Random Thought Thread

jlauffer said:
What are people's experiences with oem vs aftermarket car batteries? Have talked to people who say oem should last longer, but for a long time we weren't keeping cars long enough to really find out. But now we have 2 cars that we've had for 10 years, and I'm seeing the opposite:

2013 Acura bought in 2015. Original battery was replaced in 2016 by the dealer. Had to replace it again in 2019 and did it myself, and went with DuraLast Platinum. Just replaced the battery again this past weekend with another DuraLast. So the 2 oem's only lasted 3 years each, while the aftermarket lasted almost 6 years.

2015 Buick bought used in 2015. Original battery replaced in 2018 (3 years), and the replacement DieHard is still going (almost 7 years).
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For me, it depends on what I’m driving as to what batteries I purchase. I purchased two Interstate Batteries for my 06 F250 in late 2022. Still rolling strong. I had Lexus put a new battery in my wife’s GX. After a year, it crapped out. Of course, Lexus replaced it. That’s been a couple years. Luck of the draw…?
 
Blues said:
Re: McDonald's.

They're probably most prevalent in the populations where the most people are obese...at a guess. Which, seems like everywhere, to be honest.
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Most recent stats indicate ~75% of US adults are fat or obese.

People who travel overseas often, all make the same comment; after being overseas for a few weeks, walking into a US airport is a reality slap, as to just how fat the majority of Americans are.

Was talking to someone about it. In the rest of the world, it’s pretty common for your plate to have a fair amount of space, at a restaurant. Here in the US, people feel like they’re being ripped off if they see too much space on their plate at a restaurant, the result being servings that equal 66% - 150% of the daily calories they should be consuming, in just one entree.
 
SharpBits said:
Yeah, OEM. At least with aftermarket you get to choose the good, better, best level you can afford. Optima are supposed to be the best, but I shied away from the price. I usually go with Interstate mid level.
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FWIW, I was an Optima fan 2-3 decades ago.

Had a yellow-top (deep cycle), that I literally drained flat multiple times (not just low, which for vehicle batteries is something like the 10-11 volt range; I mean FLAT as in 0-3 volts measured with a multimeter), that was recharged and continued working great for ~7-8 years.

Somewhere around 2008-2009, Optima changed several things around (including making most of their batteries in Mexico), and the quality dropped significantly. Most enthusiasts stopped recommending them after that, as more and more folks began complaining about how their new Optima didn’t last a fraction of what their old Optima batteries did.
 
I used to go with Optima batteries and had good luck for a while, but got one that died in a year or so and Optima gave me a bunch of static about replacing it. Moved to Odyssey batteries (Road King, 800cc ATV, tractor, Ford F350 (2 batteries), diesel VW). I like several things about the Odyssey - they operate in any orientation, no spill, no maintenance, sort of a hybrid deep cycle and starting battery, take a good, fast charge if they are depleted. They use absorbed glass mat technology IIRC. Heavy as F~~~; I just purchased one for my tractor and it's over 50 lbs. They used to ship free, but now I think they charge a $20 surcharge over 50 lbs.
 
JohnBarleycorn said:
I used to go with Optima batteries and had good luck for a while, but got one that died in a year or so and Optima gave me a bunch of static about replacing it. Moved to Odyssey batteries (Road King, 800cc ATV, tractor, Ford F350 (2 batteries), diesel VW). I like several things about the Odyssey - they operate in any orientation, no spill, no maintenance, sort of a hybrid deep cycle and starting battery, take a good, fast charge if they are depleted. They use absorbed glass mat technology IIRC. Heavy as F~~~; I just purchased one for my tractor and it's over 50 lbs. They used to ship free, but now I think they charge a $20 surcharge over 50 lbs.
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Odyssey is one of the top recommendations nowadays. I think they’ve taken the top spot Optima used to hold.
 
I have an Audi and an old Land Rover, so batteries are the least of my problems. In all seriousness, I've found the VW/Audi batteries to outlast aftermarket, but for the Land Rover, I now buy Walmart with a three year warranty. No matter what you choose, they don't make them like they used to. I remember getting 6-7 years on a battery. Now 3-4 is the status quo.
 
dtmbinb said:
I have an Audi and an old Land Rover, so batteries are the least of my problems. In all seriousness, I've found the VW/Audi batteries to outlast aftermarket, but for the Land Rover, I now buy Walmart with a three year warranty. No matter what you choose, they don't make them like they used to. I remember getting 6-7 years on a battery. Now 3-4 is the status quo.
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Is so very true 👍
 
ferider said:
Well, I have a 3rd party Lithium battery in my Fatboy since 4+ years and it's really, really good. Significantly smaller than the original lead battery, too.
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Oh yeah, way lighter than the old lead battery’s by far. But… I still don’t trust them beyond 3.5 years, regardless the brand.

Geez those were heavy, especially the Deep Cycle boat batteries.

It’s cheaper in the long run to just replace them, vs a no start at another place, than at home.

Just my opinion and experience in these weather year round conditions.
 
Retired UPS Driver said:
Just my opinion and experience in these weather year round conditions.
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Makes sense. One of these days I'll try Lithium in our everyday car that is much more exposed than the bikes ....

I was happy with the Harley battery though, because any additional CCA helps .... I've been stranded with the original lead batteries many times.
 
I switched the wife’s Palaris Ev over to lithium and they are way more efficient and much lighter which also helps with efficiency. The only problem is that they are not tolerant of cold weather. Anything near freezing and they will read 0% charged and have a severely decreased performance. Once plugged in and warmed up a little they recover. But, it may be an issue for some of you in areas that experience extended periods of below freezing temperatures. It may be isolated to the brand or type of batteries I’m using but something to look into.
 
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