This is officially my sixth Optima Yellow Top battery, and the first that has had an issue requiring warranty support. Unfortunately, I was told by Optima that Amazon is not on their authorized retailer list therefore I am unable to take it to a local retailer for warranty support. I also confirmed via my Amazon account that it cannot be returned to Amazon. What to do, what to do. Well, even though it is only 9 months old, I bought a brand new Optima from my local Autozone that I know will be an easy exchange should I ever have an issue again.Now, on to the battery: These have worked well for me in multiple applications from HD trucks to multi-amp-ed Trans Am's and even an off-road Jeep. I've never had one fail until now but be aware that these are not "plug-and-play" batteries like a wet lead-acid type that most people use and/or grew up with when it comes to charging. I'd suggest visiting Optima's web site and reading the differences between their Red, Yellow and Blue top batteries so you understand their application and the type of care and feeding they require. The Yellow covers both cranking amps for starter motors as well as deep-cycle capacity for applications with a large amperage draw such as amplifiers and accessories like winches and such. I've averaged over 6 years out of each battery until I had this one fail and two were going strong when the vehicles left my possession.
I'm guessing that a number of those who are saying this is a bad battery or doesn't last haven't taken the time to learn about them. They can be drained completely down and yet recover where a standard battery won't. But, and it is a big but, they must be recovered following very specific procedures and no, you can't simply hook up a charger and expect it to recover automatically. Do some research and you'll confirm what I already know, these are not standard batteries and yes, they are better than your standard wet-cell batteries, in my opinion. For me, they've outlasted every other type of battery I've used and are what I buy when the stock battery dies or when I need more power for accessories. Peace.
Negs:
The warranty is very poor, nowhere near the level of the competition.
I expected a quality deep cycle AGM to last a lot longer than just over 2 years.
Pros:
Worked well under heavy current loads. I run 5 amplifiers that draw about 80-100 amps. The Optima helped buffer the headlight-dimming effect I used to have w/ my stock battery.
Overall a good battery, but at this heavy price I would expect a battery to have a warranty to back it up past 18 months and to last longer than 2 years. If you're spending this much, check out the Diehard Platinum or others first, you'll be glad you did.
Buy Optima Batteries 8014-045 D34/78 YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery Now
This is a great battery as long as you buy it from an authorized dealer. AMAZON is not and this voids the warranty!!! I have one that went bad just before the 3 year FREE replacement, which is very unusual with Optima batteries. The manufacturer won't honor warranty because Amazon is not an authorized distributor, they show a warranty link (bad advertizing), If you contact Amazon they say it's only good for 30 days. Terrible deal and have found it online for $20 cheaper, free shipping, and warrantied. Very disappointed with Amazon. BEWARE!!!Read Best Reviews of Optima Batteries 8014-045 D34/78 YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery Here
First of all, I am a dedicated AGM fanatic, and I won't use leaky wet-cell batteries. That said, I'm not sure if Optima is my brand any more. They just don't seem to last very long. This one was in very intermittent use, kept on a trickle charger, and gave up the ghost after 4 years of really light duty. The failure mode was a lost cell cranking voltage dropped to 7V. I'm trying out the Lifeline product line in several places maybe it will be better than Optima's so-so history with me.Want Optima Batteries 8014-045 D34/78 YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery Discount?
Optima batteries, by virtue of their spiral cell design and construction, there is not a wetor gel-cell lead-acid battery out there that can compare in terms of charging efficiency and durability. However, do not purchase this through Amazon -it is NOT an authorized Optima dealer. Only an authorized Optima dealer, where you made your purchase, is obligated to replace a defective Optima battery with a new Optima. Check the Optima website for authorized dealers.The above said, Optima batteries are better purchased at your local auto parts store that is an authorized dealer for the following reasons:
1. In the event of a warranty issue, it will be a simple swap.
2. Eliminate the wait and reduce shipping angst. Although an Optima battery is quite rugged, when shipped in a flimsy cardboard box and then tossed around and dropped by a careless courier, the impact by the battery's heavy bulk can cause its plastic case and the internal connections to weaken, crack, or break.
3. You can visually inspect a unit for physical damage from mishandling. Missing retaining fingers around the vent covers is a subtle but tell-tale sign that the unit has been mishandled.
4. You can check the voltage before walking out of the store with your new battery.
Hint: This is a long-lived product -purchase through a store chain (franchise) if you anticipate relocating within three years, and do not lose your receipt.
If you insist on purchasing an Optima battery online, your best bet is to order from Optima itself directly. This is the only instance that Optima (the manufacturer) will deal with you directly and give you a replacement battery. Otherwise, all warranty issues are addressed through the authorized dealer where you purchased your Optima battery.
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