Forum Discussion

Lessmore's avatar
Lessmore
Explorer II
Mar 13, 2014

vehicle battery advice

I'm thinking of replacing my vehicle battery, as it's over 7 years old now. It's an AC Delco and factory original equipment.

I'm not having any problems with it, but it's been through 7 hard, very cold, too long prairie winters and I'm starting to think, maybe I'm pushing my luck.

I don't want to get stuck in the middle of a blizzard, on a lonely back country road...with a dead battery.

My previous tow vehicle also had a factory original equipment AC Delco and it lasted for about 7-8 years, can't recall exactly.

Both vehicles discussed are gas engined.

Anyways probably in the next 6 months, before the next winter sets in I'm thinking I will go down to my Chevy dealer and get another AC Delco.

I always try to get as much cold cranking amps and very good quality, as I have found it's not wise to go cheap on batteries.

But before I do what I've always done, thought it can't hurt to ask for any battery recommendations ?


Any recommendations/ advice about battery's ?

5 Replies

  • My truck is seven years old and one of the two batteries just died. I replaced them both with batteries from O'Reilly's, They were $4 more than the AC Delco, but are the same "new" technology (glass pack gel- cell)as the higher priced Optima. The only difference is they have square cells instead of cylindrical. Same warranty as the AC Delco. I agree with others, it is cheap insurance to replace the battery now.
  • I wish I could get 7 years out of a battery. The temp swings in this area are just to hot and too cold, that 5 years is about the max.

    I am partial to Interstate which are made my Johnson Controls, AC/Delco is made by Delphi. But since I don't use dealer service, Interstate gives me better national coverage with its dealer network.
  • My personal preference is Interstate. But, regardless of the brand, go do it today. In my opinion, having a 7 year old battery is a breakdown waiting to happen.
  • 7 years? Wow......the norm where I live is to replace that battery every 2 years whether it's needed or not. The heat causes them to go bad with literally no advanced warning.

    I'd replace it just so I wouldn't have to worry about it.

    Scott
  • Why not just get the battery now while it's still on your terms, before breakdown. I got a competitive price from local GM dealer. I got the highest cold cranking amp battery - 6 yrs ago and it's still going strong. The truck was an 05 Chev 8.1 big block.

    I sold the truck over a yr ago and new owner is still happy with the battery. He did replace the tires as they were 7 yrs old and running low on tread.