Optima Batteries

[QRTRHRS]

The Optima's had been in my Dodge some six years or so when I sold it. I don't know if the newer Dodge/Cummins vibrate like the old 12 valves or not? I knew of Dodge owners that had a lead cell crack and leak. By the time you discover the problem, the paint has likely been damaged.

 

[Jay4200]

I am always baffled at threads like this one. I have never had a battery fail earlier than 6-7 years, and most last closer to 10. I don't favor any particular brand, usually just get the cheapest that will fit at Sam's. The only early-death batteries I've had are ones that are left to self-discharge (motorcycle sitting in the back of the garage for a year), or that get substantially discharged several times (leaving lights on then needing a jump, for example - can only get away with that a couple of times). I use float chargers on rarely-used items, and don't to anything in particular to my daily use vehicles.

JayC

 

[ultrarunner]

No experience with the Optima, but I have learned to avoid the Interstate brand. I have never had one last like they should.

Dean.

Pretty much run all Interstate... usually the cheaper ones and never had a problem...

They are mostly used in mild California Climate... so this could be a factor.

Have not kept up... at one time, I know they were rated top or near the top for several sizes for reliability and value.

Dad used to carry them at the shop... for maybe 30 years till Interstate closed his account... seemed he wasn't moving enough batteries to keep him on.

Back in my school days... I was the go to guy for the school, teachers and friends... I probably sold 10 a month...

Hard to keep up with change... would like to learn more since I still recommend them.

Lady at work had a starting problem at work with her Tahoe and the OEM 8 year old battery.

The Auto Club that came out to the parking lot, tested it and installed a new one for $115 plus tax...

It has a 6 year even exchange warranty... so the mechanic said.

The only optima I have is in the 1912 Model T... it pretty much runs off the battery since the mag stopped putting out... so far, it's been OK.

 

[Monster5601]

I am always baffled at threads like this one. I have never had a battery fail earlier than 6-7 years, and most last closer to 10. I don't favor any particular brand, usually just get the cheapest that will fit at Sam's. The only early-death batteries I've had are ones that are left to self-discharge (motorcycle sitting in the back of the garage for a year), or that get substantially discharged several times (leaving lights on then needing a jump, for example - can only get away with that a couple of times). I use float chargers on rarely-used items, and don't to anything in particular to my daily use vehicles.

JayC

Me too. I use the batteries from Costco ($70). Heck, they come with a 2 year 100% replacement and then pro-rated after that.

I think the whole Optima domain is more of marketing than that of a unique quality.

 

[rsewill]

It seems the Optima is often used when your battery sits right in front of your radiator (like my Deere 4100). Cheaper to buy a sealed gel battery than a new radiator. I had battery rot around my standard battery so I installed an Optima.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I've been running a blue top optima in my dump trailer for about 5 years. This battery is great, never fails to amaze me what it'll do. It sits for months sometime with out use and a small parasitic load and it isn't charged from my truck. I'll throw it on the charger in the spring and usually charge it every couple months during the spring/summer. Still going strong,money well spent IMHO.

Matt

 

[Down South]

WOW Jay4200 Never seen battery's last that long here, could be to the heat and humility we get?
With the bigger is better, I usually get 5-6 years.
Granted 2 of my last 3 replacements didn't do that. 1 was a lawn mower so that not unusual.
The other was 3 years old but never preformed correctly. Not bad just weakish.

As far as Optima's Lets see a count.
Was your made in the USA
Or was it made in Mexico? That started in 2009.

There are less and less manufacturers of battery's these days.
Anybody makes a bad ones from time to time.

DS

 

[Bigkrank]

As far as Optima's Lets see a count.
Was your made in the USA
Or was it made in Mexico? That started in 2009.

DS

Have 15 optimas made before 2009 still working fine. Only ever had 2 go bad, one after 9 years on a diesel engine. Not going to buy any from Mexico.

 

[scoutcub]

Put an optima in an old Scout years ago, and it lasted for several years with no issues.
Current rig (1 ton diesel) keeps having issues eating batteries. On my 3rd set since 06.....just bought 2 Odysses. They crank that diesel like it's a lawn mower engine!

 

[slowzuki]

The biggest complaint I used to see about optima was the side terminals had poorly sized straps running to the top terminals so when connected to a load like a big winch the internal straps would fail.