IdaD wrote:
I think there are about two or three manufacturers that make all automotive batteries in the US, so the brand doesn't matter much. I put Duracells in my truck last fall because that's all I could find on short notice and they seem fine so far, but being just a few months old they should be fine. I don't know who actually made them. If your batteries are starting to get spotty I'd change them sooner rather than later.
You are correct. I have done a few factory tours through some of our battery suppliers. There is basically only Exide, JCI(now Clarios), East Penn, and Odyssey in the US and Atlas along with a few other small players overseas. The most recent was at Clarios which is the largest in the US and world if I am mistaken. Walking through their assembly lines and warehouse, you would be amazed at how many different brands that they made batteries for. From Motorcraft to Interstate battery. I even saw many NAPA brands all coming from the same factory. East Penn and Exide also make batteries for many different brands too.
There is not a lot of difference between them in regards to each brands good, better, best battery meaning that most brands price point "good" battery is just about the same as the rest in virgin lead content quality. The "better" batteries usually labeled "silver" or something of that sort will generally have better lead quality and will be bonded on the inside keeping the internals together better. The "best" battery usually labeled as "gold" or "platinum" depending on the brand generally has the best quality lead of the brand and has other features along with being bonded.
By far the best battery manufacturer is Odyssey. They use the best virgin lead and their casing is very high quality. They also make batteries for a few brands generally labeled as "platinum" as well. These batteries are pricey, but they are the best of the best if that is what you are going for.
Atlas in Korea generally makes the cheapest price point battery, but you get what you pay for.
