I need batterys, whats my best bang for my buck, and why? Should I just get them from Autopuke?


Batterys, VPs and LPs oh my!!

 

It's a difficult question- because I don't want to start any wars and discussions about brands.
First, check your needs!
A Diesel needs more rpm to start than a gasser.
That shows you need a lot of cold cranking amperes (CCA's). It's the power you need to pre-glow or -heat and to start.

Do you have a lot of accessories?
Accessories add a load and cyclic discharge on a battery.
A starter battery can't handle that. After several deep drains the battery will be dead.
Cyclic supply batteries can handle that, but usually offer less CCA's.

Acid batteries loose alot of their capacity during cold weather.
Absorbent Glass Mats (AGM's, the acid is applicated into a glass mat) can handle that better and offer a quick recharge even under cold conditions. Acid batteries can't handle a strong charge when cold.
An AGM battery will take all charge the altenator can offer.
So called Gel batteries are usual built for supply applications (Boats), they also need a complicated (expensive)charge unit to get proper charge.

A short summarization:
Your Diesel battery should offer.
1) huge CCA
2) quick recharge
3) depending on application deep cycle capability

You should stick to an AGM battery- the biggest size you can afford and does fit in your battery tray.
If you can run two batteries: Make sure they are same size, age and brand. because the weaker one will ruin the better one.

With that background you can start to search. Common AGM brands are Hawker, Exide, Odyssee, Die hard, Optima, etc.

 

 

They are expensive, but Optima Red Tops are solid batteries. Mount 'em any way you want, big CCA's, but about double the cost of a battery that will do the job.

 

You know if you pay the $40 to be a member of NHRDA, you get certificates to buy optimas for $85. That is a saving worth the cost right there. You also get a subscription to dieselpower, a t-shirt and some stickers. If I have to buy batteries, I'm going to be an NHRDA member whether I plan on racing or not... cheap optimas FTW!

 

Optimas are pretty prime, but I haven't had good luck with them in cold weather. No idea why, but they just seem to die. Interstates are my 2nd choice but I'm running walmart batteries. and i WORK at an interstate dealer

 

We've had a red top Optima in my gf's escape since 2004, and she's been running a LOT of electronics off of it including accessory lights, a sound system and a few other odds and ends, we live in upstate NY and we typically have below freezing temps for a good portion of our winter. The battery is definitely taking a toll because with the system on, the lights dim hard at night. It's still kicking strong, and will most likely move into her next vehicle.

 

Just brought some optima batteries.Question is it says (Height Adapter May Be Required ).I dont think I need one,but just to verified.Do I need one?