Car wouldn't start - low 12v battery? Need recommendations

Optima battery bad "again" | PriusChat

Optima Yellow Top Battery Replacement | PriusChat

Odd (and alarming) failure mode of Optima 12V battery | PriusChat

Optima Yellow top - short life - Drive Accord Honda Forums

Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Optima Batteries 8171-767 (DS46B24R) YellowTop Prius Battery

Some of the above links will start you midstream in the strings. Take the time to read the entire string of all five posts.

Reviews are mixed on all the batteries out there, and everyone has their own opinion concerning quality and life time of said batteries. I myself prefer the OEM battery. I am a OEM type person. OEM parts are designed for the vehicle as it was originally produced and manufactured.

Ron

 

What I have learned over the years here at PC and else where is that Amp Hour capacity does matter in how long the battery lasts. The higher the capacity the lower the % DoD (Depth of Discharge), hence a longer lifespan for the battery.

 

How did you arrive at that "average" ?

A "good" AGM type battery should last beyond 5 years; maybe well beyond if they are not abused.
The main reason for that is that they do NOT suffer from sulfation nearly as much as a conventional wet cell type.

I mostly agree with that but there are exceptions.
Some "parts" in a new car are chosen because they are the least expensive available.....I.E. lowest bidder.
I think that is usually the case with 12 V batteries.

 

Another item I've read when making my decision to select a replacement for my oem Yuasa (Exide) battery.

http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/06/10/exide-a-big-maker-of-car-batteries-files-for-bankruptcy/

I would have gone with the Exide if I could put my hands on a charged recently made one here, but they were old dusty and sitting around with low levels when I checked with my multi meter.

So I saved sales taxes and ordered an Optima online. They are easy to install in Gen 3's.

Roland

 

Plenty of sites that discuss average lifetime of wet cell type batteries. Google is your friend...

Here is one example of many sites found concerning "average life"...

Battery Basics: A Layman's Guide to Batte | BatteryStuff Articles

 

OK so my real objection here is the broad generalization that the word "ANY" conveys.
Your statement take literally is not true.
The average life of a good AGM is much longer......as is, I believe, that of a gel battery too.
And then there are the newer Lithium based ones which don't have a track record yet.

If you had said that is the average lifetime of a conventional flooded wet cell battery in vehicle use, I would not have commented.

 

OEM it is and thanks for the info on hooking up 12 volt at jump post.

 

So the OEM battery is made by Yuasa now? Never heard of these guys before. I thought my car came with a Panasonic.

 

I have the same question as the last post. Is the OEM battery made by GS Yuasa? Will I get this brand if I go into the dealer today? If so, I read different story's on what the warranty is for this brand. Looking to get a new battery soon before I have issues (like when I'm on a road trip). I guess it would also be a smart move to test it before I leave the dealership.

I think I'm out on an Optima. It was the best battery on the market at one time. On my truck forum I read that the quality really went down when they began to manufacture them in Mexico.

 

yes, the oem replacement is yuasa. i believe they have a good warranty, you can ask before purchasing. and yes, the optima seems to have gone downhill unfortunately.

 

Does anyone have an objection to this Varta battery size and why if any? Products | Start-Stop | Start-Stop Plus | 560 901 068 | VARTA

I think it is similar to the optima and should have no problem fitting in the battery bay. It sells for $165. Thanks in advance.

 

interesting. i can't find them in the u.s.

 

Sorry I did not mention, this is sold in Europe.

 

you're in midwest eu?

 

Does it matter where I am,from,at,when,where? What does any of this have to do with "if this battery would be ok with the prius"

For your curiosity, I'm from the Midwest yes, but the car has traveled the world and is currently in need of a battery replacement somewhere in south eastern Europe.. by next week when I get to hug it again.