GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I know this might be an old topic so please bear with me!Car getting harder and harder to start so before winter hits here in central Indiana (very unpredictable temps...32 one day, -20 the next!). I'm not going to spend the big money for an Optima battery, thought a "standard battery" will suit my needs. Was thinking about the Ever-Start Maxx from wally world. Consumer Reports rates this at the top of their rating list. But they also saidthat this battery isn't maintenance free. I thought all of todays auto batteries were maintenance free? If this is true, should I steer away from this one and look at the DieHard from Sears?Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.Thanks in advance!

Do what Jake75 did - purchase a battery from either Costco or Sam's Club - guess they come with a great warranty.

Topping up battery acid isn't hard; pop the covers, top up with distilled water.Many autoparts stores have extended warranties you can purchase. If you get more then 5 years off a battery, you got your monies worth! The battery on the bike lasted 1 season, it was swelled nicely when I took it out! Fortunatly it's 6 volt and I can use the same type of battery used in office emergency lights.

I sold my '03 last January but I assume the Costco battery I put in Oct. 2007 is still working fine. Seems to me it cost about $55 net after core trade and had a 84 month warranty. I think batteries have gone up $5 or $10 since then.My dear departed father in law would wait until his battery failed before replacing. Then he'd have to buy a battery without the benefit of shopping or looking for the best deal, and have the hassle of being late for work etc. My '03 Vibe was built in late 2002 so it was 5 years old. At 5 years I knew I was living on borrowed time. I figured it was not worth the risk to take it thru a 6th Ohio winter. Now that Sears is owned by K-Mart Sears Sucks just like K-Mart Sucks. My second choice would have been AutoZone- no more than Walmart. Exact same battery but maybe $5 or $10 more than Costco. Sam's Club is also an option. This ain't rocket science folks.

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »Topping up battery acid isn't hard; pop the covers, top up with distilled water.Battery is sealed at least in the 2003-2008 Vibes (from my knowledge)

The last 3 batteries I bought were from sams club also,the date thay were built is on a sticker on the side.

just check the battery every9months or so and if it needs water makesure it's distilled water. I would prefer a battery like that personally.

Just leave it in! I'm still on my original battery in my 2003 GT.... Purchased in July 2002! No lie!

Quote, originally posted by FrostyVibe21 »Just leave it in! I'm still on my original battery in my 2003 GT.... Purchased in July 2002! No lie!I predict that when the temps dip, you'll be gettin a new batt...

Have decided to go with the DuraLast Gold from Autozone. $89.99 plus core will give me 640 CCA and a 3 year warranty. Sounds good to me. Now the second question. Should I also change the belt as well just to make sure? That would be another $23.99 for the Goodyear gatorback belt. Sounds like it would be a wise move on my part. Opinions?Thanks in advance!

Great choice on the GatorBack.I've yet to replace one of those.What is the condition of your current belt?But, like you said, cheap insurance.

I'm going to say, after 62,000 miles that the belt is worn. Maybe it doesn't need replaced but like you said, it's cheap insurance. Will check it out in the morning light and go from there.

I'm still on the original battery in my '05. When I bought it 2 1/2 years ago I thought, "I'm going to need a battery soon." I know I should get a new one.

The battery on my '06 got replaced at about 180,000 miles. I got a Napa Sure start.

I bought a cheap battery for about 50 bucks @ Advance Auto here in FL. I think I have had it for about a year and a 1/2. No probs & I always keep the terminals clean & occasionally check the water level. No signs of weakening so far.

Just bought a Wally battery - the Maxx. That battery has a 3 year FREE replacement warranty. Can't beat that deal. I checked around a lot of places and it's the best bang for the buck. Seems that the only true maintenance free battery is another Delco or the Optima, both too expensive. I have an '05 Vibe - the battery was starting to show signs of pooping out, so I decided to replace it rather than wait to get stuck somewhere. It lasted over 4 years so it did its job.