Comparing Duralast and Interstate Batteries
You have a fine car sitting in your garage, which is a sense of pride because you spent your hard-earned money on it. But one fine morning, the car stops responding and leaves you wondering is gone wrong with it, what you did wrong, and many other questions – and the simple answer is that you bought the wrong battery.
Not anymore, though, especially after reading this review of the Duralast vs Interstate batteries. If this is an experience that you are familiar with, you do not need to feel pressured anymore.
You are not alone either; even dedicated drivers will hardly focus on the car battery until the unfortunate incident of its failing, preferring to focus on making the other aspects of their car look good. Remember that changing car batteries is normal, and you will do it at least once or twice throughout the car's life cycle.
The causes of batteries breaking down are diverse; some will wear out because of repetitive discharging and recharging, while others get old.
Even though you do your best to keep the battery in good condition, it will eventually end up dead at some point – however, choosing the best quality batteries will slow down the rate at which the battery breaks down.
This brings us to this article, comparing two battery brands that are both quite famous in their own right, and are quite similar in their approach, but still slightly different – the Duralast vs. Interstate.
Duralast vs Interstate Batteries
Battery Life
Regarding battery life, many models here will vary significantly, and some will hold their charge better than others. The Interstate batteries are a better option though, as they are more reliable and have a lower discharge rate, compared to the Duralast batteries.
Charging Periods
As we have mentioned earlier, the Duralast batteries have issues with reliability when it comes to most of their models. However, there is some good news: they recharge faster than other models, even when you compare them to Interstate.
The reason behind this is not as clear, although it might be because the Duralast has a smaller storage capacity (except for the Heavy-duty and marine batteries), in contrast to the Interstate which has a larger storage capacity and charges slower.
Light Indicators
The Interstate batteries have a unique feature you will not notice in Duralast batteries or those of other brands: light indicators.
These are meant to show you the charge that the batteries are currently holding, let you know when the battery is charging and prevent unfortunate instances of overcharging.
The Duralast Battery – Overview and Key Features
You might wonder whether Duralast is a viable option for consumers or whether there is a difference between the components comprising a Duralast battery – especially whether it is platinum, gold, or silver.
The truth though is that not all batteries from this company are consistently good, which is a major problem that we have and a complaint many consumers also have.
The only problem is that you can only purchase their batteries from their official website and selected dealers, so availability is not as much as with other battery brands.
All their batteries will share certain features in common though, and these include:
Solid framework – the batteries incorporate polypropylene construction that is resistant to impact. This allows it to reduce possible damage because of vibration. Moreover, the in-class vent mechanism will ensure that gases in the system will vent away and reduce corrosion and leaks. Other than that, the welding system and heavy-duty strap will help avoid premature failure.
Amps – the Duralast battery will give you reserve capacities and cold-cranking amps that are enough to support your engine and reduce cases of shorts.
Pasting – the batteries have a specific design that will incorporate high-density paste. This will boost the cycling performance, even if the plates are of the traditional low-density type.
There Are Three Selections to Choose From:
Duralast Tough
This is among the toughest options to get, as its extreme bond which is due to the high-density paste formula goes a long way to improving the long-term performance of the battery. It also comes with a free replacement 2-year warranty.
Duralast Gold
This one is for the cranking amps when you need them. The combination of the CCAs and the reserve capacity ratings is great for meeting or exceeding the original specifications of your car.
Thanks to the maximum number of grids and plates, it will also maximize the car engine's start-up and comes with a free replacement 3-year warranty.
Duralast Platinum
This battery comes in the form of an AGM design, which will provide deep cycle abilities, plenty of starting power, and improved technology for cars with high-power consumption accessories.
Like the Duralast Gold, it also comes with a free replacement 3-year warranty and additionally includes more cycles, faster recharging, and two times higher cycle life compared to traditional batteries.
Duralast Lawn & Garden
This one has a CCA rating of 250 and is maintenance-free and consistent. Its design includes a computer-controlled formation to improve performance, while the enveloped separators will improve battery life and eliminate shorts.
Duralast Gold Lawn & Garden
This line of models is similar to the previous one, although the CCA rating is 350. Its design promotes easier installation, extended life, and protection from vibration.
Duralast Marine
When you need a battery to handle RV and marine environments, this is probably what you should look for. It has sufficient vibration resistance, deep cycling abilities, cold cranking amps, and reserve capacity to handle intense RVs and marine scenarios.
Its design also includes a fully framed manufacturing technology that produces power grids, improving optimal performance by increasing efficiency.
Duralast Power Sport
The making of this line incorporates the highest OE standards, which increase cranking power and reliability. It functions similarly to an AGM battery, as it is spill-proof and completely sealed, with no need to check the acid levels.
