Optima batteries are designed to last a long time, but they can go bad over time. If you notice that your battery is not holding a charge as well as it used to, or if it is leaking, it may be time to replace it.
It’s a common question we get here at Optima Batteries- do our batteries go bad? The answer is both yes and no. Here’s a little more information to help clear things up.
First, let’s talk about what causes a battery to go bad. There are three main culprits: sulfation, corrosion, and old age. Sulfation occurs when the lead acid in the battery starts to form crystals, which can prevent the battery from holding a charge.
Corrosion is caused by exposure to moisture and air, which can damage the internal components of the battery. And finally, old age can simply cause the battery to wear out over time.
Now that we know what causes batteries to go bad, let’s talk about how long they last.
On average, an Optima Battery will last between 3-5 years with proper care and maintenance. However, there are some factors that can shorten or lengthen that lifespan, such as extreme temperatures (either hot or cold), frequent use, infrequent use, and more.
So if you’re wondering whether or not your Optima Battery has gone bad, the best thing to do is check for signs of sulfation, corrosion, or old age.
If you see any of these issues starting to occur, it’s probably time for a new battery.
Credit: www.autozone.com
How Do I Bring My Optima Battery Back to Life?
If your OPTIMA battery is showing signs of a slow cranking engine or even worse, a no-start engine, don’t despair. There are some things you can do to bring it back to life.
First, check the state of charge of the battery using a voltmeter.
If it’s 12.6 volts or less, it needs to be recharged. You can use a standard automotive charger or a more specialized Optima charger (Optima part number CHARGER1440).
Once the battery is recharged, give it a load test with an automotive load tester (such as the Midtronics PBT300).
This will tell you if the battery can still hold a decent charge and deliver enough power when called upon.
If the battery passes both tests, then it should be good as new and ready to get your car started again.
Why are Optima Batteries Failing?
It’s no secret that Optima batteries have been failing at an alarming rate. In fact, the problem has become so widespread that a class action lawsuit was filed against the company in 2016.
So, what’s causing these batteries to fail?
There are a few theories…
1. Manufacturing Defects
The most likely explanation is that there are manufacturing defects in the batteries themselves.
This would explain why the problem seems to be affecting so many people across the country.
2. Poor Quality Control
Another possibility is that Optima simply isn’t doing enough to quality control their products.
If this is the case, it’s possible that batteries are being shipped with defects and not being properly tested before they’re sent out to customers.
3. Improper Installation
In some cases, it could be that the batteries are being installed improperly.
This could cause problems with the electrical system and lead to battery failure down the road.
No matter what the cause, it’s clear that Optima needs to do something to fix this problem. Otherwise, they’re going to continue losing customers and damaging their reputation in the process.
Are Optima Batteries Guaranteed for Life?
Yes, Optima batteries are guaranteed for life. This means that if your battery ever fails, simply contact customer service and they will replace it free of charge. Additionally, Optima batteries come with a two-year free replacement warranty, so if your battery fails within two years of purchase, you’ll receive a new one at no cost.
How Many Years Do Optima Yellow Top Batteries Last?
OPTIMA Yellow Top batteries are designed for long life and durability. They typically last between 5 and 10 years, depending on the model and how it is used.
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Charging Optima Battery That’S Dead
If your Optima battery is dead, there are a few things you can do to try and revive it. First, check the voltage of the battery using a voltmeter. If the voltage is 12.6 volts or higher, then the battery is not completely dead and you can move on to the next step.
If the voltage is 12.5 volts or lower, then the battery may be too far gone to be revived.
Next, charge the Optima battery using a standard household charger set to 2 amps or less. You’ll want to let the charger run for about 24 hours before checking the voltage again.
If it has risen to 12.6 volts or higher, then your Optima battery should now be usable again!
Conclusion
Yes, Optima batteries can go bad. If you notice that your battery is not holding a charge or is dying prematurely, it may be time to replace it. There are a few things that can cause a battery to go bad, such as overcharging, deep discharge, and exposure to extreme temperatures.