What should I be looking for when I buy one? Is there such a thing a cheap being no good. Are there performance issues. Last year I replaced an Interstate with an $39 Exide. Could I have been given an incorect or bad battery. The alt & volt reg & grounds apprear good or new yet the battery overcharges at times, gives off a vapor/ wetness on the sides/through the seams. The battery is starting to make a mess of my car. Thanks in advance.


Joe
1968 base car, a/c, AM fact radio,

Back in 1998, I went with the Optima red top battery. I was very tired of leaking batteries damaging my tray, and the fact that the Optima will not leak acid even if the case is damaged sold me on it. The car cranks much better with the Optima, too.

I read somewhere that the charging system needs to be working properly with this battery since it has no provisions for adding water and it recharges more rapidly than traditional batteries.

I don't like Exides. I had one of their "gold" models before the Optima, and it leaked acid all over my new tray.

thank you- I'm finding that my charging system is fine. That battery has been nothing but a eye sore. The vapor or whatever it is leaks at times just enough to annoy the hell out me and repaint the tray. The water level stays right where it should be, so it doesn't 'over charge' by definition. Can the Optima[is that the maker?]explode since it is maintenance free?
Can I get it just about anywhere?price? thanks again.

Optimas are about $140.00, but you don't need one. If it's overcharging enough to create vapors and leak electrolyte, you have a problem with the charging system (most likely in the voltage regulator). Have a good auto electric shop dope it out and correct the root cause, or you'll just keep frying batteries. Once the cause is corrected, buy a good battery and put a "Battery Mat" under it.

------------------
JohnZ
'69 Z28 Fathom Green