Battery Replacement Suggestions... OEM or Aftermarket?

[ProfeZZor X]

Hi Guys... I have roughly 71k miles on my 22' AT4 and have had little to no issues. Other than daily driving, and the occasional roadtrip out of town, I really don't drive it hard. I'm at a point where my battery indicator is a little under half on the dashboard gauge. The battery itself isn't having any issues, but it is noticeably sluggish when it cranks over to start. Not to where it won't start, but there's a slight audible drag when it starts where you know your battery isn't what it used to be when you first bought it brand new. My last vehicle was a Dodge Magnum RT, and I've had good experiences with OEM replacement batteries through Dodge - as they've lasted a good long time. It's been a couple of decades since I've owned a GMC product, so I wanted to ask about your experiences with changing out a battery for an OEM or aftermarket, and which setup worked best for you for longevity.

 

[Blackcar]

I have 2017 Yukon Denali battery went bad at two years old they replaced with warranty with an AC Delco replaced this year with same AC Delco just because it was 6 years old. Original style battery seems to be ok.

 

[Tahoe14]

AC Delco battery from Rockauto. Don’t forget to use the discount code.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

At the end of the day, the battery industry has consolidated to only a few manufacturers. These manufacturers sell to any retailers who slap their label on them and resell them. I really don't think that it makes a tremendous difference on what battery you buy, as long as it amp-hour rating is consistent with what is required for your truck.

 

[2024 White Tahoe]

Hi Guys... I have roughly 71k miles on my 22' AT4 and have had little to no issues. Other than daily driving, and the occasional roadtrip out of town, I really don't drive it hard. I'm at a point where my battery indicator is a little under half on the dashboard gauge. The battery itself isn't having any issues, but it is noticeably sluggish when it cranks over to start. Not to where it won't start, but there's a slight audible drag when it starts where you know your battery isn't what it used to be when you first bought it brand new. My last vehicle was a Dodge Magnum RT, and I've had good experiences with OEM replacement batteries through Dodge - as they've lasted a good long time. It's been a couple of decades since I've owned a GMC product, so I wanted to ask about your experiences with changing out a battery for an OEM or aftermarket, and which setup worked best for you for longevity.

I always replace my vehicle batteries after they are three years old. I only buy the OEM battery, such as ACDelco or Motorcraft, and from a local jobber who sells to the dealers (so I get a very fresh battery).

I live in the Midwest with hot summers and very cold winters. I would rather change my battery in my driveway on a sunny warm day, than have to change it in parking lot while it is snowing and the stores are closed.

You’re living on borrowed time and will be stranded soon (or you and your family?). Buy a new OEM battery and change it before it fails.

 

[ProfeZZor X]

I always replace my vehicle batteries after they are three years old. I only buy the OEM battery, such as ACDelco or Motorcraft, and from a local jobber who sells to the dealers (so I get a very fresh battery).

I live in the Midwest with hot summers and very cold winters. I would rather change my battery in my driveway on a sunny warm day, than have to change it in parking lot while it is snowing and the stores are closed.

You’re living on borrowed time and will be stranded soon (or you and your family?). Buy a new OEM battery and change it before it fails.

I live in SoCal, so the weather doesn't fluctuate more than a few degrees yearly.

 

[2024 White Tahoe]

I live in SoCal, so the weather doesn't fluctuate more than a few degrees yearly.

You still have described a failing battery.

I have had very good luck with OEM ACDelco batteries for many, many years. I have owned GM vehicles continuously for more than 50 years.

I used to do most repairs and maintenance on my vehicles, but not much any more. I do changed the car batteries in the vehicles for my vehicles, and those of my family members.

Even with good temperatures that do not fluctuate, your battery is on borrowed time.

Best wishes.

PS - My area is forecast to receive sleet and more than 12 inches of snow, followed by sub-zero temperatures for five days. A high quality auto battery (and clean and tight connectors) is a must.

 

[Stbentoak]

You really can't go wrong with getting a good AGM battery from either Costco or Sam's Club. They give you a fantastic warranty. Sam's where I buy them, install them free. I'm always the first one there in the morning and I'm out of there in half an hour. Same with tires.

