Costco batteries?

[frieddoh]

I have an Optima battery in my 164... same cranking power as the original and in a smaller size. The model I'm running is actually a boat battery that I got for less than usual because opportunity knocked. Have had for over a couple years now, never a problem. When the Interstate dies in my spider I'll probably replace it with an Optima. The main quality I look for in a battery is reliability... not liking the concept of being stuck somewhere because of a premature death. You do have to take into account the fact that batteries are consumables and you will eventually be replacing whatever you plunk down your spare (?) Alfa Dollars on.

Dan

[Peter]

I just had a Kirkland die in my wife's Jeep....bought it in January this year. I don't think I have a receipt anymore, but it is clear from the battery when it was taken into service, do y'all think that's going to be an issue with the warranty entitlement?

[BradH]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter I just had a Kirkland die in my wife's Jeep....bought it in January this year. I don't think I have a receipt anymore, but it is clear from the battery when it was taken into service, do y'all think that's going to be an issue with the warranty entitlement?

[RandallM]

Yes I am someone that recommends and uses Optimas. I have Optima in my vehicle and my wifes car. I had one in her last car too. I will soon get one in the Alfa.

I have never had a problem with the Optimas and the best thing about them is they do not leak. I believe they are a dry cell technology. The only rust in my spider was in the spare tire well caused by a leaking battery from the PO.

In my 4x4 I have cracked the original battery and two Die Hards from the off-road poundings. Yet, the Optima has lasted 6 years.

No, I do not work for them, but am an unpaid actor.

[flaatr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by peglegtom I just have one question. How many people that recommend Optima batteries actually have one in their car? I suspect that most wish they have one in their car but won't pay the price themselves.

[sunsprit]

As a Denver area automotive shop, I was selected as a "beta test" center for the Optima batteries when Gates was developing them. I sold and installed many in my MB Diesel customer's cars, and some of them are still in service ... now over twenty years!

Since I had access to Optima cosmetic "blem" batteries at significantly reduced pricing, I installed them in all my cars and trucks. I have one in my '72 BMW 2002 that's been in service for 15 years, and the car is infrequently driven.

The big difference between an Optima and a conventional wet battery is the ability to handle charge/discharge cycles. The Optima will deliver more amps and maintain higher cranking voltage for better starts compared to most batteries, but the standard Optima battery will not tolerate many complete discharge cycles as a wet lead acid battery can. So, if you have a car that isn't driven frequently enough to keep up with the parasitic electrical loads, a standard Optima isn't the battery for your car unless you keep it on a battery maintainer. Similarly, if you are prone to leaving a door ajar or dome lights on, you'll have a dead Optima battery and greatly shortened service life ... maybe 5-7 cycles.

Optima tackled this cycle problem with their "deep discharge" version intended for marine use, where it is customary to run a battery well down between charging cycles. But it's a lot more expensive than the standard and not worth the expense in a normal car application.

Now, in my wife's cars and trucks, more recently acquired ... we run Costco batteries and have never had to replace one yet in 7 years. This will probably be the summer when her car battery will finally fail, and we'll replace it for cheap.

[flaatr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunsprit Since I had access to Optima cosmetic "blem" batteries at significantly reduced pricing, I installed them in all my cars and trucks.

[lowmileage]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunsprit Optima tackled this cycle problem with their "deep discharge" version intended for marine use,

[flaatr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunsprit Optima tackled this cycle problem with their "deep discharge" version intended for marine use

[RandallM]

I just looked at the original posting, and in New England you do not have the excessive heat we in the deep South have. Batteries last much longer in cooler climates and the Costco probably works excellent there.

[Joe Papa Sr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandallM I just looked at the original posting, and in New England you do not have the excessive heat we in the deep South have. Batteries last much longer in cooler climates and the Costco probably works excellent there.

[Peter]

got mine replaced without a problem