Ferrari Mailing List: Consumer Reports article on selecting replacement auto batteries

[Dennis Liu (bigheaddennis]

Pretty interesting.  I've always just bought replacement batteries from
Sears, Walmart or Costco, and haven't had any problems with them.

Vty,

--Dennis


Don't worry about wallet shock

It's not hard to find inexpensive, reliable auto batteries. But be sure to
consider your driving habits, the climate, and maintenance requirements.

By Consumer Reports  |  November 7, 2010

Inexpensive car batteries often perform as well as or better than those that
cost more than twice as much, Consumer Reports' latest tests show. EverStart
Maxx batteries, which cost just $75, were particularly impressive overall;
nine of them were CR Best Buys.

The tests, which include draining and recharging each battery 3,000 times,
testing their strength at freezing, and measuring how long they can maintain
their current under load, found other winners. They include Bosch batteries,
found at Pep Boys stores. Bosch is top-rated in two group sizes.

Sears Holdings, which markets DieHard batteries, recently moved some of its
production to a different manufacturer. Because of that, Consumer Reports
has removed seven DieHard models from its ratings. CR will test the new ones
as soon as they're available.

Tests also found that some absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries, such as
DieHard Platinum models, are top performers but can cost more than twice as
much as conventional batteries. They might not be worth the money for most
buyers. And a new group size, Group 48, was added to testing this year. It's
appearing more in European models and some General Motors cars.


How to choose
Your vehicle's owner's manual or an in-store fit guide can tell you the
right size battery for your car and whether it uses top- or side-mounted
terminals. The wrong battery size might not fit securely or provide
sufficient power to start your car, and battery cables might not reach if
the terminals are in the wrong place. Also take into account the following
factors and check Consumer Reports' ratings for the battery that best meets
your needs and budget.

Think about maintenance. Choose a maintenance-free battery if you don't want
the chores of checking electrolyte levels and adding distilled water. Many
batteries are completely sealed, and some offer comparable performance but
don't cost any more than models that require maintenance.

Consider your driving habits. Choose a car battery that scores well in
Consumer Reports' life testing. That's particularly important if you make a
lot of short trips, which don't allow much time for the electrical system to
recharge the battery.

Choose a battery for your climate. Extremely hot and cold climates are tough
on battery life. High temperatures increase corrosion of plates and vaporize
the electrolyte faster. Freezing temperatures can sap a battery's energy and
thicken motor oil, making it harder for a cold engine to turn over.

A handle is handy. The average weight of tested batteries is about 40
pounds. An attached plastic loop makes it easier to lift and carry the
battery if you install or remove it yourself.

Fresh is best. All batteries lose their strength over time, even when
they're just sitting on store shelves. Look for a battery that's no more
than six months old.

Dispose of your old battery safely. Batteries contain toxic lead and acid,
but they can be easily recycled. Some stores will install the new battery
and dispose of the old one free of charge.

Consumer Reports writes columns, reviews, and ratings on cars, appliances,
electronics, and other consumer goods. Previous stories can be found at
consumerreports.org.