Any suggestions as to when the batteries in my '01 should be replaced? Seems that almost every vehicle I have had, the battery lasts about 3 years and that's about it. My '01 is about 3-1/2 right now and I'm thinking about it.

load test them, useful life is from 2-5 years, unless of course they're Delcos and they leak(2 so far)

Just had this same conversation with a buddy who drives an 02 dmax. We were at his cabin, left at the same time and I got home first.


I called him up to see if he made it back alright and sure enough, his 3 y/o delco battery gave up the ghost on the return trip.


I say at 3 years you're on borrowed time/voltage.


On edit I see you've done real well with those batteries in the cold and still cranking after 3 1/2 years!!


DougEdited by: mpdlt

Good batteries should last 4-5 years, some have up to 72 month pro rated guarantees. I've often had batteries lasting 5-6 years before replacing them and they were still working.

I don't think you can really trust the AC Delcos. Some people replace them soon after they get their truck with Optimas. I've had two leakers and one went dead after only six months. Not all on my Dmax but all A/C Delco side terminal batteries.Edited by: hoot

Which Optima battery . . . red or yellow top?

Red Tops are for standard starting service

Yellow Tops if you also need longer constant current as with heavy lighting, winches...
Yellow are deep cycle.

I would pay the extra for the yellows. About $130 eachEdited by: hoot

Which Optima battery . . . red or yellow top?



Something you may want to consider are the CCA's of both the red and yellow top batteries. If you are in a cold winter climate the red tops have a bit more juice avaialable at cold temps, wheras if you have a lot of accessories the yellow top might be the one to consider.