Time for a new battery

SteveCZ · August 5, 2005

Looking for opinions on which battery to get.

I've had a stock AC delco battery for going on 5 years now and I'm sure its getting to the end of its life. I don't want to find out this winter that its dead, rather get a new one now before then.

As you can see by my sig, I have a lot of aftermarket stereo equipment. The Delco battery has done a good job of keeping up with it, but I was wondering if I would gain anything by going with the Red top battery, they are a little bit more, but I would rather spend a little more if I know I'm getting a better product.

Also, where can I find an AC Delco battery? I searched PartsAmerica.com (Advanced Auto's website), Napa, Sears, even ACDelco.com. I found the battery part number, but thats it.

Short of going to the "Stealer" is there anywhere else to get one?

redvett · August 5, 2005

Looking for opinions on which battery to get.

I've had a stock AC delco battery for going on 5 years now and I'm sure its getting to the end of its life. I don't want to find out this winter that its dead, rather get a new one now before then.

As you can see by my sig, I have a lot of aftermarket stereo equipment. The Delco battery has done a good job of keeping up with it, but I was wondering if I would gain anything by going with the Red top battery, they are a little bit more, but I would rather spend a little more if I know I'm getting a better product.

Also, where can I find an AC Delco battery? I searched PartsAmerica.com (Advanced Auto's website), Napa, Sears, even ACDelco.com. I found the battery part number, but thats it.

Short of going to the "Stealer" is there anywhere else to get one?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Any AC Delco dealer has them. Look them up in the yellow pages under auto parts new.

97whitez71 · August 5, 2005

I would say you were probably lucky to have a side post battery that long and it didn't leak. I know everybody has different results, but I've had to replace 3 within the last 4 years or so. I just bought a red top and would definitaly recommend it. It is gauranteed to be leak and spill proof. Just my opinion.

SteveCZ · August 5, 2005

Well, from what I can tell, it didn't leak... no major corrosion noticeable anywhere.

I've been leaning towards the red top, just wanted to make sure it will fit no problem, it looks like I need some kind of adaptor or somethign to make it fit in the battery tray on my truck, is that true?

debo4x4 · August 5, 2005

the red top will fit with no modifications....i put one in mine last year and have had no problems.

Bish · August 5, 2005

the red top will fit with no modifications....i put one in mine last year and have had no problems.

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Ditto...got a red top going on 4+ years here!

willieboy · August 5, 2005

Red top = lower capacity, more expensive, over engineered except for extreme offroad/offshore applications.

Nope, not a battery I would buy. Look into either the Ac Delco(not my choice) or an interstate battery.

az'03Silverado · August 5, 2005

I put Sears DieHard Gold batteries in my stuff. It's so friggin' hot here in Phoenix that I change batteries every two years no matter what. So, needless to say, I'm not going with the $150.00 Optima. Great battery, though.

August 5, 2005

I'll put in my vote for Interstate. Right at $100 here, but I've had mine for two years. My wife has had hers in her car for over 4 years and not one hiccup.

dukbludvl · August 6, 2005

at what point should i change my battery? i've got the OE delco on my 2000 Yukon and it just turned 5 years and 85K miles. no signs of leaking or corrosion or anything.

i have noticed that until about 5K miles ago my truck would turn right over all the time.. now, about 80% of the time (basically whenever the engine is not warm, it seems like), it takes a little bit longer to crank.

you think i should replace my starter, alternator? i figured i'd get at least 100K out of them.

willieboy · August 6, 2005

Have the battery and alternator load tested at you local autoparts place. That will tell you if they really need replaced. As for the starter, I have never had one gradually go. It was more of a one time it started, and the next it did not turn over.

2004GMC1500CC · August 6, 2005

Looking for opinions on which battery to get.

I've had a stock AC delco battery for going on 5 years now and I'm sure its getting to the end of its life. I don't want to find out this winter that its dead, rather get a new one now before then.

As you can see by my sig, I have a lot of aftermarket stereo equipment. The Delco battery has done a good job of keeping up with it, but I was wondering if I would gain anything by going with the Red top battery, they are a little bit more, but I would rather spend a little more if I know I'm getting a better product.

Also, where can I find an AC Delco battery? I searched PartsAmerica.com (Advanced Auto's website), Napa, Sears, even ACDelco.com. I found the battery part number, but thats it.

Short of going to the "Stealer" is there anywhere else to get one?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The last battery I bought was an Optima. The next battery I buy will be an Optima.

OnBelay · August 6, 2005

Red top = lower capacity, more expensive, over engineered except for extreme offroad/offshore applications.

Nope, not a battery I would buy. Look into either the Ac Delco(not my choice) or an interstate battery.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Uhhh...Red Top has higher capacity...

More expensive, but by less than 20% difference...

Over engineered is not really a statement that can be qualified, but the person asking about whther he should have one already stated he has a higher demand electrical draw due to stereo...

Oh yeah, and Interstate has owned Optima for over 9 years, so you can buy a Red Top [/b]and still, technically, be buying an Interstate.

Additionally, being a "gel cell" battery, it will not be susceptible to the side terminal rot/leakage problem GM trucks are famous for.

btw, I have a Red Top on my K2500 7.4 Crew that is now in it's third vehicle; originally purchased in in September, 1997. Getting close to 9 years old, makes that 20% premium I paid look like a smart way to spend money, as opposed to having to buy two batteries that would have lasted approximately the same amount of time...

JRKRACE · August 6, 2005

Definitely Optima. On my last 2 trucks, the GM Delcos failed within 2 years. Both times for battery post breaks. I bought an Optima Yellow Top and used it hard plowing snow for three years and still going strong until I sold truck. Optimas are a little smaller but because the gell cell, it keeps the acid off the posts and tray. Also, the top and side terminal feature makes it a heck of a lot easier to add ant power accessories in the future.

rjirvine · August 6, 2005

I'm sure most everybody knows this, but I thought I'd post anyway.

When you change your battery, get a box of baking soda and mix it in a pitcher or something similar with water and pour it around the area where you pulled the battery out. If there is any acid you will see the solution bubble and fizz. Just keep pouring until all the fizzing stops. Then rinse with a hose. The baking soda won't hurt anything if some of it gets left behind.