Duracell Batteries

[stevej37]

I plan on replacing batteries in two cars this summer and wondered if anyone has any experience with Duracell Ultras?
Batteries Plus is running some good sales on them.

Or are they just another battery that is re-labeled as a Duracell?

[flatbutt]

I think they're East Penn batteries.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

I think they're East Penn batteries.

Yep.
https://www.eastpennmanufacturing.com/east-penn-releases-new-duracell-automotive-batteries/

[masraum]

Many years ago, I worked in retail autoparts. At the time, I believe there was a soundbyte that there were only a few/handful of companies that make batteries, and most of the variety is in labelling.

[stevej37]

I don't recognize that name.
Are East Penn batteries known to be good?

[jrj3rd]

Most common under the Deka brand name....

[stevej37]

I'm looking at the Batteries Plus website and they state this....

"AGM Upgrading Facts
While you CAN upgrade from a flooded battery to an AGM battery, you absolutely MUST replace AGM with AGM, no downgrading"

Why??

[Chocaholic]

My guess....better margins on AGM batteries.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by stevej37

I'm looking at the Batteries Plus website and they state this....

"AGM Upgrading Facts
While you CAN upgrade from a flooded battery to an AGM battery, you absolutely MUST replace AGM with AGM, no downgrading"

Why??

I've heard that AGM is often used for a vapor safety issue. For instance, in a miata where the battery is in the trunk, AGMs are standard.

Here, found this, lots of good info on the difference between AGM and "flooded." There are several items besides what I listed below, but I figured you could read the rest. To me, these are the two biggest items that would dictate AGM usage compared to flooded. Apparently, they are much better with vibrations. They have some electrical differences as well.
https://www.repairsmith.com/i/blog/agm-vs-lead-acid/

Because the AGM is a sealed battery, there’s minimal to no off-gassing.

Gases produced during the chemical reaction recombined with the electrolyte.

And if there is excess gas (such as when the battery is overcharged), a vent releases it to maintain internal pressure.

The AGM battery is maintenance-free and can be placed in more enclosed areas as there’s no off-gassing except for the occasional venting. It’s suited for use in vehicles with batteries in trunks and under seats or in locations where maintenance can be hard to do.

On the other hand, the flooded battery requires regular electrolyte servicing and needs to be in a well-ventilated area as it releases gases and steam.

[asphaltgambler]

I'm pretty sure that Johnson Controls owns 90% of all automotive battery manufacturing in da world.........

[GH85Carrera]

Geezer voice: "Back in the old days, a battery just got weaker and weaker, and gave lots of warning it was getting old and about to die. Now the typical flooded battery has more power in the same size package, but that is from thinner plates, and more of those thin plates very close together. They will one day fail, and the battery shorts out internally, and it can't even be jumped with a good jumper cables. I used Interstate batteries for years, but they seem to have lost their quality."

End of geezer voice.

I put a AGM battery in the 911 and it was shocking expensive. The El Camino battery is just right there in plain view, and easy to replace. If I have a slight battery issue, I just replace it. My 85 911 is just a little more challenging to get out of the hole designed for it.

[LWJ]

Aren’t some AGMs installed on a side? If so, this would dictate replacing AGM with AGM.

I may be full of rocks here...

[Rusty Heap]

Can't believe I have to replace my Cayman battery, only got 12 years out of the last one, stamped made in Spain.

It's a vented battery, so maybe a sealed AGM is an option as many Pcar batteries aren't vented and the battery is in a sealed compartment.

[stevej37]

One of the cars I'm replacing is my 84 Carrera. When I bought the car, it came with a brand new Optima...which lasted 13 years and was still starting fine when I replaced it.
I put in another new Optima and it didn't even last 3 years.

Now it's on it's 5th year with an Interstate battery. It may go another year or two, but I'd rather not take the chance.

I know one thing for certain...it won't be another Optima.

[Superman]

The last battery I bought was AGM. Costco had BY FAR the best price. By like $100 or so.

[cabmandone]

I put an AGM in my Cab before I sold it.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

I'm pretty sure that Johnson Controls owns 90% of all automotive battery manufacturing in da world.........

Pretty sure they sold off. I'll double check with beers tonight.

That's how I do my best research.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

Pretty sure they sold off. I'll double check with beers tonight.

That's how I do my best research.

I would guess Voodoo Ranger but I hear ya were havin a bad day so they might be all gone.

[Superman]

If you guys can't gets Space Dust on the right coast, then that is a good reason to sell your house and move.

[911boost]

Clarios spun off from Johnson Controls and produces a third of all automotive batteries world wide......