ACDelco battery vs. Interstate – are these the only options to get for your car?

When you take a peek into the world of car batteries, you will quickly realize that not all of them are the same. That makes it important to know what battery will be the best choice for you, and we are here to help through this comparison of the ACDelco vs. the Interstate battery.

When you are searching for a car battery, you definitely want something that fits your car perfectly, and also works well for your needs by delivering the correct amps.

As long as the amps are insufficient, the car cannot function during cold weather and extreme conditions; and it is always when your car battery is weak that you begin to notice the importance of a good battery.

This brings us to the comparison review of two seemingly similar brands, the ACDelco and the Interstate. You might wonder whether they are worth a try, especially because you might not know them very well if this is your first time entering the car battery business; but it is worth keeping an eye on, for the sake of getting a good quality battery. Read n for our review of these two brands, and see which one fits your needs better.

What are the differences between the ACDelco and the Interstate?

Battery	ACDelco	Interstate
CCA rating ranges	800	900 to 1000
Light indicator present	No	Yes
	Check here	Check here

ACDelco vs. Interstate – How they compare

Cycle life limits

The specific models of each battery will really determine the cycle life, although the difference is not that much. The ACDelco has plenty of AGM batteries, as well as the sealed lead-acid options, and the SLA has lower cycle life capability than the AGM types of the Interstate because they are not a deep cycling option.

If you need a deep cycling battery in the ACDelco line, you will need to check for the specifics to make sure that it can handle your requirements; such as the CCA rating, reserve capacity, and the design of the battery itself.

Light Indicators

All Interstate batteries have a distinct feature about them: the use of a light indicator, which you will not find in the ACDelco.

The lights serve as a way of letting you know the charge reserve levels, whether the battery is charging or not, and whether the battery is full. This ultimately will also reduce the chances of overcharging, as you can quickly tell the state of your battery at a glance.

Lifespan of the battery

These two battery brands have similar battery lifespans for their models, but this is slightly different due to the discharge rates. The Interstate tends to discharge faster than the ACDelco, which makes it a better option for short-distance use compared to the latter.

ACDelco vs. Interstate – A comparison review

ACDelco – Overview and key features

The manufacturer behind this product, ACDelco, has continuously led the way in the automotive industry, and they have been doing it for a very long time; over a century, to be exact.

In the minds of many, the manufacturer is closely related to GM, because they mare in the business of making OEM parts that are specifically for GM cars. Even though they make plenty of aftermarket parts, these are usually meant to exceed or meet the specs of the manufacturer – and this also applies to their batteries, such as this one.

The ACDelco batteries are primarily meant for a GM car, so they will be great if you own one. However, they also rank as some of the best options in terms of the value of service they provide, and work well if you are on a tight budget and cannot afford more expensive options like the Optima.

Among their best features is the standard design that all their batteries have, which is not something you will notice in other brands. Because of this, the consistency you will find for each battery is solid and reliable – that is likely also why GMM selected the company to make their primary aftermarket products.

Some of these standard design features include:

• The enveloped separator that works to prevent punctures
• Vented caps, which will eliminate the chances of leakages
• A completely framed positive grid
• Integrated handle that makes your handling easier
• Formulation of a negative paste
• An intercell weld that incorporates sodium of low porosity
• An alloy made from calcium/tin
• 100% short testing and 100% pressure testing to ensure their quality

The batteries are quite heavy though, and the packaging might be questionable in some cases (unless you buy it from the original dealers), which is disappointing considering their quality is not that bad.

However, this might not be considered as the worst deal, especially if you want a higher-end battery that is not too pricey. Their warranties are also excellent, which is a major plus because it shows that the company believes in their product.

There are several models you can look into when checking out the variety of ACDelco offers. They include:

ACDelco Batteries

ACDelco 94RAGM Professional group 94R battery

This stands out among the pack due to its high-density negative paste, which enhances the overall performance and life of the battery.

It also features improved life alloys as well as calcium-silver to improve its cycle life and performance. It comes with an impressive 800 CCA and 80A hours of energy.

ACDelco 78AGM ACDB24R battery

This is among the best options for heavy machinery, as well as trucks. Many reviewers also state it lasts them long after the stated expiration date, and this is due to the enhanced allow as well as the high-density negative paste. Its improved circulation will also prevent the battery from overheating, and will improve its lifespan.

ACDelco ACDB24R automotive battery

Thanks to the durability and high power this battery provides, you will not need to worry much about its maintenance. It employs an AGM design, which will stop any chances of the acid spilling, and the addition valve-regulated gas-recombinant technology keeps it running for a long time. This technology will also prevent the battery from drying out.

