Honda Car Forum

Norman wrote:
> "y_p_w" <y_p_w@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > Learn how to read the date code and try to get one that hasn't been
> > sitting around too long without a charge. I believe the Honda OEM
> > batteries in the US are made by JCI. I saw one at my local recycling
> > center.
>
> The batteries in my 2000 Accord and 2005 Pilot were both from Delco.

Forgot about that. However - JCI does list Honda as one of the
companies it supplies.

All in all, I'd prefer a user serviceable battery like the Panasonic
that came in my '95 Integra. As long as the water level is checked
and topped off, those things can last for a longer time. I hear
they're preferable in hot climates where the evaporation of water
can lead to "maintenance free" batteries being toast in less than
two years.

Batteries used to be a clearer purchase. Now, like matress
manufacturers, there are many variants from relatively few
manufacturers, and who knows what's in there. Games are played with
warranties, names, marketing, ingredients, blah blah.

The warranty generally is far longer than the battery lasts. They want
to lock you into a permanent buying cycle. Keep you coming back. The
only help here is that if the battery dies during a 2 or 3 year "full
replacement" guarantee period. So look for a long guarantee, but no,
don't rely on it. Some batteries now come with a 100+ month guarantee,
and unless it were an Optima, that's a huge joke.

The only batteries from Interstate that are worth having are the
Mega-Trons. They periodically recharge them while sitting on the
shelf. But, do they? There are now 2 tiers of Mega-Trons, and I
suspect only the new, top tier are well-handled. You won't find the
top tier Mega-Tron at Wal-Mart. They only have the lower tier, but are
counting on brand recognition earned years ago on what was likely a
better serviced product.

Delco. Where to start? No pun intended. These low-maintenance
batteries are designed for a higher charging voltage, and NEVER get
fully charged in anything other than a General Motors vehicle. Which
includes Isuzu Passports probably, since there is joint ownership. But
Delco in a Honda? That's nuts. Chronic undercharge will eventually
kill a battery dead.

Exide is crap. Stay far away. They made one decent battery a few
years ago. Gone. Even the stuff they put their own name on is crap.
Consumer Reports showed that Exide's only put out something like 80% of
their amp rating. And then die early. Crap.

Which is harder on a battery, northern climate or south? SOUTH. Quit
accepting advice from people on how long batteries last, if you don't
even know where they live. Batteries in the south need replacing every
3 years. Period. Otherwise keep your walking shoes handy.

Pollution/recycling concerns notwithstanding, buy a mid-priced battery
(around $50) with a familiar brand name, replace every 3 years. You'll
never have a dead battery, unless some internal component breaks. They
get pretty thin inside, what with all the b.s. "computer designed"
optimization.

Why not buy the 6/7 year super expensive one? Cause you pay a lot more
for relatively little improvement. And are still at the mercy of heat,
internal damage from impacts (wrecks) or natural causes involving thin
internals, and idiots who put in tap water.

On top of it all, a manufacturer can make a fabulous size 35 and then
drop the ball entirely on a size 24 for instance. So batteries in the
same line, from the same manufacturer, are not comparable.

Singular exception if you simply must have a top, standard (non-Optima)
battery, is Sears Diehard Gold for $80. Very good performance across
all the battery sizes. Good bet for easy warranty replacement too.
Still, I wouldn't trust it after 3 years if you live in a hot climate.

jmattis@attglobal.net wrote:
>
> Exide is crap. Stay far away. They made one decent battery a few
> years ago. Gone. Even the stuff they put their own name on is crap.
> Consumer Reports showed that Exide's only put out something like 80% of
> their amp rating. And then die early. Crap.

yup. mom had a couple in her 93 eagle summit, when costco used them to
make the kirkland batteries. they go with johnson controls, now... i think.