I am wondering what you guys have done as far as battery replacement goes. Do you wait until the battery dies on you or do you have a set time frame or max miles that you change the battery? I have a 1996 F-150 with 97000 miles on it and it has the original battery in it. I am looking at picking up a red top optima because the consensus is that they are the best battery brand. Let me know.

 

I would run with the same battery for 7 or 8 years and over the course of time become accustomed to how the vehicle starts.
When I put in a new battery it was as if I dropped a new engine in it.

Vehicle fired up like I was at Daytona.
Perfomance was enhanced all around.
Flowers along the road bloomed as I passed by.

(ok, maybe one of those was a lie)

 

The Optima is a good choice. If you have one car, hate to be stranded, or send the family out in it, change it. If you don't mind it eventually failing, you can ride it out.

 

I would not get the Optma Red top. I had one that last me 1 1/2 years and had to swap it out. If you want to go with the Optima I would try the Yellow top.

 

Any regular battery over 5 yrs old is past it's freshness date! Definitely don't wait till you have to walk 1/4 mile in 100 degree heat and lug a hefty battery back (voice of experiance but I'm not bitter....) Did you know the CCA rating is unregulated? A manufacturer can claim any CCA they like. Don't cheap out on a battery, and don't be dazzled by CCA claims. Get a good name brand, Delco, Interstate Die hard,are all reasonable.

 

I bought an Optima red top battery the other day from a local dealer and it works beautifully. Thanks for all the advise.