Optima batteries

[xu5]

I am looking at getting an AGM battery as I like the idea of not having acid venting or oozing into my engine bay.

Who uses Optima batteries. I am looking at a yellow top but would like to hear from people have used them are they reliable?

Thanks.

[fatjon]

had red top for 10 years on a car that gets laid up for winter every year, still working.

[E-bmw]

In 40+ years of motoring I have never witnessed any signs of acid either oozing or venting in my engine bay.

[QJumper]

AGM batteries are usually only used when fitted into a rear that's not separated from the passenger compartment, like some SUVs, so that it doesn't spill inside if the car rolls over. Not really a concern if the battery is in the engine bay.

Optima have a good reputation if that's what you really want, but it's an unnecessary expense in my opinion.

[SAS Tom]

E-bmw said:

In 40+ years of motoring I have never witnessed any signs of acid either oozing or venting in my engine bay.

I have in an MX5. A fair bit of acid in the boot where the battery is.

[Scrump]

QJumper said:

AGM batteries are usually only used when fitted into a rear that's not separated from the passenger compartment, like some SUVs, so that it doesn't spill inside if the car rolls over. Not really a concern if the battery is in the engine bay.

Optima have a good reputation if that's what you really want, but it's an unnecessary expense in my opinion.

I have cars with the battery in the engine bay which are specified as AGM from new. None of them have been treated to Optima, when I have had to replace the battery I have fitted Bosch or Yuasa AGM batteries.

[mmm-five]

E-bmw said:

In 40+ years of motoring I have never witnessed any signs of acid either oozing or venting in my engine bay.

Not in my engine bay, but under the rear seat of my e34 when the alternator (well the broken voltage regulator) started over-charging the battery.

Drove for about 50 miles into a 250 mile journey with a strange odour coming from somewhere and so lowered the windows, and it wasn't until the battery completely died that I stopped to check.

OE battery was swollen and there was a crystalline residue around the battery terminals and on the bottom of the battery tray.

Called breakdown who fitted a new battery, and supposedly checked the charging circuit...and waited a couple of hours for the car to become clear of fumes.

Less than an hour later and the new one was spewing fumes...so completed my journey with all the windows down. Got home to a similar looking battery. Took it to a local auto-electrician who diagnosed the voltage regulator, so did a full rebuild including a couple of diodes and brushes.

But that's all, in 30+ years (of course had other battery/alternator issues, but nothing as bad).

Edited by mmm-five on Thursday 16th February 12:28

[xu5]

Thanks for the replies all.

My terminals are starting to show the first signs of acid residue so I think it is time for a new battery.

As I say AGM appeals due to no worry of corrosive nasties escaping and supposedly longer lifespan.

Whilst researching I came across some people saying Optima batteries reliability had suffered since moving factories from USA to Mexico, I think this was back in 2009 though so could very much be out of date information.

[camel_landy]

I've had a number of red-tops and they've been fine. However, I've had problems with yellow tops and Optima were worse than useless, when trying to deal with them... I switched to Odyssey instead, for a while and now I've gone back to regular lead/acid.

M

Edited by camel_landy on Thursday 16th February 20:57

[Huff]

Scrump said:

when I have had to replace the battery I have fitted Bosch or Yuasa AGM batteries.

This. Never had an issue with either.

[Belle427]

I killed one years ago letting it sit too long between charges but that's my fault.
Odessey batteries are worth a look too.

[Chris32345]

xu5 said:

Thanks for the replies all.

My terminals are starting to show the first signs of acid residue so I think it is time for a new battery.

As I say AGM appeals due to no worry of corrosive nasties escaping and supposedly longer lifespan.

Whilst researching I came across some people saying Optima batteries reliability had suffered since moving factories from USA to Mexico, I think this was back in 2009 though so could very much be out of date information.

Acid issues?


More likely to be corrosion from the hydrogen gas it's highly corrosive