 

[2024 White Tahoe]

You really can't go wrong with getting a good AGM battery from either Costco or Sam's Club. They give you a fantastic warranty. Sam's where I buy them, install them free. I'm always the first one there in the morning and I'm out of there in half an hour. Same with tires.

Don’t you have to be a member to shop at those stores?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Don’t you have to be a member to shop at those stores?

I believe that you do need to be a member to shop at their stores. You can also shop for a battery at Walmart, Home Depot, or Lowe's.

 

[Stbentoak]

Don’t you have to be a member to shop at those stores?

Well, yes you do, but the cost of membership. Is by far paid back in the value you get back on groceries, TV's And other various and sundry items you buy from there. Costco Gas. It's always 30 to 40 cents a gallon less than the going rate.

 

[ZKWBQD]

Hi Guys... I have roughly 71k miles on my 22' AT4 and have had little to no issues. Other than daily driving, and the occasional roadtrip out of town, I really don't drive it hard. I'm at a point where my battery indicator is a little under half on the dashboard gauge. The battery itself isn't having any issues, but it is noticeably sluggish when it cranks over to start. Not to where it won't start, but there's a slight audible drag when it starts where you know your battery isn't what it used to be when you first bought it brand new. My last vehicle was a Dodge Magnum RT, and I've had good experiences with OEM replacement batteries through Dodge - as they've lasted a good long time. It's been a couple of decades since I've owned a GMC product, so I wanted to ask about your experiences with changing out a battery for an OEM or aftermarket, and which setup worked best for you for longevity.

As a matter of routine, I replace batteries when they are 3 years old. Regardless of mileage. I like AGM batteries. The problem is, your vehicle has the evil engine stop-start technology and I'm not sure you can get an AGM battery in that larger size. If you can, I would certainly investigate an AGM battery.

 

[StephenPT]

I just replaced my battery with an OEM (AC Delco). It had a “Made in Germany” sticker on it. The factory one was still “working” but I noticed my diesel cranking slower after sitting a couple of weeks and I’m a replace it before it breaks type of person.

Ordered it through the GM Parts Store and had it ready for pickup at the dealer. They’re running a 20% off promo right now and Visa card rebate so it was just under $200 for the battery.

 

[Blueinterceptor]

Get the highest cca gm battery with the increased reserve capacity. I think it’s the battery that comes with the diesel engine.

 

[Stbentoak]

It appears today on most modern vehicles. Say 2021 and newer that they pretty much eat batteries. The days of 6-7-8 years on batteries are over. If you can get three to four years out of one, you probably should consider yourself lucky and change it on a sunny and 60 degree day while you have the chance.

 

[jfoj]

Most vehicle batteries made in the US are made by Johnson Controls.

Varta vehicle batteries are made in Germany and usually are OE for most German makes

From dealing with BMWs for a number of years, I found that the German Varta batteries tend to be very good quality. Funny enough the last time I had to buy a H8 battery for a BMW is actually cheaper to buy online and pick it up at the dealer than it was anywhere else and I think it was like $175?

Sometimes it is worth checking with the dealer if you have coupons or if they have discounts then when compared with a local parts store as sometimes you can actually get a pretty decent deal.

 

[intheburbs]

Walmart Everstart Platinum AGM

/thread

 

[Badbob]

Every new Gm vehicle I have ever bought the Gm battery lasted about 3 years tops, I wouldn’t buy one
I have had very good luck with NAPA legend batteries 6 years easy

 

[PPK_]

Make sure your battery is bad before you replace... and then if you go new.. test it. don't just pick up any old battery without a test.. below is a tester that determines cranking amps.. useful. $20. Amazon.

 

[West 1]

As already said, and is true, all batteries are made by 2 or 3 manufacturers. They are dated, make sure you buy one that is recently made. I find Sams, Costco and Walmart offer good batteries for not much money and any warranty issues are handled easy. I usually get at least 4 years and sometimes 8 years out of my batteries. Before spending money, check your system to make sure there is not a drain and your system is charging properly with good grounds. Your local auto parts stores will offer the same batteries but I find the cost is 30-50 dollars higher at the parts stores.