Is the Optima the way to go? My car is stock, but has a Garmin Navi hard-wired. If an Optima is the way to go, which model is best? Thanks. marc
I havent had good luck with optima red tops the last few years. Both my 355s have interstates. Its like oil, betters choice really.
My optima redtop was placed in 2007 and is still going strong given that it's always on battery tender trickle charger if car was not to be driven for more than 2 days. To OP: You want a 34R.
I installed a 34R redtop last year and have been pretty happy with it. I'm told the most important thing is to never let the battery drain out/go dead. With a battery tender I'm told it should last for a real long time. Installed the battery tender dongle under the front passenger inspection cover, in the front trunk, by the battery. Might also put one in the rear passenger side, by where you jump the car, too.
AGM or Gel battery seem to be the best. Get a proper trickle charger for the one you choose. AGM / Gel need a different style charger. As mentioned don't let them go flat. Really hard on them. Optima moved their production to Mexico in 2008 or 2009...forget which. based on reviews I have read, and the replacements I have gone through, battery quality has suffered as a result.
I've gone through 2 interstate 34r batteries over 11 years.......only changed the prior battery due to its age. It was working fine though.
If you do go for an agm /gel battery then the CTEK 3300 charger maintains these batteries as well as the standard type (ie interstate).
