I’d rather not just get the cheapest thing that’ll die in a couple years. It’s for a 2012 4.0L 4x4 if that makes a difference. Came back from vacation and the old one is dead. It’ll start from a jump but it’s not holding a charge. I’ve been expecting it since it’s been in there at least since I bought the truck 6+ years ago.

Thanks!

Only a few manufacturers make batteries, and put labeling for the various brands/retailers on them. Get the one with the most cold cranking amps, longest warranty and availability of service (if you have a problem) that fits in the tray and has the terminals in the right location. I've personally had good luck with Interstate, but that's mostly because it's what the various repair shops I've worked for carry.

I went to Costco and special ordered the Interstate Gel (AGM) battery for my 2016 4Runner. Our trucks have the same motor, and I'm happy with the choice.

The price of everything has gone way up... including batteries.

I used to have good luck buying good, reasonably priced batteries at Advance Auto Parts. The Autocraft Gold was a good line. Now, it's Diehard and the prices are higher. Plus, they used to allow an online purchase with a 25% off coupon code (which you could find easily) but now the batteries are an excluded item.

Some manufacturers equip their vehicles with a fuse that can be slid out to remove the parasitic load. This allows the vehicle to sit for 6 - 8 weeks and not drain the battery enough for the engine to not start. Check your owners manual.

As for me, my Optima red top is over nine years old.

My 03 4Runner had a 24 series. When I put a new one in last year I went to Oreilly and put a 27 series in.

We sell Interstate and very rarely ever have a bad one.

What’s the deal with the AGM batteries. That’s what my wife’s vehicle uses.

Well, I gotta say, I've had nothing but good luck with the EverStart Maxx batteries from Walmart.

I just got a new battery from AAA, the roadside assistance folks. I can’t recall the battery rating right now, or the warranty, but it’s a lot.

Since I live where AAA is all around, including their repair shops, and I have a problem, they come to me and take care of it. That’s good nation wide. I like that very much.

They were a few bucks cheaper than the usual auto parts stores.

If you’re a Costco member check with them.

Best wishes to you.
.

AGM batteries are great but you need to make sure you trick your alternator into keeping it charged correctly.
I used one of these in our Lexus:

https://www.arclightleds.com/c...-cruiser-pg2tb-brs6a

Got a Duralast Gold from AutoZone. Wanted the Platinum but it would’ve been a few days til they could get it and I needed it by noon tomorrow at the latest. At least it’s got a three year replacement warranty.

I replaced mine with a DuraLast Gold also. It has been fine so far. 3 year prorated warranty. Fairly standard from what I have found. My truck battery was dead, so I didn't have a lot of time to to a lot of research.

It's been awhile since I've bought a battery but I've typically bought rebranded East Penn batteries.
I try to by USA made batteries. I've seen several made in Saudi Arabia of all places.

quote:

Originally posted by Balzé Halzé:
Well, I gotta say, I've had nothing but good luck with the EverStart Maxx batteries from Walmart.

Same here. I’ve used one that look like they are about to fall apart and they still crank.

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:
Get the one with the most cold cranking amps.

Actually, if you wanted the longest duration battery, you should avoid the batteries with the highest cranking amps. They achieve high cranking amps by using lots of layers of thin lead plates. These plates are not durable and break down quicker than thicker plates. A battery built with less, thicker plates , will have less cold cranking amps but with be more durable and should last longer.

I really like the Walmart Max batteries. You can exchange them at 4000 Walmart stores , all over the country. I’ve been across the country on vacation and easily warranties the battery no problem. That availability of warranty is worth something to me. Walmart has 3 year free replacement batteries , and some of the AGM batteries now have a 4 year free replacement warranty.

There are many options for you battery wise. There are a handful of manufacturers in the country and many more globally that make batteries for everyone that sells batteries. In other words, different brands are made by the same company. Since the pandemic, companies are struggling to build batteries and need to resort to buying batteries from other companies and countries and labeling them up as their own. Make sure you look at the label to see where it is made to be sure it was built in the U.S.A..

If you go new:

Wal-Mart is relatively in expensive, has a normal warranty, and can be exchanged nationally if anything goes wrong.

The same is true for any of the national auto parts stores. I.E. Napa, Advance, Auto Zone, O'Reilly's

If you have a farm store locally and don't travel out of your area much. Tractor Supply, Fleet and Farm and such.

East Penn has a few warehouses in Virginia and you may be able to get a 2nd or even a "rebuilt" battery.

The 2nd will have a blemish on the exterior, but the inside will be the same as a 1st. These typically have a 30 day warranty but will also be cheaper. I've used 2nds in all of my vehicles and have had no issues with them. Most last the usual 5 plus years before I need a replacement.

A "rebuilt" battery at a warehouse is usually a battery that has been on a shelf and needed to be re-boosted due to age. I believe they also have a 30 day warranty, don't quote me on that and definitely ask the person selling you the battery, and is usually cheaper still.

The 2nds and rebuilt batteries are usually, stock on hand and could be hit or miss if they have your size in stock.

We can not disclose who we make batteries for or where we get some batteries from, but look at the top strip label and it will tell you most everything you need to know.


Also if you go AGM, be sure your charging system will support the battery. They have a different charge rate than a normal flooded battery and could cause premature failure of the battery.

quote:

Originally posted by Leemur:
I’d rather not just get the cheapest thing that’ll die in a couple years. It’s for a 2012 4.0L 4x4 if that makes a difference. Came back from vacation and the old one is dead. It’ll start from a jump but it’s not holding a charge. I’ve been expecting it since it’s been in there at least since I bought the truck 6+ years ago.

Thanks!

What brand of battery is in the truck now? Get one of them. Six plus years ain't bad on a battery.

Good info, petr!

My Sienna has the Toyota branded True Start 84 month battery. Its a good battery and not expensive. 575 cca. I will replace it before Winter with the same.