My `03 cummins is fixing to need 2 new batteries. Where would be the best place to start looking (brand and price).These will be 7 years old next week so I can`t complain, but I could tell today that they are getting weak for the first time.Thanks in advance.

 

Sears has some very good high-end batteries.

 

Every couple of years, Consumer Reports does a battery test. Diehard, Interstate, and AutoZone always are the top 3.

I go to Autozone for all my batteries, because they're well priced, and easy to get a warrenty replacement if I'm out of town. That has never happened, but it could.

Optima never makes the top 5. Not because they're not as good as the top three, but considerably more expensive.

 

I believe Deka Batteries make the batteries for Autozone. I go to the factory and get seconds. If you go to their site http://www.dekabatteries.com/ you can find a place close that carries them. If you can't find a place locally call them and ask. Keith

 

I'll never buy a regular lead acid battery again because I don't like dealing with corrosion.
Get a gel cell or mat type battery such as a Optima redtop and you'll never have one bit of corrosion. Worth the extra cost in my book.

I replaced a set of redtops in my 3500 last summer, they were 12 years old...

 

AC Delco batteries were right up there with DieHard and AutoZone in the Consumer Reports comparison, which is what I went with. 65-7YR is what fits our trucks.

 

Sears Diehard Platinum. (made by Odyssey). Check both sites. Should get better price and warranty from sears. They're not cheap. But what is for these trucks.

 

If you can...try Costco. I've heard good results but that was after buying another set of AutoZone Gold last week. Make sure you keep the receipt and have the warranty info completed with whomever you purch from.

 

Optima batts... The way to go...
More expensive? yes...
Sealed jelly-roll construction, AGM (absorbed glass mat) and pure unalloyed lead plates.
(No more acid etched pitting on my fender paint from spewing sulphuric mist from the former "super-duper giga krank" major brand wet cell batts as they died.)
Optima's don't last forever, but they do last a long time.
Odyssey uses spiral wound technology too...
I wouldn't turn my nose up at a pair of them either if you can get a decent price break -vs- the other.

A pair does hurt the pocket up-front, but if they last extra long and don't leave ugly tracks down my fenders as they die, I call it a wash..

 

I have had Optima red tops for two years, no problems.

Look at the consumer reports. That is the best info I can give you. Look for something with a five year warranty.

 

Another vote for the Sear Diehard Platinums.

MikeyB

 

i got my pair of optima redtops cheap at costco but next time its Sears Diehard Platinum, Odyssey are military grade batteries.

 

Always liked Diehards. I've used them for the last 30 yrs and once I bought one took it home and installed it wrong (I was 17) a week later it had worn a hole in the case and drained a cell. I took the whole car to sears and they replaced the battery and did the install FREE. I may have just been lucky but hey, It's my story and I'm sticking to it.
I have a Red Top in my jeep but I figure it's more likely to be put at wierd angles than my truck.

 

Wally World batteries are also well recoommended by CR, but not always at the top. I have used their batteries for 20 years, no complaints. They have good warranties and Walmart is almost everywhere. I believe they give you the most bang for the buck. There is something to be said for sealed batties that came with the truck, but I am not sure of a value source.
All my batterries in 3 vehicles are lead acid. I put anti corrosion washers in spray on all of them. They require some attention and cleaning, but not much.

 

You can't always assume the brand that was great 10 years ago still is.
With all the price competition and mergers what the three battery companies left in the US do now is use lead that is less and less pure.
Lead purity percentage is directly correlated with the battery price.
My understanding is Odyssey is the only company that uses pure lead now.
You pay for it though.