Vehicle batteries

Eric&Lisa wrote:

I have always purchased Sears Die Hard batteries. However, they no longer pro-rate their warranties. So what was previously a “100 month” battery has failed at 64 months. In the past I could get a 36% credit, but they no longer do that.
-Eric

Funny story - many years ago I was applying for a manufacturing engineering job at a (automotive) battery manufacturer. The job entailed upgrading the automated equipment that stamped the internal plates. They told me that the closer they can hold the thickness tolerance of the plates, the more accurately they can control the life of the battery. They went on to say that their current methods allow them (on average) plus or minus 3-4 months. I was shocked!! Not believing the stated facts I asked the guy "why is it every time I buy a 60 month DieHard battery it never lasts 60 months"? He laughed and told me that the Sears sales model is just that! Buy a 60 month battery , get one that is designed to last 48, buy and 48 month battery, get one designed to last 36 months. He went on to tell me that by offering pro-rated warranty on a battery specifically designed to fail early, Sears could almost guarantee that you would come back to get your $5, $10, $15 pro-rated few bucks in exchange for buying a brand new DieHard battery AGAIN. Battery customer for LIFE :)

WoW I was shocked (being a young engineer) and asked how could they? He just laughed - and he told me (at that time, again many years ago) that the brand that didn't play that game was Interstate. (I don't know if that still holds true for Interstate or anyone else) Sears was the King at playing that game with pro-rated warranties.

Many online blogs rate Costco Kirkland batteries as some of the best. I hear the Walmart brand is pretty well thought of also.

Ditch the Sears - if for no other reason than they were duping you for years.

My true story - my opinions and my current preferences - YMMV