AGM batteries?

[look 171]

Thinking about replacing my battery in the 4 runner since we will going up to the Sierras this Christmas with the kids for 10 days. The battery is original and its 5 year old. It has 50,000 miles on it now. It may not start the next morning after sitting in the cold overnight. I sure don't want to hear it from my wife if we are late to the snowmobile outfit due to a worn battery. I have been a big fan of Optima over the years due to the fact that they don't spill. My reason experience has been a little disappointed. Anyone has any experience with Exide? Like to get a deep cycle so it can take a little more abuse. I am also thinking getting one for the 911. The Optima crap out on it some time ago along with the Yellow Top in the S2000 (both are less then 3 years old). What are your thoughts?

[Tobra]

Just got an AGM battery for the Miata at Batteries Plus, cost a little bit over a Benjamin, but have only had it a month or two, so I can't tell you how it is. I think Westco makes it for them, picture looks identical anyway.

[Rot 911]

The original batteries are made by Panasonic and have a freakishly long life span. Mine is now 6 years old and my 4Runner has 95K miles on it. Our previous 4 Runner was 8 years old when sold and 130K miles and sold with the original battery.

Battery Life?? - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

[dad911]

Originally Posted by Rot 911

The original batteries are made by Panasonic and have a freakishly long life span. Mine is now 6 years old and my 4Runner has 95K miles on it. Our previous 4 Runner was 8 years old when sold and 130K miles and sold with the original battery.

Battery Life?? - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

Maybe buy a jumper pack($50-60), and keep it inside, warm & charged. If you don't need it, surely someone will...

[Cajundaddy]

I think Optima had some QC issues a while a go. Don't know if they are sorted yet but a quality AGM is a good way to go. They do have some specialty needs involving the use of battery maintainers so use a maintainer specifically designed for AGM.

Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Battery Information - Battery University

[Dantilla]

My Miata uses an AGM battery. As long as they're used regularly, they last quite a while.
When I bought the one currently in the car, the sales dude asked if it was a Summer-only car, as the AGM batteries don't last as well when they sit unused. Between my wife and I, the car is used almost daily.

I've been extremely happy with Optima red-top batteries. They are the longest lasing batteries I've ever used.

[Evans, Marv]

Maybe you could just get your battery load tested. That should tell you the condition.

[porsche4life]

Originally Posted by dad911

Maybe buy a jumper pack($50-60), and keep it inside, warm & charged. If you don't need it, surely someone will...

Yup... Harbor freight they are around $40 with coupon. Totally worth having around just in case.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

Yup... Harbor freight they are around $40 with coupon. Totally worth having around just in case.

I have one, used it to pump my tires and it started smoking. Went back for a new one and the second did the same after 3-4 month. Had one from Costo and it was ok but dead from sitting. I am thinking about taking it with me smoking or not.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Cajundaddy

I think Optima had some QC issues a while a go. Don't know if they are sorted yet but a quality AGM is a good way to go. They do have some specialty needs involving the use of battery maintainers so use a maintainer specifically designed for AGM.

Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Battery Information - Battery University

You know if Optimas are AGM batteries. I have a newish one in the 930 that's on a cheap trickle charger from Interstate that's about 10 years old. I want to install a quality AGM, again, "Leakproof" in my 993, that, been in the shop forever.

[Cajundaddy]

Originally Posted by look 171

You know if Optimas are AGM batteries. I have a newish one in the 930 that's on a cheap trickle charger from Interstate that's about 10 years old. I want to install a quality AGM, again, "Leakproof" in my 993, that, been in the shop forever.

Yes AGM. Probably needs an AGM rated maintainer.
Lead-Acid Battery | OPTIMA® AGM Batteries | OPTIMABATTERIES

[masraum]

Many retail auto-parts places are selling AGM miata batteries at decent prices these days too.

my only concern would be if the miata battery will have the CCA to start the 4runner.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Dantilla

My Miata uses an AGM battery. As long as they're used regularly, they last quite a while.
When I bought the one currently in the car, the sales dude asked if it was a Summer-only car, as the AGM batteries don't last as well when they sit unused. d.

This is the exact opposite of everything I've heard and of my experience. Optimas were great in my cars that sat a lot. They could hold a charge for months. Due to the huge increase in price and recent QC problems I went back to liquid batteries + maintainer for my cars that sit.

[Dantilla]

Originally Posted by Dantilla

My Miata uses an AGM battery. As long as they're used regularly, they last quite a while.
When I bought the one currently in the car, the sales dude asked if it was a Summer-only car, as the AGM batteries don't last as well when they sit unused. Between my wife and I, the car is used almost daily.

I've been extremely happy with Optima red-top batteries. They are the longest lasing batteries I've ever used.

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

This is the exact opposite of everything I've heard and of my experience. Optimas were great in my cars that sat a lot. They could hold a charge for months. Due to the huge increase in price and recent QC problems I went back to liquid batteries + maintainer for my cars that sit.

I've had good luck with Optima batteries that sit, but the Miata battery was dead after not being used for a while. I bought the current one when we put the car back on the road after not being used for a while.

I've got an optima that came from a wreck I bought at an insurance auction years ago, used only when I need the winch to pull something onto the flatbed trailer. Sits for months on end, and hasn't failed me yet, even though it rarely gets charged.

I wonder what the difference is between the Miata's small rectangle shape and the Optima's spiral cells. Any guesses?

[DanielDudley]

I don't worry about batteries that spill so much, as I intend to keep the shiny side up.

Get a decent battery, and make sure your tires are up to snuff for whatever you might find on a mountain. The only cars I ever see shiny side down are 4WD. Saw a Subaru once, up in a tree, that was special. And yup, it was always in snowy and icy conditions.

Oh, and jumper cables. A new battery won't save you from accidental discharge. At least that's what she something,, something...

[javadog]

You might just do a little maintenance before you leave and not worry about it. Clean the battery, the posts and the cables, make sure the electrolyte levels are correct and give it a full charge.

I've had batteries last more than a dozen years, so 5 years is nothing.

JR

[dad911]

Optimas were good in the '90s, junk today. Do a search.

[porsche4life]

Originally Posted by look 171

I have one, used it to pump my tires and it started smoking. Went back for a new one and the second did the same after 3-4 month. Had one from Costo and it was ok but dead from sitting. I am thinking about taking it with me smoking or not.

Huh.... We've had several of them and never had any problems with them.

[red-beard]

Consider a LiFePo4 battery.