What we like

• Great quality of battery and very durable
• Long service life
• Good fitting of terminals
• Easy to mount, use and recharge
• Long warranty
• Very affordable

What we do not like

• It is bulkier than other options
• Packaging is not the best in many case

What can you see with the ACDelco battery?

• A warranty of 3 years (for replacements)
• Alloy of tin and calcium to enhance battery service life
• Envelope separator that resists punctures
• Intercell welding of high quality
• Improvements in performance and life cycle

Interstate battery – Overview and key features

Like the ACDelco brand, Interstate batteries are famous in their own right because of their high performance ratings, as well as their high-quality batteries.

They also have a long history of existence, which dates back to the 1950s, and they have a good repute when it comes to their quality of service and the range of products the company has.

You will also notice when looking at their specs, that they have an average CCA rating of 800 to 1000, while their total cranking amps range between 900 and 1000.

This makes their power output larger than very many brands – including the ACDelco. However, their quality is not as consistent, since the ACDelco beats them out in some aspects.

Some of the models of their batteries that you can get include:

SLA 1055 5Ah Interstate battery

The acronym SLA means Sealed Lead-Acid, and they are very common in recent times as the technology of car batteries improves.

They are great options if you want a maintenance-free design, because the electrolyte is sealed inside a mat that contains fiberglass, an absorbent material.

The result is a battery that does not need additional water, and is safe enough to operate near sensitive equipment. It also has a leak-free design, and will use CC/CV (constant voltage/constant current) recharging mechanism.

Interstate deep cycle DCM0035 12V battery

Deep cycle batteries are quite old and were seen as improved variations of the standard battery due to their capacity to withstand damage from deep discharge. This model is a good option if you require a battery that can comfortably handle your trolling motor (especially if it is a small one), since it is portable and small enough for easy movement. It also comes at a weight of 23 lbs.

Interstate CTR internal battery

This is probably the best Interstate battery in the realm of durability, as long as you top it off occasionally. It has a 10A amperage, and this makes it strong enough to last twice as long as a traditional car battery (these have an amperage of 5A). It will also come encased in a hard shell made of plastic, and you can use it to recharge your fire and alarm systems at home.

Interstate 35Ah SLA battery

This is also a sealed lead-acid type, and will have a long lifespan that helps it withstand the damage from deep discharge use. It also has a high quality to its build, which makes it great as a long lasting option.

What we like

• Portable, and the design is compact
• They give reliable service because they do not discharge much
• They are relatively affordable
• Exterior is durable and thick
• Easy to mount and maintain

What we do not like

• Warranty terms are unclear in some cases
• Some of the batteries are poor quality

What can you see with the Interstate battery?

• Regardless of the position you use them in, they are easy to dismount and mount
• Use of AGM technology in most models, while others use sealed-lead acid designs
• The exterior can handle scratches and bumps due to hard plastic
• Compact in size

Verdict

So which is the winner? The ACDelco or the Interstate?

Both the ACDelco and the Interstate are good in some areas, and not that great in others. However, we must make a choice in favor of one of them: and for that, we choose the ACDelco – a budget friendly option, yet still retains the quality of service and build you would expect from the top car battery brands.

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible for car batteries to freeze in very cold temperatures?

This will depend on whether the battery is completely full or partially full. If it is in a partially discharged state, the freezing of the electrolyte in the battery is entirely possible, but it will have low chances of freezing if it is completely full.

Additionally, the freezing rate will also vary according to the level of discharging; for instance, the electrolyte will freeze at 16^OF when the electrolyte level is 40%., while a full battery will freeze when the temperature is at -92^OF.

How can I know the state of battery charge in my battery?

You can find out its state of charge through measuring the gravity levels of the electrolyte, which you do using a hygrometer. The voltage of the battery will also indicate the charge levels when you measure it in open circuit conditions, and you use a voltmeter to measure it.

In order to increase the accuracy of the voltage reading, it is always advisable to allow the battery to rest for some time, and let the voltage stabilize first.

Why can’t I get an AGM or gel battery supplied with my car model?

The reason is simple: both AGM and gel batteries (and any deep cycling battery) are very expensive to produce (although the AGM batteries are cheaper to produce), which makes their price expensive.

You will need to purchase them separately if you need them, since manufacturers prefer installing a more affordable option instead of increasing the manufacturing cost. However, it is possible to get these battery types with more expensive cars.

If I have an RV, what is the best battery type to use?

This will depend on the power consumption you use, as well as the space you are working with (in the engine) and your budget. As a general rule, it is not good to use lead-acid batteries because of safety concerns and the short operation life, especially for cases of deep discharge – which are very common in RVs.