Dead battery yesterday at first start. On tender all winter.

Any thoughts on what the best batteries are? I probably don't want to spend for anti-gravity.

Langg

 

I have been more than satisfied with my H6 Duralast AGM battery from AutoZone. Even has a sticker on it "Made in Germany"

 

Refinished my battery tray while I was at it. Sandblasted and recoated at local specialty metal shop. They did great! Installed with SS hardware.

 

+1
That's what I have too.

 

I think in the USA there are only like 2 lead-acid battery manufacturers left. So basically all the batteries in the USA are made by 2 mfgrs. Even Interstate doesn't make their own batteries anymore. I think the last 2 are EastPenn (Deka) and Clarios (Formerly Johnson Controls). Point is no matter what battery you buy they come from one of these 2 companies, so effectively they are all pretty much the same inside.

 

Antigravity, if you have the dough and want to shave weight and prevent future stranded dead battery jump starts.

 

Did the tender show a charging error? Unusual for a battery to fail on a properly working maintainer.

 

I’ve also read that there only two manufacturers. As a result I bought an H7 from wallyworld. Just moved the bracket over one notch and all set. I prefer the extra CCA to the weight.

 

What about optima batteries?

 

Have an Optima red top in my 996 - you need to use an adaptor to make it fit.

Optima don't offer a direct fitting battery

 

This is correct. So best just to find the best deal available. The last battery that I bought was from Advance Autoparts - they frequently have 20% off online orders, and you can pick the battery up at the store. So for a H7 battery the savings were about $40. They are Clarios, as are Autozone and Interstate. Wally is either Clarios (west of Mississippi approx.) or Deka - East Penn. Deka is OEM for BMW and MB in the US. Both companies should be roughly equal quality and price. Replace every five years and you will be good to go.
Daryll

 

Slightly off topic but who makes Optima and Varta batteries? My last Optima was a Johnston Controls one and made in Mexico.

 

Yes - Optima are made by Clarios (Johnson Controls) in Mexico. Varta is a brand owned by Exide, likely was made in Europe.
Daryll

 

Thanks Daryll

 

Just realized you are in Australia. I think (but not certain) that Exide manufacturers Varta branded batteries at one of their plants in Asia. At one time they had a plant in Australia as well - if that is still running the Varta battery may have come from there.
Daryll