Battery Recommendations for 2005 LS430 with Luxury Package
#16
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (3)
I would not put a lithium based battery in my LS430 engine bay. Gets pretty hot in there and the LS doesn't have a fire warning or suppression system like the Boeing 787. I do have lithium batteries for some power tools but never leave them in their charger more than a couple of hours and certainly not overnight. Lithium battery use is super technology , super fast recharge and very lightweight and compact form factor but I think the safety factor stills needs to mature on that technology, super high energy density also means super high heat potential - hopefully bugs get worked out before people get hurt.
#17
Moderator
I personally would not use a car battery that uses Lithium technology. I don't need to have expert knowledge in a company called "Lithium Pros" to make that assertion.
These forums are better places when folks can voice their differing opinions and viewpoints without calling each others "expertise" into question when they have a different opinion.
These forums are better places when folks can voice their differing opinions and viewpoints without calling each others "expertise" into question when they have a different opinion.
#18
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (3)
I am not calling anyone's "expertise" into question. To make a blanket statement about lithium batteries like that is quite naive. But that's your opinion and I'm not trying to change it. But if you did know about Lithium Pro's you would know they are built with safeties and have been used in everything from drag racers to power boats. The technology is here right now in fact what do you think power a bunch of these hybrid and electric vehicles? Its just that the price for this technology is still expensive and most wont be willing to spend that money on the properly built ones.
#19
Moderator
I am not calling anyone's "expertise" into question. To make a blanket statement about lithium batteries like that is quite naive. But that's your opinion and I'm not trying to change it. But if you did know about Lithium Pro's you would know they are built with safeties and have been used in everything from drag racers to power boats. The technology is here right now in fact what do you think power a bunch of these hybrid and electric vehicles? Its just that the price for this technology is still expensive and most wont be willing to spend that money on the properly built ones.
In the meantime folks can go read about lithium battery fires in various devices and vehicles including laptops, cars and airplanes and decide for themselves. I am far from an expert on this issue and was just voicing my semi-educated opinion.
Last edited by Jabberwock; 04-17-13 at 06:55 AM.
#20
Instructor
I am using the Interstate (manufactured by Johnson Controls) MTP-24F since it had the highest CCA of any battery around, back when I was in the market for one. Look for a battery with the highest CCA and longest warranty (both prorrated and replacement).
The MTP-24F specs are below - you can use the same format to compare other brands.
CCA: 800
CA: 1000
A: 1000
Capacity: 75 Ah
Rating: 900 Whr
Reserve Capacity: 125 minutes at 25A
Weight: 44.4 lb
Prorated Warranty: 85 months
Replacement Warranty: 30 months
The 3 major North American car battery manufacturers are:
1) Delphi (sold battery production to Johnson Controls in 2006) made AC Delco (GM), EverStart (Walmart).
2) Johnson Controls makes Acura, Autocraft (Advance Auto Parts), Bosch, Diehard (Sears), Duralast (Autozone), Energizer, EverStart (Walmart), Honda, Interstate, Kirkland (Costco), Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Motorcraft (Ford), Napa, Optima, Toyota.
3) Exide makes Champion, EverStart (Walmart), Exide, Motomaster (Canadian Tire), Napa, Nascar.
The MTP-24F specs are below - you can use the same format to compare other brands.
CCA: 800
CA: 1000
A: 1000
Capacity: 75 Ah
Rating: 900 Whr
Reserve Capacity: 125 minutes at 25A
Weight: 44.4 lb
Prorated Warranty: 85 months
Replacement Warranty: 30 months
The 3 major North American car battery manufacturers are:
1) Delphi (sold battery production to Johnson Controls in 2006) made AC Delco (GM), EverStart (Walmart).
2) Johnson Controls makes Acura, Autocraft (Advance Auto Parts), Bosch, Diehard (Sears), Duralast (Autozone), Energizer, EverStart (Walmart), Honda, Interstate, Kirkland (Costco), Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Motorcraft (Ford), Napa, Optima, Toyota.
3) Exide makes Champion, EverStart (Walmart), Exide, Motomaster (Canadian Tire), Napa, Nascar.
Last edited by StanVanDam; 04-17-13 at 10:51 AM. Reason: Added manufacturer details
#21
Just about all car batteries come from 2 different companies, it's just the labels and warranty.
I'd also recommend just going to WalMart and buying their top of the line model. I read on Consumer Reports where it was the top pick. I think it also tied with Costco's line of batteries. Both are also very affordable.
My experience with the Lexus dealer battery has been really poor. They didn't last very long and were also overpriced. I personally think the Optimas are a waste, and the only use I can see is if you're really into competition car audio.
