Are Optima Batteries Worth the Extra Cost
Optima batteries are a landmark in the aftermarket automotive world. This battery has always been known as a higher quality battery and wanted by many. But is this battery still the same battery it was years ago, an even better question.
Are Optima batteries worth the extra cost still? Yes, Optima batteries are always worth the additional cost. Due to Optima batteries being able to last twice as long as a flooded battery. This battery will save the vehicle owner money in the long run by not needing to replace their vehicle’s battery every two years.
Knowing this can put your mind at ease, but let’s look further into this. This way we can better understand why we are spending this amount of money on an Optima battery.
Why do Optima batteries cost more than ordinary batteries?
All batteries are different in their own way, but most automotive batteries are either flooded batteries or AGM batteries.
AGM batteries mean absorbed glass mat, this means unlike and their 
flooded counterparts. The AGM battery does not run the risk of leaking battery acid out into your engine bay, or interior of your vehicle.
By being an AGM instead of a flooded battery, Optima batteries are more resistant to vibration and movement. Optima is one company that can say that they use 99.99% pure lead in their batteries, which is why their batteries last twice as long as their competitors.
With newer vehicles being very particular on how much voltage they receive for their electronics, having a reliable battery is vital to the operation of your car.
Knowing your battery will last longer should give you peace of mind. With the battery location in most newer vehicles becoming more difficult to access.
Optima batteries are known for their rare design, using the AGM technology with a cylindrical shape. The design is what everyone in the automotive world knows this battery.
You can forget the name of the battery, but as soon as you say, you know the circle battery thing, people know precisely the battery you are describing.
Talk about amazing marketing! Optima batteries Spiralcell Technology and the 99.99% lead that they use are a vital ingredient to Optima battery’s long lifespan.
So this is why Optima batteries cost more than their competitors, but how does an AGM battery work?
Prevent yourself from being stranded on the highway with an overheated vehicle. Here’s my article on How often should I replace my car’s thermostat?
What is AGM coil technology?
AGM batteries or Absorbent Glass Mat batteries keep their battery sealed and enclosed to make it a maintenance-free battery atmosphere inside itself. With the negative plates compressed tighter, these batteries can charge quicker than its competitors.
By doing so, it can keep a charge longer and answer all of those higher power demands newer vehicles need. Whether it is an extensive audio system or multiple onboarding electronic features like DVD systems, heated seats, and GPS systems.
This battery is the answer to our high power needs. The battery is built by using stronger cases, and the negative paste can accept a charge faster. All of this, while the positive paste in the battery improves cycling performance for the higher accessory applications that were previously named.
The separators are made our of glass microfibers so it can soak up the battery acid. This way, you do not have to worry about a spill. It also gives the battery the capability to be installed anywhere in the vehicle.
By doing this, less waste is created when making this type of battery with manufacturers. Keeping the plates inside the battery will increase the reliability of the battery, increasing its lifespan, and increasing its resistance against vibration as well.
Here is the link to Amazon to see the present-day pricing on an Optima Battery.
Is an AGM battery better for my vehicle?
Yes, an AGM battery is going to be better for your vehicle due to how it is made. As stated before newer vehicles need a high power supply to deliver the power requirements their systems require.
Gone are the days that your vehicle will still start with a lower battery charge. Each function in a new car requires a different amount of voltage to be able to operate correctly.
It used to be that your vehicle would start if your battery were at 11 volts instead of the factory 12.6 volts roughly as per Autobatteries.com research. With newer vehicles, your car might power on, but it will not start due to the fuel system requiring a higher amount of power needed.
This is a great example and shows that newer vehicles would operate much better on an AGM battery instead of a flooded battery, as shown in this article by Battery University. Also, if your flooded battery dies, the first thing someone thinks is to jumpstart the battery back to life.
Jumpstarting can be fatal to a newer vehicle due to the increased amount of sensitive electronics that are in the car, so be careful to jumpstart your vehicle correctly.
It is always vital to keep your vehicle running strong for you for years to come. Check out my article highlighting the 12 Crucial Maintenance Things to Check on your car to keep your vehicle running strong for you!
How long do Optima batteries last for?
Optima batteries are known for their long lifespan and high price tag. But the lifespan of Optima batteries used to be around ten years.
The lifespan can range between six and eight years. How many years the battery lasts all depends on the amount of use and how they are stored. Since their buyout by Johnson Controls, which is one of the largest battery manufacturers in the world, Optima batteries were moved to Mexico.
In the year 2000, when Johnson Controls purchased Optima Batteries, they started manufacturing this line of batteries in Mexico to save on overhead.
If you ask an old gearhead about the move, they would state that the Optima Battery is now much weaker. Weaker than what they used to be due to cheaper made parts.
But in realization, the Optima battery still lasts twice as long as its flooded competitors and still holds firm to provide their owner years of battery reliability.
Do Optima batteries have a warranty?
Yes, Optima Batteries do have a three-year warranty. To be able to use this warranty, you need to supply the original sales receipt for the battery. This way, the company can tell which day you purchase the battery and what price he paid for it.
The warranty is considered a limited warranty due to it only covering the original purchaser of the battery. Also, there are some limitations to the warranty that would exclude the company from needing to replace the battery.
These limitations would include but not limited to improper or abusive overcharging of batteries, destruction by wind and water, and a few other restrictions as well.
This warranty would be included in your purchase of the battery, and in the end, this battery sums up to be a great performing battery.
I know I am already looking at purchasing one for our Chrysler Town and Country. We need it due to the high power needs my family, and I have while we are traveling.
Have you ever wondered why the auto parts store wants to sell you the more expensive brake pads? Check out my article on the six reasons why you should pay more for your brake pads; you might be surprised!
What is the difference between the Optima battery colors?
Red- starting battery only and has 1,000 cranking amps to it. Vibration resistant and excellent for off-road applications. This model comes with top and side posts.
Yellow- This battery is excellent for starting and cycling, excellent for sound systems, light bars, and vehicles that require an abundant power supply.
Blue- starting and cycling battery for marine and RV vehicles. This model comes with thread posts and slide posts for multiple applications.
Remember, when it comes to the best charging practice for these batteries 
that they are a deep cycle. So the best way to keep them maintained outside of the alternator charging them is using a deep cycle charge.
Make sure your battery charger has an AGM option on it. Slow charge with a low amperage is the best way to drip charge these batteries to full capacity.
AGM batteries are fantastic in cold climates due to their resistance to freezing, unlike their flooded competitors.
Here is the link to Amazon to see the present-day pricing on an Optima Battery.
Features
Red Top
1000 CA 800 CCA
Yellow Top
870 CA 750 CCA
Blue Top
870 CA 750 CCA
In conclusion
I don’t know about you, but I see that Optima Batteries even though manufacturing has moved locations, Optima themselves as a battery has not. They are still one of the best batteries you can have that is offered on the market right now. Even with their lifespan changing, the battery itself again outlasts numerous competitors.
I know I will be getting one for my family’s vehicle, especially for those long road trips. So if you are looking for a great battery that will give you the performance energy source.
A great energy source for your sound wall, dragster, bogger, boat, or other vehicle has always CRAVED. Then now you know where they can find it! In a cylindrical energy spiral known as Optima Batteries that are definitely worth the money.
Here is the link to Amazon to see the present-day pricing on an Optima Battery.
Thank you for reading my article! I hope you enjoyed it and learned more about the Optima battery product line. Check out my Youtube channel and subscribe for more DIY Auto repair and flipping cars for profit videos! Thank you again, and I hope you enjoy my next piece!
