Battery

This morning my car battery was dead.  Whether there is a drain somewhere, or if it was just the cold weather (-2* without wind chill)  I do not know.  I'm looking for a new one.  Some say Optima is the best, but if so which top do I get, red or yellow?  Also, are there any other reputable brands I should look into?~wayland

Have you troubleshooted the old battery?  Are you sure you didn't leave any lights on or anything (was one of the doors not shut all the way, leaving the dome light on)?  I'd check for current draw if I didn't find anything.  I think I read somewhere, probably in here, that Optima was bought out by Interstate, and quality isn't as good anymore.  Odyssey seems to be reputable.

Seems I wrote my question too early.  It turns out my negative battery terminal is shot.   It won't hold the terminal as snugly as it should.  I think that water got in between the post and clamp, and froze, causing it to disfigure.  Or something along those lines.  I'm going to try a new ground kit, and see how that does (I was planning on doing this earlier, since I heard of increased efficiency).  If it doesn't work, I'll try a new battery, with fresh terminals.  I'm still open to suggestions on my new-found problem!~wayland

If you want a good batt for starting your car and gen use, i like dura last from autozone. I use 2 1000ca dura last golds and have been trouble free. best is that they have a 3 year no cost replacement warr.Big Dave

I went to the autozone and almost bought one.  But the price was almost deceivingly low.........You really like them?~wayland

Optima is awesome and get the red top for under the hood, yellow top is for 2nd battery---- 1996 Chevy S10 ----

1 Lightning Audio S2.600.2 Amp

2 Lightning Audio 12" Subs

1 Lightning Audio 1 Farad Cap

Optima really sucks...so many people hold on to Optimas old reputation, but when it boils down to it now you would be just as well off buying a Sears DieHard Gold as buying a damned Optima... if you are seriously wanting a good battery for a stereo, look at the Hawker Odyssey batteries, unless you want a real fancy look and have some extra coin, look at the Stingers...the Hawkers and Stingers are the same battery...Hawker builds Stingers batteries for them...lowest ESR of any battery I have seen with a decent reputation... this being my first post in these forums in a long time, I must say Down with Optima and power to the huge ass alternators! treat your stereo right, get a big alt!

Big Purds is back! I have missed your opinions. Have not always agreed, but missed them just the same. Welcome back.Big Dave