As its starting to get colder (we just had our first freeze), I've noticed my 08 TSX has been starting a little slower than normal. I know all the reasons why the stock TSX cranks and starts slower than other cars (high compression engine, low CCA stock battery, optimal emissions during starting). My question is, if I upgrade to an Optima battery, is it really going to make that much of a difference that it can overcome the other reasons I mentioned above? Obviously, the CCA's will go up, but am I going to have a noticeable difference that can justify replacing a 2 year old battery?

 

my oem battery survived 4 years of hard ohio weather plus i have a big audio system (subs and amp) in my car which draws alot of power too. you should still be good for another couple years at least, unless you live in alaska

 

If it's still starting fine (although slow), I'd just keep it another couple years and then replace it. Mine lasted 5 years in NJ. I replaced it with another OEM battery last year.

 

If you need it there amazing get it otherwise i would wait till the cars is having serious trouble starting.

 

I never really cared about high performance battery. All it really does is help your car start up and its job is basically done. So I just buy batteries from Costco.

My answer and opinion, no, Optima isn't worth it.

 

i have an 08 too and i have noticed start up is a little bit slower now...but still with my subs and my driving, im not gonna switch the battery out for at least another 2 yrs

 

Last year mine was slower starting in winter.

In July, my Honda just flat died...battery went bad with no warning.

August, replaced the Acura battery (had just left warranty period) and in testing it found one dead cell and that it would have lasted no more than another month.

Optima, well worth it.

Honda batteries, shitty three year max in many cases.

 

For those that have installed an Optima, do you guys notice a difference in terms of cranking speed?

 

I have the RedTop and the engine cranks harder than before. Harder meaning stronger so it's better.

 

It cranks like the fresh battery when it was new...anything other than that is wishful thinking...imho

 

I saw the Optima (I think Yellow Top got some bad reviews due to quality control -- or lack of it; Red Tops are desireable) at Costco, but went with a highly rated (Consumer Reports) Kirkland Signature (Costco house brand) and saved $70 or so. With a 36 (or was it 48?) month warranty, it will be easy to replace if it dies early. (The Optima had nowhere near that warranty, IIRC.)

I agree with mkdxtreme ... the battery starts the engine ... if you need something to power a lot while the engine's off, maybe a high perf battery is called for. Otherwise, save your $.

 

when i was looking for a batt replacement back when we still had our TSX, i was looking at the Optima Series.

But after some quick search, i came to the conclusion that the Optima's are a
bit overpriced compared to other batteries such as DieHard Gold, Duralast Gold, etc..

Here's a quick comparison w/ their CCA's since you're looking at that detail and i've attached online pricing:

Optima Yellow - 450CCA $149.99
DieHard Gold - 495CCA $89.99
Duralast Gold - 500CCA $89.99

You can look at Braille and Exide Orbital batteries but they're a bit pricey.

Goodluck!

 

Red Top here too. Cranks real nice! I like! My stock lasted 3-4 years before completely dying. I even kept it about 6 months longer than normal by trickle charging it a few times a week.

 

This has been discussed before:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ghlight=optima
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ghlight=optima

Consumer Reports' latest ratings for Type 35 (they don't review Type 51, and according to the second thread, Moda_Way is using a Type 35), highest rated to lowest:

Duralast Gold 35-dlg
Everstart Maxx-35N (north)
DieHard Gold 33035(North)
EverStart Maxx-35S (south)
Interstate Mega-Tron-PLUS MTP-35
DieHard Gold 33135 (south)

The only Optima they listed was a Type 34/78 Red Top SC34U, 2nd in class. Their quick recommendations favored EverStarts, followed by Kirkland, for cold and temperate climates. Mind you, they're considering "value for your dollar."

 

bought my car new in 05, and still running the oem battery in toronto, canada, weather.

i've probably experienced, maybe, 5 occassions where i had to crank it more than once.

once this battery dies, i'm just going to buy a generic, high CCA battery (i.e. costco, walmart). i used to want an Optima, but now, i don't really care what brand it is.

 

I understand what you think this means...but reserve power is a bigger factor. And even there, Optima doesn't "stand out". Where Optima stands out for me is the type of battery...it won't run dry and kill a cell or two because it's so damn hot here in Texas.

 

i think you're talking about the Optima being a deep-cycle battery, and in that sense, yes, it's a good battery.

but the OP is looking at batteries with good CCA and i was just going with his request.

almost all batteries mentioned have their advantages and disadvantages, so we would need more people to "chip-in" here with their choices and experiences.