I'd also recommend just going to WalMart and buying their top of the line model. I read on Consumer Reports where it was the top pick. I think it also tied with Costco's line of batteries. Both are also very affordable.
My experience with the Lexus dealer battery has been really poor. They didn't last very long and were also overpriced. I personally think the Optimas are a waste, and the only use I can see is if you're really into competition car audio.
#23
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (3)
Ive been through a lot of red tops. I would say stay away. They are not meant for deep cycle duty and if you plan on running a lot of equipment the red tops wont last. Ive had better luck with the yellow but still not as strong as other performance batteries like the XS Powers.
#24
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I am learning a lot here. And thanks for all the responses.
Another question - I know CCA stands for cold crank apms, but exactly what does that mean as it relates to a good battery? Do I want a higher or lower CCA rating?
I am asking all these questions because I have not had good luck with the batteries put in the vehicle by first the dealer and then second a local store.
Another question - I know CCA stands for cold crank apms, but exactly what does that mean as it relates to a good battery? Do I want a higher or lower CCA rating?
I am asking all these questions because I have not had good luck with the batteries put in the vehicle by first the dealer and then second a local store.
#25
美少女戦士セーラームーン
iTrader: (24)
Ive been through a lot of red tops. I would say stay away. They are not meant for deep cycle duty and if you plan on running a lot of equipment the red tops wont last. Ive had better luck with the yellow but still not as strong as other performance batteries like the XS Powers.
#26
Moderator
I am learning a lot here. And thanks for all the responses.
Another question - I know CCA stands for cold crank apms, but exactly what does that mean as it relates to a good battery? Do I want a higher or lower CCA rating?
I am asking all these questions because I have not had good luck with the batteries put in the vehicle by first the dealer and then second a local store.
Another question - I know CCA stands for cold crank apms, but exactly what does that mean as it relates to a good battery? Do I want a higher or lower CCA rating?
I am asking all these questions because I have not had good luck with the batteries put in the vehicle by first the dealer and then second a local store.
By the way cold is not what harms lead-acid batteries. The biggest killer of a conventional lead-acid car battery is heat...not cold. The other primary killer is repeated full discharge of the battery that will shorten its life - caused by leaving lights on overnight, etc.
A typical old school car battery is nothing but a bunch of lead plates sitting in a strong acid bath creating a "chemical system" that stores and discharges electricity. This battery chemistry is significantly affected by temperature. Batteries can be refrigerated to prolong/preserve their life because low temperature slows down the chemical reaction that's constantly going on in a battery. Keep your battery cool and it will last longer. On the other hand high heat causes accelerated chemical reaction that leads to coating the lead plates (sulfating deposits) and also flaking off of positive plate material in the battery shortening its useful life.
Cold does nothing to harm a battery except to highlight when a battery is weak because typically a cold temp engine will take way more power to turn over and start.
Last edited by Jabberwock; 04-17-13 at 07:26 PM.
#29
Just installed the RED TOP Optimum in mine. 04' LS430.... so far I love it. Ive been using these in my race cars for years. Decided to go the same route when my stock one went bust. Could have gone with the Yellow Top, but they had the Red Top in spec availible and its a little cheaper.
Either way Optimum for the win.... when it comes to batteries... might as well spend the extra cash and not have to worry. After all you did buy an LS lol.
Either way Optimum for the win.... when it comes to batteries... might as well spend the extra cash and not have to worry. After all you did buy an LS lol.
#30
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Thank you, Jabberwock, for that explanation. Makes perfect sense the way you laid it out for me.
Because I live in a place with lots of heat, that is probably the culprit with the batteries in my car dying all the time. I have spent so much money on towing and battery charging, I could probably have purchases three Optimas. The garage has also replaced at least two batteries which were still under warranty, but would no longer hold a charge.
The electrical system has been checked to determine if there is something draining the battery (all Interstate) and nothing could be found.
Therefore, the only explanation is our heat.
I am leaning towards the Optima simply because I am so tired of dying batteries. Will let you all know what I decide.
Thanks so much to everyone for all of the advice.
Because I live in a place with lots of heat, that is probably the culprit with the batteries in my car dying all the time. I have spent so much money on towing and battery charging, I could probably have purchases three Optimas. The garage has also replaced at least two batteries which were still under warranty, but would no longer hold a charge.
The electrical system has been checked to determine if there is something draining the battery (all Interstate) and nothing could be found.
Therefore, the only explanation is our heat.
I am leaning towards the Optima simply because I am so tired of dying batteries. Will let you all know what I decide.
Thanks so much to everyone for all of the advice.