Duralast Gold Power Sport
This is unique among the other offerings on this list. Since it uses high-density oxide, you can get a dependable high-cycling service, while the AGM design incorporates special microfiber separators that absorb the electrolytes.
Duralast Heavy Duty
This one comes with a power grid that works for any demanding RC and CCA of your equipment. Its superior operation will give you plenty of benefits for both off- and on-road conditions. The only thing we do not like about it is the 1-year warranty, which we consider too short.
What we like
- It is maintenance-free (for the most part)
- Fits a variety of cars and needs
- Dependable and reliable
- Durable build
What we do not like
- It is difficult to reach customer service
- Have a lot of issues with battery durability (especially after a year of use)
- Not easy to find the batteries on common e-commerce sites
What Do You See with The Duralast Battery?
- Most of the models are good for deep cycling and maximum starting power
- Feature greater resistance to vibration, and improved durability
- Non-spill design for a maintenance-free experience
- Accessories are plenty for greater power
- Faster recharge and more cycles
The Interstate Battery – Overview and Key Features
Thanks to its strong performance and build reputation, the Interstate battery is among America’s most popular brands.
They aim to serve a variety of size requirements that will serve any size of the automobile. The company has its headquarters in Dallas, and they also happen to be among the oldest battery makers in the industry.
You will notice that the Interstate batteries usually have an average CCA of 800 cold cranking amps and an average CA total of 1000 cranking amps, while the Duralast, even though the information is not as readily available, has 720 cold cranking amps and 910 cranking amps range total, which makes them slightly similar in their power output.
The batteries in the company include garden, automobile, motorcycle, marine/RV, lawn, and other options in the SLI market. Like the Duralast, you can find several models available in their range, and these include:
Interstate DCM0035 Deep Cycle Battery
The use of deep-cycle batteries will not go away any time soon, as they are highly versatile and can lend themselves to various uses – even those that do not involve cars.
If you want a portable, compact battery for use in a trolling motor, this is among the best choices to go for. It weighs 23 pounds and packs enough punch to rev a trolling motor for some hours without stopping.
Interstate SLA1055 5AH
About This Battery
- Genuine Interstate Batteries 12v 5ah battery sealed lead acid; backed by a 12-month warranty
- Interstate 12v batteries utilize VRLA technology to eliminate spills and overpressure
- Great replacement 12-volt battery uses include home security systems, push mowers, electric mowers, Murray riding lawnmowers, burglar alarm batteries, and more
- Rechargeable 12v battery, Maintenance-free and spill-proof because of the VRLA (valve regulated) technology that eliminates spills and overpressure.
- Universal Fit: Works as a 12v 4ah battery. Uses: garage door battery backup, alarm battery 12v 5ah
This uses the design known as ‘sealed-lead acid’, also called valve-regulated. This means that the electrolyte is bound within absorbent mats, which comprise of fiberglass.
Their main benefit is that you do not need to add water to them for maintenance, and you can operate them in any position.
Interstate All-Battery 6v Internal Battery
About This Battery
- Replacement battery for many Baxter Healthcare products, Astralite products, Criticare System products, Dual-Lite products, Emergi-lite products, Impact Medical products, and more
- Always check the manufacturer spec and ensure this battery's voltage and Ah ratings match your OEM specs.
- Genuine Interstate Batteries 6 volt 4.5 ah sealed lead acid battery backed by a 12-month warranty.
- Replacement battery for many Baxter Healthcare products, Astralite products, Criticare System products, Dual-Lite products, Emergi-lite products, Impact Medical products, and more. Always check the manufacturer spec and ensure this battery's voltage and Ah ratings match your OEM specs.
- Great replacement for the ExpertPower EXP645. Also used in power wheel 6v applications, some Coleman quick pumps, some searchlights and flashlights, kid power riding toys, and more
This model is among the best in terms of durable choices – as long as you do the occasional task of topping it off. They will also give you twice-as-long service; you can even use it to recharge your fire and burglar alarm systems to increase your security.
What we like
- Quite easy to reach customer service
- Very fair pricing range and affordable
- Among the best battery options, you can find
- Easy to mount, use, and maintain
What we do not like
- The warranty period is only verbal
- The product can have issues with durability
What Can You See with The Interstate Battery?
- Easy to dismount and mount in various positions
- Compact design
- Portable
- The main technology in use is the AGM
- Hard plastic exterior of batteries
Verdict: So Which Is the Winner? the Duralast or The Interstate?
You might not see much difference between these two options, because both heavily rely on AGM technology. However, for the sake of availability and battery quality, the Interstate is a much better option – considering that many users have complained about Duralast batteries and their durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
The battery is a very important product in your car and as such needs to be looked after to ensure your car gets your from A to B. If you fit the wrong battery or a battery not powerful enough for the job you will have issues within 6 months of fitting it.
