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Is it safe to get an Advance Auto Part car battery?

M

mshan

Diamond Member
As documented in another thread, I recently had the battery light go on in my car and voltmeter sag slightly below 12V.

A dying alternator seemed like likely culprit, but I just called an independent Audi garage up in New York where I have car serviced when I visit my parents and he said it could simply be an old battery that now has some cells that don't hold a charge.

Battery was put in by Autozone circa 2001 - 2003, so looks like it should be replaced anyways.

If problems go away after battery change, then don't have to do expensive alternator exchange.

There is an Advance Auto Parts less than 1 mile away and their website says this is their battery for my car: http://shop.advanceautoparts.c...PBATTAMS_1048318764___

Is this a safe option for my car, or should I go with battery an independent garage recommends and installs?


 
I put one of those in my Sienna two days ago...seems good and has a long warranty. Why not?
 
Just called the store and they don't have any in stock. 🙁

Only ones in stock are quite a drive and don't want to risk it with generator light on.

What's a fair ball park range to pay for good battery, including installation?

 
Do you have AAA or other roadside assistance? They often have a battery service you can request.

They will usually check your battery for you and bring you a new one.

Try Advance Auto as well. They do the same thing as AZ.



 
No...only name brand...

Just kidding. This isn't new technology...I'm sure the AA stuff is just fine. I know I've used them (and Autozone) batteries in cars and they have been just as reliable/long lasting as the OEM.
 
Johnson Controls, Exide, and East Penn make most car batteries in the US, regardless of the name on the label, IIRC.

Johnson Controls has about half of the market...

I knew I'd read that somewhere:

http://www.consumerreports.org...car-battery-brands.htm

"Most aftermarket car batteries sold in the United States are made by three companies that build them for retailers: Johnson Controls, which supplies more than half of the market, Exide, and East Penn. They are sold under various names and built to the specifications of retailers, so performance can vary."
 
So, I would guess it really just comes down to what corners might have been cut to meet a particular price point?

I think the Autozone near me may have battery for my car car (Duralast Gold, I think). Is this a solid reliable brand? (I take it they also install for free if you buy from them?)

How does it stack up against other places like Advance Auto or even Sears?

Or should I basically go by price point?

 
I have a theory that all batteries are exactly the same, they just charge more for a longer warranty!
 
If you're going strictly by price, Optima Red Top. They're around $150, fully sealed batteries. Should last you quite a long while.
 
Originally posted by: NutBucket
Originally posted by: Kaervak
If you're going strictly by price, Optima Red Top. They're around $150, fully sealed batteries. Should last you quite a long while.
Click to expand...
Overkill
Click to expand...

Oh very true, but if someone wants the most expensive that they can find, they're it. Never used one myself but I agree, they do seem to be overkill.
 
Originally posted by: NutBucket
Have a Costco close by? They have good batteries.

And yes, brand does matter. Sorry to burst your bubble Pete.
Click to expand...

To each there own...I'm not going on tests...I'm just going on my experience. I've used batteries from all different sources in my various cars over the years and have never really noticed a serious performance difference to warrant worrying about which brand I bought.

If I lived in a really cold climate or had aftermarket parts (amps, etc) ... maybe I'd tell a difference...but living anywhere from CT, CA, MO, and SC with no special requirements, I've never noticed any difference in performance/longevity of the different brands.

 
advance batteries seem to be fine. at the price, they're highly unlikely to be the best, but they're fairly reliable and i've had one in my own car for a few years.

i've seen a hell of a lot of failed duralast batteries, though. could be different now, but with the fact that the battery pile at most places i've worked is 75% duralast, i'm avoiding them. heck, even when i was at the volvo stealership, pretty much every failed non-volvo battery was a duralast.
 
Originally posted by: Billb2
I have a theory that all batteries are exactly the same, they just charge more for a longer warranty!
Click to expand...
Sears DieHard Platinum and Odyssey batts (they're the same thing made by Johnson Controls) are definitely a step up from regular batts 😉
 
FWIW I had 2 AA batteries die in just under 3 years. Granted they were cheapies, after the prorate I was still out 30-40 bucks on each.

The original battery in my car last 5 years and had a panasonic label on it.
 
How much difference do you guys think there is between a particular brand's basic $80 battery and their more premium $150 offering (excluding actual price difference, of course)?

I would be more concerned with longevity and reliability than rated max cold cranking output, since I am located in a mid-Atlantic state.

 
Check the Reserve Capacity. The higher, the better. The number is in minutes. RC is how long the battery can supply a 25A load and is an indication of how long it will let your car run if your alternator fails. Cheaper batteries tend to have lower RC ratings.
 
Originally posted by: mshan
As documented in another thread, I recently had the battery light go on in my car and voltmeter sag slightly below 12V.

A dying alternator seemed like likely culprit, but I just called an independent Audi garage up in New York where I have car serviced when I visit my parents and he said it could simply be an old battery that now has some cells that don't hold a charge.
Click to expand...

If the voltmeter is below 12V WHILE engine is running, your alternator needs to be replaced regardless of who tells you otherwise. Alternator is NOT smart enough to stop charging just because the battery is not holding the charge 🙂

Your battery probably needs to be changed as it is old enough and is not getting charged but you need to fix the alternator, may be new brushes?? Unfortunately, the brushes probably are not designed to be replaceable.

Do not drive much with the ALT light on.

- Vikas
 
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