 

i was just in this predicament as my AAA battery my stepdad had put in prior to me buying the car took a dump.
left the trunk light on and came home to a dead battery...push started...drove it and worked fine for 4 days...let it sit for 3 and it was dead to the point of not being able to push start (6 MT, obvi)...I know that that means.

I did my research but they wanted big money for the yellowtops and I wasn't impressed with the CCA's vs. price. Ended up getting a Bosch battery at pepboys for $89...well worth it and a brand name I consider high quality.

 

Costco replacement for me too after my 4yr old battery died. No problems and saved some $$$ compared to the Optima.

 

My Optima RT-35 is still running strong. Never had one single issue with it. I plan on putting an Optima in my wife's 09 Touring when it goes. I chose the RT because JTso had it and I kept hearing issues with the YT at that time. Yes, the investment is steep to get one, but thus far, I have not felt one bit sorry about it either.

 

Actually, I'm talking about the Optima being a gel/plate battery with fixed plates and non-evaporating conductive materials.

 

and it starts a lot better in the cold too

 

Is that my problem with the *#$(^@ Honda/Acura OEM batteries? I bought my TSX pre-owned (dealer loaner) in 2005, and they replaced the battery when I bought it (it failed some test of theirs). Then I just had it replaced under warranty in 2007. Two days ago, like a total dumb$h-t, I ran out of gas (hi, I'm 18 and can't remember to get gas, 'cause I'm retarded). While waiting 40 minutes for AAA, I had the flashers on, tried to crank the engine a few times (hoping there were enough fumes to move me further off the shoulder). Anyway, the friggin' thing died on me. Temp gauge read 104º, so maybe that helped.

AAA guy jumped the battery, and I took a little drive getting my Seafoam into the tank and new gas. Car cranked just fine three times that day. Next day, DEAD.

Through an unfortunate set of circumstances, I ended up stranded in the Costco parking lot. The ONLY battery they had for the TSX: Optima YT. Great. I didn't have $170 to spend, but since I sorta wanted one anyway (and since I was pretty much stuck, at least for a couple of hours), I bought it.

Someone tell me how awesome they are, so I can feel better?

 

Got a few friends that have already gone through a few red tops. They won't buy anymore Optima batteries because they just don't last. A few in 2 years.....

 

So.... you were what, like 13 when you bought the car?

 

why get an aftermarket battery? the stock one has a 12 year warranty.. Take it back to Acura and get a new genuine Honda battery.

 

Not worth it.

 

not worth it if you are price concious (sp?) .. worth it if you aren't.

Been using the red top RT35 for a long time now .. 3 years maybe? No regrets. Yellow top has close to the same average battery on CCA rating while the red top has 700+. My RT battery still has over 700+ with sound system and utilizing my auto off headlights day in day out.

Edit:
Optima battery does not make your car start faster btw. It just help start the car on a more consistant basis as fuel supply, ignition doesnt change.

 

It does turn your starter over faster vs the stock OEM, so in reality, it does start the car faster.

 

Well, I wound up returning the Optima YT (let's hear it for Costco's return policy!), after reading all the lukewarm to negative feedback here and since it did not crank the car one iota faster than the damned OEM one.

I bought a Kirkland Signature battery from Costco for less than 1/2 the price. The Kirkland ranked higher than the Optima YT on ConsumerReports.org, to boot.

 

12 year warranty? Where'd you read that? I see the paragraph about "up to 100% credit towards new battery," but I never even investigated, as the Honda battery in my 2006 was 3 years old or sold, with one or two cells failing, so I just bought a more highly reliable and better warranteed Kirkland unit, and didn't think of bothering with my Acura dealer.

Good job. Hope you also turned in your old, bad battery for the core fee refund. (If nothing else, car batteries MUST be disposed of properly).

 

While having the annual state inspection done in January the dealer replaced the OEM battery under warranty (4 years unlimited mileage). They told me it tested low even tho I never had any problems.

 

My red top is still going strong since it was installed over 4 years ago. It's been absolutely worry free and zero maintenance. We know the oem and less expensive batteries will work just fine for the most part. However, we also know you wouldn't try to leave your radio on while washing and waxing your car either.

 

i got a new oem battery for my cpo'd car a few months ago. my car was bought by original buyer in june of 2007. i got a new oem battery because it tested "low" during routine checkup... let's see if honda's oem battery lasts another 3 years... best part? i got a free battery and installation!