FAQs: Automotive High Performance

QUESTION

When should I use a deep-cycle OPTIMA as a starting battery?

ANSWER

Deep-cycle batteries are designed for applications that require deep, repetitive amperage drain like trolling motors, golf carts, and electric wheelchairs or RV house power sources. However, there are other applications called "heavy cycling" or "high cycling", when a deep cycle OPTIMA can successfully replace a starting battery to provide longer life and better performance. In “heavy cycling” or “high cycling” applications, a vehicle will pull unusually high amperage levels from the starting battery due to extra accessories or limited alternator capacity. Public safety professionals such as police, fire and ambulance fleet managers often find that traditional starting batteries cannot provide adequate life and performance due to heavy cycling. Using an OPTIMA deep-cycle battery in this type of application will result in longer life and better performance.

In any vehicle or equipment that will use the battery only for starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) requirements and has a properly working alternator, the OPTIMA RedTop Starting Battery will perform extremely well, often providing up to two to three times longer life than conventional batteries. If the vehicle has few or no aftermarket accessories and uses a stock or upgraded alternator, the OPTIMA RedTop Starting Battery is the appropriate choice.

Remember, it is possible to have a completely discharged YellowTop that will not start the engine; the advantages of the YellowTop are that it can accept a rapid recharge and it will recover from discharge many more times.

It is necessary to consider both the application and the charging system before considering which is the correct OPTIMA battery for you. For example, if you have a Ford Expedition with an aftermarket alarm system and you drive the car every day, the OPTIMA RedTop would be the correct choice since the amperage drain will be nominal and the battery would be recharged on a daily basis. However, if you store the vehicle for long periods of time with the alarm system engaged, you should use an OPTIMA YellowTop since the amperage drain over several weeks would damage a RedTop and reduce its life.

Back to Automotive High Performance Index

View a Different Category

Battery Care & Maintenance Tips Audio/Tuner 4 x 4 / Off-Road STREET TRUCK Marine RV

Can't find the answer?

If you can't find the answer to your question please contact our Customer Service team.