automotive batteries

[luvmyberetta]

I work on batteries for a living (big ol forklift batteries). I'd just have an auto parts store do a load test for you. Volts won't tell you as much as amps will. As far as adding water and acid, adding water is fine. Adding acid is putting a weak bandaid on it. The only time you should add acid is if any has spilled out. If the battery isn't leaking, then the acid is still in there, the water evaporates, the acid doesn't. Now the acid may be trapped inside the plates, which means the battery is sulfated and on its way out.
As far as new batteries go, is get a Deka, but I am a bit biased. Still great batteries though.

 

I didn't know they still made them. (Nobody sells them locally anymore) The longest lasting battery I've ever owned was a white Deka 1000, rated at 1,000 CA & 800 CCA. I used it in a '85 Ford Ranger V6 for 9 years & it was still in the truck & working 100% when I sold it. I'll have to look into finding another one for my van.

[satalac]

They're actually all over the place, just rebranded. I get mine from East Penn (Deka) in Madison, TN, but I'm not sure if they sell to walk in's. I would think they would though.

 

Edit* Here is where you can get them. Just put in your zip and it will pull up the closest dealer to you. Another reason that I like Deka is that they are completely made in the USA, from the plastic, to the lead and acid. Plus they can recycle 99% of the scrap battery. It's a impressive facility they have in Pennsylvania. 

Edited January 22, 2015 by satalac

[luvmyberetta]

They're actually all over the place, just rebranded. I get mine from East Penn (Deka) in Madison, TN, but I'm not sure if they sell to walk in's. I would think they would though.

 

Edit* Here is where you can get them. Just put in your zip and it will pull up the closest dealer to you. Another reason that I like Deka is that they are completely made in the USA, from the plastic, to the lead and acid. Plus they can recycle 99% of the scrap battery. It's a impressive facility they have in Pennsylvania. 

 

Holy crap! I just did a dealer search & the nearest one is 100 miles from me. :stunned:

[satalac]

Holy crap! I just did a dealer search & the nearest one is 100 miles from me. :stunned:

I'll check into who carries the rebranded Dekas. I know that several large auto parts stores carry them, I want to say O'Reilly at least. Save you the 100 mile drive ;)

[TSprint1]

They're actually all over the place, just rebranded. I get mine from East Penn (Deka) in Madison, TN, but I'm not sure if they sell to walk in's. I would think they would though.

 

Edit* Here is where you can get them. Just put in your zip and it will pull up the closest dealer to you. Another reason that I like Deka is that they are completely made in the USA, from the plastic, to the lead and acid. Plus they can recycle 99% of the scrap battery. It's a impressive facility they have in Pennsylvania. 

Yes, they do sell to walk in's.  Bought numerous batteries there:  Bass Boat, Tractors, Trucks, solar systems, etc.  Good batteries compared to what I have used

in recent years.

[Volphin]

LOL!  It says Alcoa is 58 miles from my zip.  It's actually 15.  WTH?

[jughead]

i think i have one for the books. all last winter when it got down in the 20s i had to boost my 82 dodge diesel to start in the morning.  12 volt draw on battery pulled fuses it really is a long story. outside lamp fuse was the problem. checked part of the circuits nothing. dome lite had been out for a year thought fix it. so help me all i did was replace the blown bulb and this winter it has started fine with out the normal diesel heater stuff. no voltage draw on battery????????