Truck Battery Rec

I just got back from having my oil changed and the shop told me for the second time that my battery was on it’s last legs. $140 for them to replace and install.

I thought I should check out doing it myself. So, my truck, a 2005 F-150 with 120,000 on it. I’d like to get two more years out of it, maybe three.

So what battery and from where? If I’m only looking to get through 2+ years, will anything do. Is this a “you’ll get what you pay for” deal or will most any battery get you two years.

Any recommendations? Thanks,

ET

Walmart Everstart Maxx. I have one in my car and would have one in my truck, but it needs one with reverse terminals they didn’t have one/don’t make one. Just make sure it’s the Maxx version.

Interstate

Almost all batteries carry at least a 48 month warranty… just make sure enough CCA’s and let er buck

If you feel your truck hasnt been starting as well, or you just want the piece of mind, by all means get a new battery. And because of how easy they are to install, dont pay someone to do it, do it yourself for sure.

BUT. The industry as a whole has changed quite a bit in the past few years where there arent quite as many “add on” or “upsell” items for your local shops to get you on. Forinstance many vehicles no longer have an external fuel filter and some manufacturers suggest longer fluid exchange intervals. Most shops have found a different angle with doing a “courtesy check” on your battery. If you look at how these “tests” are conducted, they are far from on the up and up. They are done and the least opportune time for your battery (after its been sitting with the dome light on, the hood light on, heater or ac fan blowing, and simply all of the computers and electronics that run all the time). And most, if not every time, your battery will show “weak”. And what better way for a shop to sell you something then by making you fear that you will be stuck somewhere at the worst possible time.

Just a word of warning.

Good luck.

Check with NTB in Oakdale Mn. They claim their batteries are made by Interstate. The quote (over the phone) for my Pontiac was really a good price. I haven’t done anything yet.

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Walmart Everstart Maxx.

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X2

Did they tell you how they tested it or did they just say you need one? If they actually tested it then I’d consider getting a new battery otherwise they are just trying to make a buck off of scaring you. If you really need one get an Interstate. It’s a good battery and will last you for at least 3 years.

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If you feel your truck hasnt been starting as well, or you just want the piece of mind, by all means get a new battery. And because of how easy they are to install, dont pay someone to do it, do it yourself for sure.

BUT. The industry as a whole has changed quite a bit in the past few years where there arent quite as many “add on” or “upsell” items for your local shops to get you on. Forinstance many vehicles no longer have an external fuel filter and some manufacturers suggest longer fluid exchange intervals. Most shops have found a different angle with doing a “courtesy check” on your battery. If you look at how these “tests” are conducted, they are far from on the up and up. They are done and the least opportune time for your battery (after its been sitting with the dome light on, the hood light on, heater or ac fan blowing, and simply all of the computers and electronics that run all the time). And most, if not every time, your battery will show “weak”. And what better way for a shop to sell you something then by making you fear that you will be stuck somewhere at the worst possible time.

Just a word of warning.

Good luck.

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Actually, if a dome lamp or “all those computers running” will pull down your battery, you need one… Most shops that I know of, use a MidTronics battery tester, that are built specifically for testing vehicle batteries. We test every battery that comes through our oil change bays and give an honest report, printed right out. We do sell alot of batteries, but sometimes, people don’t believe the “test” and decline. More than not, they are towed in and then buy the battery. EIther that or next time in, they have a new one installed…somehow I would be careful about throwing all these shops under the bus, I relaize it is fun, but it should be somewhat factual too… There is nothing better than having your car serviced on monday and “everything checked out” and then tuesday, your batteries shot

Here we go again with another Ford, Chevy and Dodge debate.

Wasn’t this done at least twice this winter with two and more pages on it?

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Here we go again with another Ford, Chevy and Dodge debate.

Wasn’t this done at least twice this winter with two and more pages on it?

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Here we go again, with someone who doesn’t bother to read the posts, but can’t help themselves from commenting on it…proving they didn’t read them, by posting something totally off topic… Disgusting isn’t it

For peice of mind ask the shop to perform the test with you there and show you what the results mean. I believe most shops are honest but there is always a few that are not. As for a battery if you are not brand driven, you get what you pay for, I would not buy the cheapest, but I have seen cheap batteries work just fine for there warranty peroid. Just make sure you get the proper cold cranking amps. If you have a fleet/farm or farm/fleet I would check them out. I am not going to recomend a brand because everyone has there own opinion as to what is best. I would definetely change it myself unless the place you buy it from offers to do it free. Good Luck.

No not all shops are dishonest. Many of them go above and beyond to look out for you. I just have an issue with the local Tires Plus. Everybody i know that gets an oil change done there is also told they have a bad tie rod end. Must be what the Plus stands for in the name.

Its pretty easy to tell if your tie rod end is loose or not… I probably take it for granted, because I see it all day everyday, most people don’t know what to look at.. but if your told your tie rod end is loose, ask them to show you. With the vehicle in the air, grabbing the tire and trying to rock it back and forth, will show if it is loose or not… we always show people, what we are recommending, it’s how you build trust If a shop won’t show you… run fast

Glen I agree 100%. Honest people show you. I just laugh at this place cuz my inner tie rod end drivers side on my Suburban I was told was bad at 32K. It was still under warranty so had Dealer look at it. No issues. I’ve had it up in the air and shook the tire and looked for movement. Nothing evident. I’m now at 93K and show no tire wear. But gee for only $176 they will fix it for me. But now the $20 oil change with coupon works fine.