Car Battery Recommendations?

[HankB]

Any suggestions of what's a good brand of car battery today? I need a size "24F" for my Pathfinder.

Or, alternatively, what brand to avoid?

I've used batteries from AAA for a while now, but it turns out they don't offer them in my area any more.     Now considering Wal-Mart - gotten a little positive feedback, but just thinking about it for now. I mean, it's Wal-Mart.  (Years ago I had an "Interstate" battery explode, and the company told me they weren't warranted against explosions. So Interstate is off the table.)

[dogmush]

I have had pretty good results with the Motorcraft batts O'Reilly's sells, if it fits your car.

I have not been impressed with Walmart bats.  They sit around for a long time filled before they get to stores.

[bedlamite]

Most batteries sold in the US are made by either East Penn or Johnson Controls. Both can make batteries that are good or cheap, and you get what you pay for. Get the highest CCA rated battery in the group size you need. I prefer AGM over standard flooded cells they handle vibration much better.

Last car battery I bought was a group 34/78 Super Start Platinum from O'reilley, I'd have to check but I think it was in 2014 or 2015. I also keep one of those 5W solar chargers on the dashboard and plugged in.

[HankB]

Most batteries sold in the US are made by either East Penn or Johnson Controls.  . . .

Hmmm - just read that Johnson Controls sold its battery operation to Clarios in 2019. Thing is, the SAME web page claimed Johnson was still making batteries.

[Bogie]

Don't buy an Optima - have had problems with those. The three-year warranty AGM/Gel Cell we sell is $250. Personally, I'd go for $210 for the regular lead/acid version.
 
You'll need a 24F/24R - there is a couple of mm difference in the case size.
 
We call Walmart batteries "Neverstart." We see a LOT of problems from them. Most of the "big name" outfits have sold the names... Delco, etc...
 
Motorcraft batteries are beasts... See very few problems. I'll check if we can order one when I get to work.

[HankB]

. . . We call Walmart batteries "Neverstart." We see a LOT of problems from them. Most of the "big name" outfits have sold the names... Delco, etc...

That's good to know. They're apparently made by Johnson Controls.

They seem to have several levels of battery in my size from $70 (only 585cca) to $180 (710cca) for their "Platinum AGM" battery with a 4 year replacement warranty. I'd only CONSIDER their top of the line.

Is their entire product line considered to be problematic?

[K Frame]

I've had a couple of Duralasts for my Subarus over the years and have never had any problems with them.

And is it my imagination, or have battery prices absolutely exploded over the last 10 years or so?

[HankB]

. . . And is it my imagination, or have battery prices absolutely exploded over the last 10 years or so?

It's not your imagination - maybe they come out of the same supply chain that makes primers for reloading? 

Where lead comes from:  https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2022/mcs2022-lead.pdf

Our reliance on imported lead is slowly increasing, in part since our last primary lead refinery closed in 2013. That and mandatory recycling drives up prices.

[Bogie]

Okay - I don't have a 24R/F series Motorcraft... I did notice that we have a 24R/F series "fleet/heavy duty" AGM battery that is only $190ish... If your cables will work, I don't know if that would be a good idea for not. Regular AGM is $250.