2017 RDX technology - wanting to replace original battery since now 6 years old, no problems to date, but due to age thought it should be changed. Any recommendations? I can't do myself and dealership not close but willing to go there for purchase and installation if their product is better. I do live near an Autozone, and an O'Reilley's Auto Parts, not familiar with either one though. Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

 

All batteries are practically from the same manufacturer/factories, so the brand really won't make much of a difference. Just make sure it's the same size and you should be fine.

 

I am not familiar with your model, but I would not go to the dealer because they will charge you an arm and a leg.

I used to love Optima batteries, but they are not what they used to be. Still a good brand, just not what they used to be.

Whatever brand you decide on, I have one bit of advice – purchase a “dry cell” battery. They are a bit more expensive than regular old “lead-acid” batteries. It will last longer. They are more durable. They tolerate long periods of storage better than wet cell. You know that annoying white corrosion that accumulates around battery terminals? This does not happen with dry cell.

Dry cell is exactly what it sounds like. There is no water in them, therefore they will never leak. You can mount them sideways, and they still won't leak.

Anyway, I hope that this was helpful.

Oh, also, Autozone and Oreilley's will install the battery for free when you purchase it. Most autoparts stores will.

 

Also consider an AGM battery with highest CCA that will fit, especially with push button start and all the tech options.

 

Same age as mine and 6 years old is not an old battery. You might have it load tested but of course they might be biased since they sell batteries.
I would not get an AGM because that battery type requires a higher charge voltage.

Replace with the same group size (24R) and Ah (72 or slightly higher).

 

I would also suggest NOT replacing with an AGM battery. They tend to be considerably more expensive and generally require a different set of parameters to properly charge them (including a charging system designed to shut off once optional voltage is reached). AGM batteries are more common in cars with large motors and/or a need to install the battery within the trunk or similar.

 

I was in the same situation as the OP. I went with Walmart's Everstart battery. It was rated one of the best buy CR. Like Meburdick stated above, an AGM battery, in this vehicle, is not worth the money.

 

Some vehicles come factory fitted with an AGM such as my other car with a Start-Stop feature which I turned OFF. My motorcycle came with an AGM from the factory. And in the end, all those high-tech batteries have never lasted as long as a conventional flooded lead acid battery that came factory fitted in my Toyota and Honda. Go figure!

Same with a Lithium-Ion battery which is crazy expensive. I'd never install one.

 

AGM batteries are designed specifically to provide high amperage output when the engine isn't running... A key requirement of Stop/Start setups, especially with larger motors. They are also fully sealed (with regulator valves) so that they can be installed in areas of the car where other batteries that could emit fumes can not be installed - like inside the trunk which connects directly to the passenger compartment.

The charging system of the vehicle needs to be able to correctly handle an AGM battery as well. To my knowledge, Honda (and by proxy, Acura) does not use them and does not need them. It's a lot of extra expense for potentially nothing.

 

You must be NEW here.

I worked in a defense battery lab testing and evaluating batteries, battery chargers, battery test equipment, etc. I know all about charge algorithms for various battery chemistries, temperature compensation, etc, etc, etc.

My batteries last 14 and 16 years while living in temperature extremes. All my vehicles have a voltage monitor. So worry not!

 

The Mrs. drives a 2016 RDX Advance and is still on the original OEM battery. It will be 8 years old in Feb for what it's worth. No plans on replacing it proactively.
In terms of AGM batteries - I have one in my 2020 RDX tech.

 

I still have the original in my 2017 RDX (Feb 2017 build date), so no big deal and new in my books. But it sometimes sits for 3 months without a maintainer - no outlet available. I assume CANBUS shuts things down.
I still have the original AGM in my 2015 Porsche 991 (May 2015 build date) making it 8.5 years old so far. Battery test showed a very low R internal.
The factory original AGM in the 2016 BMW motorcycle (May 2016 build date) failed after 7Y 4M.

But the conventional Flooded Lead Acid batteries lasted 14 and 16 years. Factory installed Panasonics and the vehicle charging systems were spot on.

AGM batteries have their pros and cons. I prefer FLA.

 

Uh, I pre-date you by over a decade.

 

Well no need to school me on batteries because what you are telling me, I already know and more.

 

Maybe don't believe I was trying to "school you" and understand that I was supporting your comments. The world isn't all "out to get you."

 

I just get a lot of that on the forums I am on, even from vendors that are simply salesmen who just repeat info from head office that they memorized but actually know nothing. Same from a particular Li-Ion battery vendor who puts the fear of God into people with slick advertizing that is meaningless.

Hell on one forum a vendor of a battery charger had this fancy smancy battery charger with gold plated connectors and it did a "load test" as well. It took several replies till he finally came back with 20W, less than 2A for a load test. Thats a load test? Laughable!

 

My factory battery was 8 years old and still was working fine. But I went ahead and replaced it to be on the safe side as these batteries die suddenly without any prior warning.
So it's really a matter of personal decision whether you want to play safe or take the risk. If there are auto parts stores near by I don't see any risk here as you can easily replace it if it dies out on you.