dead batteries

5 year old set of batteries , are they on borrowed time? No problems as of today and they were load tested about a month ago. But winter is here......

 

60 months? I'd make arrangements before next winter to replace them. Just a matter of when now, not if. Heavy duty stuff like that, I just plan on 60 month outside window.

 

Yup it was guesswork alright, more like common sense!!

 

What's the best battery brand or which one would you recommend thx.

 

I'm not too picky about the brand. Everyone has specials every now and then, taking advantage of a sale is always nice. The biggest thing is getting batteries that are still somewhat fresh, and haven't been sitting in some parts warehouse forever. Check the manufacturing date code and try to get ones that are the newest as possible. (Ones that are on sale may be old stock, so buyer beware...) Bring a volt meter, and get measure the voltage. They may be down a bit, this is normal, but a 100% charged battery will have 12.6 volts. A discharged will only have about 11.8. So if you are looking at a new battery at the parts store, and it has a charge of only 10.5 volts, I would skip that one. I have changed enough batteries to say every brand fails.

 

Deka are the only ones still made in USA. Deka is a great company too. I've known several folks who worked there over the years.

NAPA sells Deka branded as their own. I just bought some for the truck and 1 for the car.