If you research a majority of batteries are actually made by Johnson Controls. This is the company I actually work for, although not their automotive division. Optima Red Top batteries used to be the best thing you could get for cranking amps, but the overall quality of them has gone down for some reason.

As with anything, you can get some bad batches, it's just the nature of manufacturing.

 

I am aware that Johnson Controls manufactures many different branded batteries. It's just that some are made with better quality and with different sizes and ratings. I was surprised at the ratings on the OEM battery, only 625 CCA but 140 RC. So I will be looking at many brands to see if I can find one with the same ratings.

I haven't had any problems with mine yet but with winter coming, I want to be ready to buy on my terms not when I'm on the road.

I'm keeping an eye on the cranking characteristics during the first morning start.

Thanks for all of the suggestions....

 

No matter what brand you get, make sure you are focusing on the AGM batteries. These days, there is no reason (other than price) not to get one. Plus, you won't have to worry about corrosion on the posts and clamps.

 

Pardon me while I giggle a bit about the idea of cold cranking capability in an LA winter

 

Ha ha, I got you. I new someone would call me on it I (we) own some property in the sierras just outside Yosemite and love to go up there when it snows. Granted, It is never as cold as your place but It will get into the teens and regularly into the 20s.

So if I need to get a battery in a hurry while there, I won't have many choices and will pay up the a$$

 

Dec 2008 too. Just about the time that the automotive pundits were predicting that Chryco was gonna bite the dust.

Recently replaced the original battery with an AGM type. OE battery was straining a bit last winter when the mercury was down past -30. Six yrs is ok for a battery, especially it it's enduring prairie winters. Anyway, the AGM battery I installed is an Exide battery (Canadian Tire) with about 200+ CCA over the OE install. We're already down to to -15C in these parts and I'm happy with it so far.

Btw... Exide makes a bunch of auto batteries for Sears too.

Cheers,

Keith

 

As I feared, the battery died on me while up in the CA Sierras. Was cranking slow when I woke up at 22 F. Didn't start the next day.

I very happy to get 7 years out of it. On a pinch, I got the NAPA 7594R.

 

I heard good reviews about the DieHard Platinum. Planning to try it if I need to replace the current one.

 

Wonder how much time I've got left on mine. Hasn't hesitated in the teens yet this year but it hasn't got very cold yet.