Battery noob. Any brand reccomendations?

[irishScott]

2001 Toyota Avalon. Basically I walked out to the car tonight, and the remote failed to unlock it. Had to unlock it manually. I turn the key and I get nothing. No turn over, no lights, nothing. Dome lights are out, radio's out, everything electrical is gone.

Suffice to say I'm looking at replacing it myself, as I need this done fast, but it's my first time doing this. Judging from a few how-tos I've found and my own inspection of the battery, doesn't look like rocket science, and I have the tools.

Suffice to say the two dealers within walking distance are Sears Hardware and Pepboys. Sears seems to trump the DieHard, while pepboys has the ProStart. Any major differences? Any unrelated tips?

Thanks in advance.

 

[mztykal]

Diehard Gold.

That's with me choosing between your two options.

 

[fleabag]

You sure the battery is bad? How old is the battery? If it's 7 years old or more then yeah you need a new battery. Otherwise you could just have a really depleted battery.

 

[Black88GTA]

If the battery is completely flat as you describe - you either have a somewhat substantial parasitic drain (not terribly likely, but possible) or the battery has a ruptured internal cell. Based on the fact that you have NO electrics (not even dome light, etc), I'd bet on the latter. Or, a battery cable became dislodged or loose - you did check the cables, right?

And - you say you're going to be walking to the store and picking up a new battery? How far away are these places? Because carrying a heavy ass lead car battery any more than a couple hundred meters on foot would be absolutely awful, and would probably involve lots of "rest stops". Bring a rolling dolly or wheelbarrow or something. Yes, you'll look sort of stupid, but at least you'll make it home. Even a rolling suitcase would work in a pinch. Or better yet, get a ride. If you have AAA, I think they have a service where they will bring a battery out to you. If you can limp the car to Advance or Autozone, I believe that they will replace it on the spot for free (provided you buy the replacement battery from them, of course).

As far as batteries go - although there are hundreds of brand names, there are only a few companies that actually make the batteries themselves, and all are respectable. That said, I have 2x Die Hards in the BMW and they've been excellent, even after a full discharge and then sitting for a few months.

 

[alfa147x]

Originally posted by: Black88GTA

And - you say you're going to be walking to the store and picking up a new battery? How far away are these places? Because carrying a heavy ass lead car battery any more than a couple hundred meters on foot would be absolutely awful, and would probably involve lots of "rest stops". Bring a rolling dolly or wheelbarrow or something. Yes, you'll look sort of stupid, but at least you'll make it home. Even a rolling suitcase would work in a pinch. Or better yet, get a ride. If you have AAA, I think they have a service where they will bring a battery out to you. If you can limp the car to Advance or Autozone, I believe that they will replace it on the spot for free (provided you buy the replacement battery from them, of course).

yeah i would recommend finding a ride unless you want to wreck you knees

 

[irishScott]

Lol, pussies. Switched out the battery today, car lives again. Suffice to say I lugged the 50 lb bastard 1.7 miles. Took a few breaks, but it was that or the gym and I like workouts with a purpose. *shrug*. Anyway, ended up with a DieHard Gold. Thanks for all the tips!

 

[Cuda1447]

Suffice to say is your thing eh irish?

 

[irishScott]

Originally posted by: Cuda1447
Suffice to say is your thing eh irish?

It works.