Green Eye, how about relocating the eye to the appropriate position in Delco's historic batteries?
Better yet, JC, since you own 49% of Delco's current battery manufacturer, how about using your influence to get the Green Eye in Delco batteries again?
I got over the "originality" phase years ago. But stumbling upon small details, such as this one, are still interesting to me. A retro-style Delco battery? Why not? Might help the brand get its mojo back. Yeah, baby!
I’m not sure if anyone was a “bully” since I read this entire thing ages ago and ain’t about to reread it again, but I’ll chime in to say I do distinctly remember having serious respect for Jim who kept coming back time and again with pretty rational answers defending the brand and its policies and processes and whatnot the whole way along like a one-man Alamo.
Regardless, my takeaway for the ol mental filing cabinet when I originally read this thread was grab an Odyssey>Optima. Wellll last week after its umpteenth two week sit in the winter cold of the driveway while away the Interstate in the Tahoe finally bit the bullet, with a nice soaked battery tray to be sure. 4.5 years - not quite the 6 year commitment stamped on the top but I was pretty satisfied considering it sat numerous times for long winter stretches uncharged and then on a trickle charger while the iroc was out in the summers.
Thing was, absolutely nowhere including online had a group48 size Odyssey available. What was available just down the street at Canadian Tire was a group48 Optima Yellowtop. (A relatively new offering in that size as I understand).
Long story short, I’ll post again at some point in the next 13weeks to 13 years to report in on how long she lasted.
Well I’m back waaaaay sooner than I’d guessed. Wuhan flu extends a FL visit big time (to the kids’ delight)…. both cars last run Dec 17… full on winter, full driveway freezes for several weeks for both cars…Jan 21: I expect the wife’s $100 8yr old motomaster cheapo Canadian Tire lead battery in her old equinox to be a stone and my beautiful 4x-as-much-money pretty damn new optima in my Tahoe to have me grinning ear to ear and do exactly what I’d paid for….you guessed it: her car starts right up while my fancy “yellowtop” is the stone.
Shoulda heeded the advice here and in the absence of the Odyssey just gotten a standard lead and save $300.
Well I’m back waaaaay sooner than I’d guessed. Wuhan flu extends a FL visit big time (to the kids’ delight)…. both cars last run Dec 17… full on winter, full driveway freezes for several weeks for both cars…Jan 21: I expect the wife’s $100 8yr old motomaster cheapo Canadian Tire lead battery in her old equinox to be a stone and my beautiful 4x-as-much-money pretty damn new optima in my Tahoe to have me grinning ear to ear and do exactly what I’d paid for….you guessed it: her car starts right up while my fancy “yellowtop” is the stone.
Shoulda heeded the advice here and in the absence of the Odyssey just gotten a standard lead and save $300.
If you do want to reach for an Odyssey go to Total Battery, they should have them in stock, or order one right up.
For us Cdn's try Saskbattery.com. Not sure how considering where they are but best prices on Odyssey, Optima and free fast shipping. I've bought Odyssey's for the Camaro, Optima's for the tractor, Yuasa's for the sled and ATV, over the last 10 years always no problem.
Brian
Last edited by brian p; 01-22-2022 at 01:49 PM.
Reason: sp
Great recos - thanks dudes!
..maaan that Total Battery has some goood prices!
Im gonna see if just a jump and some long driving will get the yellowtop back in service. Not buying some fancy *** optima AGM charger that also gets mediocre reviews and putting good money after bad. Ideally it’s not super dead to the point it needs it’s special charger.. But yeah- one more conk out after this and it’s a paper weight and I’ll grab the Odyssey
Well I’m back waaaaay sooner than I’d guessed. Wuhan flu extends a FL visit big time (to the kids’ delight)…. both cars last run Dec 17… full on winter, full driveway freezes for several weeks for both cars…Jan 21: I expect the wife’s $100 8yr old motomaster cheapo Canadian Tire lead battery in her old equinox to be a stone and my beautiful 4x-as-much-money pretty damn new optima in my Tahoe to have me grinning ear to ear and do exactly what I’d paid for….you guessed it: her car starts right up while my fancy “yellowtop” is the stone.
Shoulda heeded the advice here and in the absence of the Odyssey just gotten a standard lead and save $300.
To be honest I have had more luck with rebuilt/ reconditioned lead acid than any brand name or agm ever. I had a reconditioned battery in a Honda civic that lasted 6 years, and sold it with the car. Paid $40 for it vs $120 brand new. In my first camaro another lead acid reconditioned lasted 8 years. Anywho..
I respect Jim to for comming here too.But the caveat is,, that what he gets paid for. So he is really just doing his job. Since the quality has gone downhill with the optimas im sure his job isn't any easier. too. Said the last Optima I have has been good an held a charge going on 2.5 years now. Crossed fingers..😆
05-18-2020, 08:20 AM
Man, this sure sounds like someone with bigger problems than people talking smack about his favorite car batteries...... Anger issues much???? 
If this is true, I'm left wondering, where do you live? If you live in a State with a mild climate sure I can see that kind of battery life being possible, but I believe that where I live the temperature extremes play a big part in battery mortality. I will enclose two pictures of the temperature report from the small airport near where I live, one from August and one from February. You say heat kills batteries, I couldn't agree more except to say that extreme cold ain't their best friend either...
