How Long Do Car Batteries Last?

[GalaxyX]

I'm sure you guys have had wonderful battery experiences.

On the other hand I've had Optima, A/C Delco, and Motomaster all die out. I've also had to help replace more than a dozen in friends vehicles (I'm the obligatory car-guy), some are failing one a season.

Going to the source - had 3 different parts suppliers tell me the same story: lots of battery returns in the last few years and they are quite annoyed by it.

...and no to the abuse of batteries. My cars live better than I do.

I have heard particularly with Optimas that they suck now. I think they moved manufacturing to Mexico and are now manufacturing them to lesser specs to save money.

I think in the end that's the bottom line, all these companies trying to save money by reducing the quality of their products.

I guess you're in Canada since you mention the "Canadian Tire Motomaster brand"

junk batteries. I hate them.

However, I've heard good things about Ford Motorcraft batteries. I've always had surprisingly good luck with anything Motorcraft I buy. Of course you do pay the premium for it.

 

[Captain Ice]

In fact, batteries in general are way better than they were 10 years ago. You just have to buy a quality brand.

I'm sure that helps, but I agree on the lesser quality of most current batteries. The only ones I have not known of problems with in recent years have been Die Hard Gold batteries.

I'm sure you guys have had wonderful battery experiences.

On the other hand I've had Optima, A/C Delco, and Motomaster all die out. I've also had to help replace more than a dozen in friends vehicles (I'm the obligatory car-guy), some are failing one a season.

Going to the source - had 3 different parts suppliers tell me the same story: lots of battery returns in the last few years and they are quite annoyed by it.

...and no to the abuse of batteries. My cars live better than I do.

Agreed, which is why I care more about the battery's warranty than I do about brand (other than to make sure it's not an off brand)

You have to admit though, that climate does have something to do with it. A battery that is not designed for the climate that you operate in won't have a long life. Batteries designed for the Northeast/Midwest last about a year here in the desert. Likewise, I would bet that batteries designed for the desert don't last long in New England.

 

[Ar-Pharazon]

It's been so long since I had to replace a battery. It was a Bosch, but I didn't keep that car long enough to form an opinion.