Hello, I noticed your conversation regarding our batteries and wanted to offer some assistance. While our batteries are considered “sealed,” any lead-acid battery can vent gas that is both toxic and flammable in extreme situations. For that reason, we do not recommend installing any battery in an enclosed space (trunk or interior), unless it is properly-vented to the outside air. sfv41901, we do offer a direct-fit replacement battery for the Prius, but we do not offer what we consider a direct-fit replacement for the CTS.
Cold cranking amps are one of the most-touted and most-oversold battery specifications around. A replacement battery should meet or exceed the OEM requirements for cranking amps. Cold cranking amps are only an important consideration for people who drive in cold climates. While I know it happens every day, people who live in Austin, Texas shouldn't be buying batteries based on a cold cranking test that takes place at a temperature their vehicle will never see. Our D34/78 YellowTops have a minimum weight of 43.5 pounds, while our 34/78 RedTops have a minimum weight of 38.8 pounds. RedTops will offer more cranking amps than their YellowTop counterparts, at the expense of reserve capacity and the ability to be deep-cycled.
People who have significant aftermarket accessories or electrical demands are better off with a YellowTop, while a RedTop is well-suited for most stock starting/lighting/ignition (SLI) applications. If any battery fails from a manufacturing defect, it is likely to do so well within the first year of use, if not the first month. Beyond that timeframe, most warranties are primarily used as marketing tools. Our three-year, free replacement warranty has no pro-ration, while other warranties may begin pro-ration immediately.
Unlike many batteries on the market, we are both the brand and the manufacturer. We manufacture all of our own batteries in
our own facility and they are the only batteries produced there. We never re-label or re-spec our batteries for any of our retail partners and we always use 99.99% pure virgin lead in our batteries. While using recycled lead is less expensive for the manufacturer and commonplace amongst flooded batteries, pure lead offers better performance and lifespan.
The key to long battery life, regardless of brand, is proper voltage maintenance. Fully-charged, our RedTops will measure about 12.6-12.8 volts and our YellowTops will measure about 13.0-13.2 volts. Whenever any battery is discharged below 12.4 volts and left to sit, sulfation begins to form, which diminishes both capacity and lifespan. That makes a quality battery maintenance device an excellent investment for any vehicle that doesn't see regular use. If anyone has any questions about our batteries, I'll do my best to answer them.
Jim McIlvaine
eCare Manager, OPTIMA Batteries, Inc.
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