GLowrdr

So I've done a little research on batteries, but all I can find is subjective findings on manufacture sites.

Basically I'm in an 04 TL with the OEM battery. This is the first winter I have stored it, and it started out without a battery maintainer (but has one now). Long story short - battery froze, leaked out the top. Cleaned it up, thought it was fine, needed a jump the next time I shut it off.

So doing my research, here is what I came up with, and I want some opinions.

1) Autozone Duralast Gold ($90) - 750 CCA, 935 cranking amps, 36 month warranty
2) Interstate MegaTron Plus ($114) - 880 CCA, 1000 cranking amps, 85 month warranty (36 month free replacement)
3) Optima RT (~$200) - 720 CCA, 910 cranking amps, 36 month warranty

I'm leaning towards the Interstate battery, but want an opinion. Mine is that a battery is a battery as long as it isn't some $50 off-brand special. I know there are only about 3 makers of car batteries. Can anyone confirm or deny that the Optima's are worth it? My thought is I can buy 2 Interstates with more than twice the warranty for the same price as 1 redtop.

csmeance

optima batteries are good since they can be discharged completely and be recharged fully since they are dry cell. As well they won't leak and will work even if shot through. If you don't have a sound system or leave your car for long periods of time, go with the the Interstate or some other battery. If you do, go with the optima.

GLowrdr

Good deal - knew someone would chime up. I kind of like the idea of having the dry cell, even if I am using a battery maintainer.

BTW - finally got my switchblade cut and programmed almost a year after I bought it...lol Thanks again for heading that up for all of us

msala524

iTrader: (3)

If your looking for good power, a small size and weight, alot of members have braille batteries. There made from carbon fiber so it also gives it a neat look!

Hi speed

iTrader: (3)

I have had nothing but problems with optimas in my vintage race mustang. I am pretty sure the manufacture changed since I have a early optima about 10 years old that works fine and 3 others (2 reds and 1 yellow) that would hold a charge after sitting for 3-4 months. If you are going to pay for a nice battery I would look at braile lightweight batterys. summit racing has good prices on both and costco has optimas for cheap too.

TypeSinNC

iTrader: (2)

What model braille batteries do you guys use?

msala524

iTrader: (3)

i believe its the 20 pound

Acuraholic

iTrader: (3)

I use the braille 15 pounder

DrMooCow

I highly recommend Optima and Interstate battery. Can't go wrong with either one. If you want an Optima, I would check Costco if you have one near you. It's a lot cheaper from other places!

Rob RiL

iTrader: (5)

If you go with Optima, make sure you go with the red top. I've went through 3 yellow tops in 2 years because I didn't know that they suck as starting batteries. Red for starting, yellow is for secondary battery power for audio, ect.

TL Peak N

I would also look into Walmart's batteries. I can't remember the names of their batteries but use to have good cold crank, good prices & good warranties.

wasupdog

iTrader: (2)

i use an optima red top from autozone and it cost i think $160 before tax. great battery, i've left it before for almost 3 weeks and it cranks right up with no delay. i'd go with the braille though next time for weight savings.

TypeSinNC

iTrader: (2)

for the braille battery users...did you get the carbon fiber, no-weight, or endurance?

Spiritman

There was only one chose for me up here in the tundra! High Endurance. I went with the one that fit's our car. Take a look. http://braillebattery.com/index.php/batteries/b7548/
Also there are like 2 gazillion threads on this topic. Make sure and search.

Do yourself a favor. Don't buy yesterdays old tech. wet cell battery. Why get what is old already? Have fun. I know I LOVE mine. It spins over the TL like nothing even at -35 below zero. That was after sitting out, at work all day!!

Xpditor

+1 for Wal*Mart "Everstart Maxx". They are a Best Buy in Consumer Reports November issue on car batteries. They have a North model and a South model depending on where you live. It is a Group 24FS (in the South).

I just replaced my OEM battery on my '04 this week. Installed: $75 with a 3 year full replacement guarantee.

It fits well and the battery cover fits over it just like the OEM.

I only have 16000 miles on my '04 but Florida weather is hard on batteries. I consider my self lucky if I get more than 3 years. I got almost 5 on the TL. I have a Delco in my Jeep that's going on 6 years and still healthy.

GLowrdr

I ended up going with a redtop for $137 at Costco.

billycuth

my factory 04 TL battery kicked the can after it sat in the garage for 2 weeks. Tried multiple times to charge the battery and kept getting an error... 5 years is not bad for the factory battery from what i am reading on here... Went with the Walmart Everstart Maxx. $75, I installed it and I put it on the charger just to make sure it was gtg... It is still charging as we speak.

I can't justify spending $60 more or so for an optima or even $30 more for a DieHard Gold from sears... 3 year full replacement guarantee works for me.

Oswald Vater

I've had good fortune with the Diehard Gold. Got 5 years out of 1 in my wife's minivan and that's in FL's heat. Also used it when the OEM battery in my previous 04 TL went out and will probably use it when the battery in my 08 dies out down the line.