Cool

 

AAA even says that in the Phoenix area "Usual " life of a car battery is about 2 Years. I figured 4 Years was pushing my luck! Maybe the original would have lasted another Year or two. Just wasn't worth the worry to me.
I don't relish the thought of sitting out somewhere in 110/115 degree heat with a dead battery!

 

I was just comparing the stock battery with the ones Optima has available using this picture as a guide.

Someone on another thread said to purchase the Optima 75/25, but the posts are wrong on that battery.

It looks like the Optima 35 with the posts reversed, and would be the better fit. I got into my battery compartment tonight, and I am convinced the Optima 35 is the way to go...

Can someone tell me that I am wrong before I place my order.
Here is the link for the specs on the Optima 35
http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/schema_35.html


Thanks,
Keith

 

Remember, Because your battery is inside of the passenger area "vented" is important.

 

I am sure this could be an item to debate, but based on what I read on the Optima Website, venting does not look like that big of an issue with these type batteries.

I have been using these type batteries for years for various projects in enclosed areas, and have never had a problem. The one observation you will have after making a purchase/replacement of these type batteries. It will be the last one you every buy...
They typically outlast the ownership of the vehicles.

I am still waiting for a reply from someone to confirm that the Optima 35 is a good choice.
I am still concerned of the terminal difference based on other threads where they purchased batteries with the standard GM terminal format, where it looks like the HHR is actually reversed. It could be they added the Optima as a secondary battery, and it did not matter with there application. I want to remove the GM Battery and put the Optima in as a replacement.

 

I too kind of think the Optima may work but the Vent still may be an issue.

Note Optima does not list an HHR in their guide or have a recomended fittinng?

When they list about all other Chevys and not the HHR it does make me consider there is a reason.

The post are not an issue as it will bolt int and fit since they offer the battery in all configs. You just need the one with the post on the correct side.

I will recheck with them when I got to work and see. We sell them and unless they changed it they had no listing.

 

I have an Optima battery in my GTO. They're not gel cells, they're AGM (absorbed glass mat) type, which is a different construction than a gel and requires special consideration while charging.

 

Yellow Tops are deep cycle batteries. CCA's are generally more than enough, but you do trade off some reserve capacity for the ability to be completely discharged without damage. A Red Top is generally what people go with who don't specifically need deep cycle capability.

 

the optima is round cells and does not vent, the Sears AGM is flat plates the afgm batteries the electrolyte is is glass matts no micro poruos separaters which is like running in knee deep water. for years I sold agm forklift batteries, agm batteries do not vent.

 

I would seriously consider an AGM battery, when the time comes, since its pretty much sealed in that rear compartment. If I don't go that way, it will be an Interstate battery.