The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay What Kind of Battery?

I need to replace a 10 year old Diehard lead/acid battery.

I can get a Deka AGM battery for the same price as a Diehard lead/acid battery.

I had an AGM battery on a motorcycle that lasted many years before selling the bike. I like the idea of not having to check water levels in the cells.

Does anybody here know anything about Deka batteries? Reviews are good but you never know what's what on the internet. Conflicting information abounds about whether or not an AGM battery can be placed on a standard Battery Tender.

Should I stick with Diehard? I think Diehard is just a name now since Sears sold it off. Maybe not the Diehard quality of old?

I know I can pick up a junkyard battery for $20 but I'm not going that route this time.

I've used Deka but I haven't gotten 10 years out of any battery.

I had 2 Delco factory batteries in my daily drivers that lasted 10 years. I like Interstate batteries for the 50 generators that I service, those are lead/acid. The only AGM I have is in a jet ski, 6 years old and still good.

OTTO.
You are correct Diehard is but a name now. Since advance auto bought the brand they are putting it on their on manufacturing of batteries.

I have found that with all the mergers and only a few manufactures, that battery branding and the quality that follows if any a difficult task to determine.

So I have moved to this.
I make most new modern automotive replacements AGM batteries. They take the heat and cycles better. (make sure if you use a charger it has agm setting or made for it)
I tend now to by Walmart batteries. Why you say. because there is a Walmart in Everytown. Since most all battery companies have gone to 3 or 4 year warranties without prorating, I figure if it fails where I am i can find a replacement. The auto parts stores are not as plentiful as Walmart. Walmart is always open late.
And usually Walmart pricing is better than others.

hcb3200, Are the Walmart batteries offered in AGM? I guess I could go over and look since there's a Walmart within walking distance of my house.

Diehard batteries were made by Exide when Sears owned them. However, Exide was caught in a conspiracy/fraud arrangement selling used batteries to Sears (Diehard) labeled as new. Sears then gave the Diehard contract to Johnson Controls which also made Duralast, Carquest, and Ac Delco batteries.

Of course Advance Auto purchased Diehard from Sears in 2019 so who knows where they're made now?

There are actually only a couple of battery manufacturers that produce multiple brands including the store brands. Interstate is one and Johnson Controls used to be the other but I believe they sold off that part of the business. There are differences in the brands but they come out of those few outfits
[on edit] Johnson Controls battery division was sold off and is now Clarios. They make Diehard, Deka and a bunch of other brands.

I used to have to replace the lead/acid battery in my Harley about once a year, even when using a maintainer on it, mostly due to lack of use. Over a year ago, I replaced the battery with an AGM type. I start the bike about once a month and run it for 20-30 minutes since I haven't been able to do much riding in recent months while caring for my wife. The bike cranks up and runs flawlessly- - - - -no maintainer needed!
Jerry

I think the AGM in my '99 Fat Boy is 5 - 6 years old, I have never put a charger on it in 2.5 years, starts every time.

I've had good luck with Optima AGM.

Optima is one of Clarios’ brands. Use to be Johnson Controls. Good batteries.

I buy the highest rated battery for my wifes car. Then transfer that battery to one of my projects. I'll also buy high rated batteries for my 2005 chevy. I keep one extra core around and just keep pushing the old batteries down the line. I've gotten 9 years out of a couple batteries.

If I need to buy another battery for a project, I'll buy the cheapest autozone or walmart battery. I keep a small charger on my projects.

Consumer Reports may not always be the best advice but I've subscribed to it since 1988 and found it to be pretty darn right on the money.
That being said, I agree with HRL and buy my batteries from Wally-World for the same reasons and also Consumer Reports last test indicate the Wally-World battery to be top of the list in its test and best value for the dollar...........I tell my kids to NEVER buy the cheapest "one year warranty" unless you plan to sell the car next week.
A really good battery, unlike some of the cheaper ones, will usually give you a warning, like a slow start, before it leaves you just plain dead like the cheap ones.

Edit: I will say I have ran Diehard batteries in my 37 pickup and have had great service out of them the past 25 years with only one being replaced close to the end of its warranty period. I have one still in my 37, which I don't drive a lot, but when it goes bad I'll move to Wally World battery.

FWIW, I have a 9-year old Optima 6-volt AGM in my '49. Still going great.

I have linked to this/my old post/information many times:

My 6v trucks use 2 gauge battery cables (and ground straps).

My 8+ year old Optima Red Top 6V Battery starts the 261 engine with no problems:

"1 Group Size, 800 CCA, 1000 CA, 100 Minute Reserve Capacity, High Power Delivery"

Sold by Amazon and many other suppliers (like Pep Boys). [and was sold by WalMart]

Been using this battery from Wally World in both my truck and the VW camper. Been working pretty well.

That's what I ended up buying. It was cheaper than the AGM and since I got 10 years on the old lead/acid, I figured I'd roll the dice.

The AGMs don't have any long warranty anyway. They're all about the same as the lead acid type.

I'm a cheapskate. And Rural King's batteries are even cheaper than Wal Mart. I have good luck with them.