Battery Warranties worthless?

ultrarunner · May 23, 2014

In 2001 Mom bought her one and only new car and it came with an AC Delco with the "Green Eye"

That battery lasted almost 12 years... she did leave the lights on once and it was dead dead.

For me about 6 years is tops...

corl · May 23, 2014

I use deep cycle batteries for my electric fences since they are away from power sources. I use NAPA batteries and last year I bought one that went south in about 6 mo. I took it back to the store. Didn't even test it and gave me a new one for no additional cost. I do buy a lot of stuff there so they know me but it makes me feel good that they back it up no questions asked.

Bird · May 23, 2014

I let a Ford dealer put a new battery in my '01 Ranger for $84.95 on April 26, 2006. A different Ford dealer replaced it on February 22, 2011, so it was nearly 5 years old and he prorated it and the new one cost $61.30.

But on June 9, 2009, I had a new battery put in our '02 Crown Vic. That time, the battery was $99.95, but with taxes, testing the charging system, etc. it got up to $146.66.:laughing: And next month, it'll be 5 years old, so I won't be surprised if I have to replace it this summer.

whistlepig · May 23, 2014

I won't trust a battery after five years. Not for daily transportation anyway. Regardless they get replaced when five years old. I have always bought Diehard Golds. Last year my wife was an hour away with a horse in her trailer and the truck wouldn't start. Tow trucks won't tow a truck and trailer with a horse in them. Come to find out our two year old Diehard Gold had a dead cell. It wouldn't jump start. Warranty or not I'm looking at different brand batteries now.

Soundguy · May 23, 2014

CalG said:
The warrantee essentially assures the retailer that you will be purchasing the replacement battery from them.

And you get to PAY for that privilage!

Ain't capitalism great! ;-)

very occasionally you will find a battery that has a long term before pro rate starts. my bats for my diesel truck are no prorate repalcement for 36 m, then it starts the prorate over the last 19m.

I felt good about those. Diesels are hard on batteries. so is florida. I usually don't get 3ys out of ANY battery.. so will see how these do...I look at it like this.. if they DO last the 55m COOL.. if they die at about 2.5 ys like mine have in fl before... COOL.. either way

fat lady ain't sang yet.. so will see.

ultrarunner · May 23, 2014

I realize a battery is only one part of the electrical system and subject to environmental as well as mechanical constraints.

I do think there would be a market for quality in this day and age.

What seems sad is some really good batteries are no longer made or made in name only.

The distributor for the Delco Green Eye said as much... he said the new Delco are made much cheaper than in the past...

The one in Mom's car was made in USA... the replacement which has been fine is made in Mexico.

Distributor said he had lots of the old Green Eye batteries with exceptional service life...

whistlepig · May 23, 2014

One of the fellows at work had a high dollar Optima battery in his car that had a dead cell after 6 months. The dead cell thing is something new to me. A dead cell battery that won't jump start. I'm still looking for something I can trust.

2458n · May 23, 2014

I have had good luck with AUTOZONE batteries. Bring them back and they will recharge and test. I believe there is a limited number of manufactures left,and they make them for about everyone. Kind of like cheap riding mowers.

ecbaatz · May 23, 2014

A lot of problem with lead acid batteries is the fact that they are now sealed. No way to add water to them. You have to realize that when you charge a battery you produce hydrogen and oxygen gas(the reason for the warning sticker). To do this it separates the water molecule of H2O into hydrogen and oxygen. At a ratio of 2 molecules of hydrogen to 1 molecule of oxygen. Therefore the water/acid level will drop and then the tops of the cells get uncovered and then the Pb (lead) and PbO2 (lead dioxide can fall off the plate and collect at the bottom of the cell and short out. Keeping the water/acid level above the plates using distilled water (potable water, i.e. tap water has too many impurities will extend the life of the batteries. The problem is adding the water. The maintenance free batteries make it difficult to add the water. It can be done though. Small batteries, i.e. motorcycles, atvs, riding mowers are even worse due to there size and smaller number of plates, especially keep an eye on the level in them. Fortunately, they usually have removable caps as you add the acid to the batter.

Hope this helps.

Eric EM1(SS) Retired
Electrician's Mate First Class Submarine Qualified

And we had some really really big lead acid batteries.