pghjeeper

so looking for advice from actual users. I have done a ton of searching online and my brain is fried. The battery in my 02 kicked the bucket. It's a Autozone Gold and it's about 5-6 years old. I'm going to get an AGM battery and I have it narrowed down to a 34/78 in either a YellowToo or a Duracell AGM.
I know there is a lot of Optima hate online and I respect people's opinions. The only thing that keeps me looking at them is I can get one at advance for 180.00 (buddy's discount) and if anything goes wrong there is an Advance around every corner. The Duracell, rebranded Adela has lower CCA and RP and Sams clubs are slightly less accessible, due to hours and some locations. The Duracell is 129.00.
I also picked up a CTEK MUS 4.3 to charge it. I have read that you have to use the snowflake mode with the Optima, is that all AGMs? Also once fully charges can I use it via lighter even in snowflake mode?
Thanks

UM Rebel

If that AZ Gold lasted 5-6 years. I would go get another one just like it. My 2004 kills batteries after about 2 years no matter what brand or chemistry. I drive it most every day.

JR-01

Good point. If you find something that works, stick with it.

pghjeeper

It's a normal battery and I know people have said the newer flooded batteries don't have issues, but I'd rather not risk it.
Plus I don't know how long this battery has been in my car, it was a guess. I just got the car and the battery is dated 8-12.

pghjeeper

I'm suprised by that with your car being a DD. Most complaints I have heard tend to be from people who's cars sit

Smoken1

In 8yrs I have gone thru 2 Interstate battery's they are big and a PIA to get in and out. This time I decided to try the Optima yellow top and the Ctek 3300 for it

rrwirsi

No matter what battery brand, I change my batteries every 4 years in all 3 cars. Just not worth the aggravation of having a dead battery. Not worth the wife look when it does not start.

UM Rebel

Batteries Plus lasted just short of 3 years. They gave me a new one under warranty so I'm not complaining.

rrwirsi

No matter what battery brand, I change my batteries every 4 years in all 3 cars. Just not worth the aggravation of having a dead battery. Not worth the wife look when it does not start.

Vetteman Jack

I have been running a Diehard Platinum battery in mine for the past 6.5 years and not a single problem. But mine is not a DD and I keep it hooked to a Battery Tender Plus when in the garage. Sears does not make that battery anymore, but their Diehard Gold series is a good battery.

I tend to agree that if your current battery lasted 6 years or so, that's a pretty good life from a car battery.

memmer

I just changed the battery in my 05 4runner after 12 years. The first time the battery falters, it is replaced no if ands or buts.
Fred

Crosis

I've never had a redtop last more than 12 months. I have had my yellow top for two years and its still good. In Florida it seems like no battery will last more than 3 years.

pghjeeper

One more question, how do you hook the ctek comfort charger up to the side terminals? There are no bolts? Does it go right onto the terminal bolt? Between it and the battery?

Crosis

Well with a yellow top you get both side and top posts. I connect my battery tender to the tops. Very handy.

pghjeeper

What did you use to connect them? Another set of terminals?

Smoken1

The Ctek 3300 came with side and top post connections

feeder82

i just use the clamps

pghjeeper

Are they just ring terminals too? Did you put them between the terminals and the battery connections?

Crosis

I put a set of terminals on the top posts and used the ring connectors on the Tender leads to connect to the terminals.

bigcypress

we've had wifes 2000 for 11 years and have driven it about 300 miles , or less , per year . i think it has a red top battery and always hooked to a battery tender . been thinking we should have it checked and reading this makes me think i will . isn't there some parts store that does this for a small fee , i'm old and can't remember which store it is . . . peace