Choosing The Right Optima Car Battery
Optima car batteries are the perfect start applications in a car engine that requires high amperage outputs in short bursts. However, what aids many car owners is how long these batteries last. Although there is no exact lifespan, several factors determine how long your Optima battery lasts.
Since Optima batteries are costlier, you might be concerned about how you can elongate their lifespan and save on battery costs. If these are your worries, then you are in a safe place. This article will summarize Optima batteries, types, and what affects their lifespan.
Optima Battery Overview
Over the past four decades, Optima batteries have been the ultimate power source for cars, trucks, SUVs, commercial vehicles, and boats.
Thus, it is normal for any automobile user to discern an Optima battery over other battery types. It remains the only battery to feature spiralcell technology, thus giving each battery a unique form and shape.
Optima batteries are not preferred for their vibrant colors and shapes, but also their unique SpiralCell Technology. This technology offers enough area with excellent resistance and extreme vibrations.
Therefore, they can crank out a lot of power for an extended period. Unfortunately, Optima batteries are expensive.
What Makes Optima Batteries Unique?
The vibrancy of Optima batteries is due to top-notch creativity and skill. Although we have different variants, they all have an identical proprietary design.
Whereas ordinary batteries have flat and square plates, Optima batteries have a spiral-wound design. This spiral wound design guarantees optimal vibration resistance and efficient power output.
Optima batteries feature an Absorbent Glass Mat design, which satisfies more electrical demands of modern vehicles. Given these unique designs, Optima batteries perform exceptionally in both cold and weather.
Optima batteries charge quickly, i.e., five times faster, and can last longer since you can cycle down 80% of their DoD (Depth of Discharge).
Types of Optima Batteries
There are three types of Optima batteries
Optima Red Top Battery
The Optima red top battery is the most common starting car battery. Since they offer up to 800 CCAs, they offer more igniting power for a single click start regardless of the weather. In addition, they have a 100-minute reserve capacity.
Optima red tops are exemplary for crossovers, sedans, SUVs, diesel trucks or machinery, and other standard modern vehicles. They can cost as low as $220, depending on the size.
- 12-Volt, 720 Cold Cranking Amps, Size: 9.38 x 7.69 x 6.75-Inches Weight: 31.7 pounds, SAE Posts
- Reserve capacity of 90 minutes for constant performance
- Optimal starting power even in bad weather. Case material is Polypropylene
- Fifteen times more resistant to vibration for durability
- This item is not for sale in Catalina Island
- Fit Type: Vehicle Speci
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Optima Yellow Top Battery
While the Optima red top battery is an all-around battery, the Optima yellow top battery is an ideal car battery with more electrical accessories. It has less internal resistance and is suitable for high-performance trucks, muscle cars, sport sedans, hot rods, and streetcars.
YellowTop Optima batteries are excellent for tractors, and other vehicles with many inverters, winches, LED floodlights, and other electrical accessories. YellowTop Optima batteries come in various sizes at a price range of between $265 and $365. It provides up to 750 CCA.
- 12-Volt, 750 Cold Cranking Amps, Weight: 43.5 pounds
- Reserve capacity of 120 minutes for constant performance
- Optimal starting power even in bad weather.
- Fifteen times more resistant to vibration for durability.
- This item is not for sale in Catalina Island
- C20 Capacity - 55 Ampere hour
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Optima Blue Top Battery
The Optima blue top batteries come in two versions, one with a dark gray casing for RVs and the other for marine applications. It not only recharges quickly but also offers to 900 CCA. It is an inevitable option, especially if you enjoy boat racing or taking your RV out.
- 12-Volt, 750 Cold Cranking Amps. Weight: 43.5 pounds. 55 Ah C20 capacity.
- Optimal starting power even in bad weather
- Mountable in virtually any position. Works well as a boat battery or RV battery
- Fifteen times more resistant to vibration for durability
- Reserve capacity of 120 minutes for constant performance
- Cranking Amps - 870 Amp
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
What Is The Life of Optima Batteries?
The primary concern of people interested in Optima batteries is how long they last. Unfortunately, the answer to this question isn't straightforward; it depends on some factors. Since Optima batteries aren't the same, some can last for years while the other bad Optima batteries last several months.
Optima Red Top Battery Longevity
Depending on driving habits, battery size, and weather, you can use it for around five years. However, if your battery is still working, it doesn't guarantee it operates at an optimal level.
Optima Yellow Top Battery Longevity
Like other Optima batteries, a the Optima yellow top battery can last two to three times the lifespan of a flooded battery. If a flooded battery lasts two years, this one can last 4-6 years, depending on the driving habits and the weather.
Optima Blue Top Battery Longevity
A Optima blue top battery longevity depends on how you use it, i.e., the weather and driving conditions under which they operate.
For instance, I know of three BlueTop Optima, one 13 years and two others at 10 and 6 years. However, most Optima blue top batteries lasts six years in optimal working conditions.
What Affects Optima Batteries Longevity?
Quality of Materials
Optima batteries last long, thanks to the quality of materials that make them. Instead of using recycled lead used in ordinary batteries, manufacturers use pure lead, which lasts longer. Pure lead offers a stronger inter-cell weld linkage than recycled lead.
Climatic Conditions
Extreme climatic conditions can be detrimental to Optima batteries. For instance, freezing or hot temperatures destroy AGM batteries compared to Optimal temperatures, i.e., around 24 degrees Celsius.
We have observed that Optima batteries in San Diego last longer than those of Alaska and Alabama.
Driving Habits
Suppose you drive your car for 20 miles at 50 mph daily most of the year, then it won't harden as a battery that is used occasionally.
In addition, leaving your battery in partially discharged condition for long reduces its life span. This habit affects both AGM (Optima) batteries and flooded batteries.
FAQs
Do Optima Batteries Have a Lifetime Warranty?
Optima batteries have no lifetime warranty; therefore, if you replace your battery under a warranty policy, its warranty period will still expire based on the initial purchase date. There is no new warranty.
Does an Optima Battery Need a Special Charger?
Regular or OE chargers that come with brand new vehicles are designed for lead batteries. However, you can still use them to charge Optima batteries.
Can You Overcharge an Optima Battery?
Overcharging an optima battery is unsafe since it can expose safety valves and leakage of flammable gases. In these circumstances, premature failure is inevitable.
Sum up
In conclusion,
Depending on driving habits, climatic conditions, and manufacturing materials, Optima batteries can last 2-3 times the lifespan of flood batteries. Optima batteries charge quickly and do not have a designated charger; you can still charge them with the normal lead battery chargers.
Indeed, this is the battery package that your car needs for long-lasting engine power.
