2020 Chevrolet Silverado Battery
Trucks
- Sponsor
- OPTIMA Batteries
- Location
- Glendale, WI
A bigger engine needs a bigger battery, right? Not always. Take the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 as an example. The Silverado came with five different engine sizes, ranging from the 2.7-liter four cylinder up to the 6.2-liter V8. One of two batteries are typically installed in those trucks from the factory, either an H6 or H7, for which OPTIMA's DH6 and DH7 YELLOWTOP batteries are direct-fit upgrades. So which engines use which battery?
The smallest engine, the 2.7-liter, uses only the DH7 YELLOWTOP, while the 4.3-liter V6 uses only the DH6 YELLOWTOP. When you get into the V8s, whether it is the 5.3-liter FLEX or regular engine or the big 6.2-liter, you can choose between either the DH6 or DH7 YELLOWTOP. Why would a smaller engine need such a big battery and if you have an option to choose, which one should it be?
Well, to start with the first question, battery size in modern vehicles is more about reserve capacity than cranking amps. Most batteries will offer plenty of cranking amps to turn over just about any modern engine, but what modern vehicles really need from batteries is more reserve capacity to run accessories in start/stop applications with the engine off or other significant electrical draws, like alarm systems, dash cameras, Wifi connections, etc...
When it comes to choosing between multiple options (in this case, the DH6 or DH7), the smaller battery will generally offer less power and reserve capacity and also weigh a bit less. However, it will also typically be less expensive up front. So if your truck doesn't have significant electrical demands, the smaller battery will probably work just fine. However, if your engine is demanding a lot from the electrical system, whether that is an aftermarket stereo system or a start/stop scenario in regular commuter traffic, then the larger battery is the better option.
Whatever you choose, know that the key to maximizing battery performance and lifespan is proper voltage maintenance. Fully-charged, OPTIMA YELLOWTOP batteries will measure about 13.0-13.2 volts. Whenever any lead-acid battery is discharged below 12.4 volts and is left sitting in that state, sulfation will begin forming in the plates, which will diminish capacity and lifespan. That makes a quality battery charger or maintainer an excellent addition to any garage. We're so confident this is true, we'll add an additional year of free replacement warranty coverage to your OPTIMA battery, if you purchase a 1200-series OPTIMA charger from us at the same time as your battery purchase!
The smallest engine, the 2.7-liter, uses only the DH7 YELLOWTOP, while the 4.3-liter V6 uses only the DH6 YELLOWTOP. When you get into the V8s, whether it is the 5.3-liter FLEX or regular engine or the big 6.2-liter, you can choose between either the DH6 or DH7 YELLOWTOP. Why would a smaller engine need such a big battery and if you have an option to choose, which one should it be?
Well, to start with the first question, battery size in modern vehicles is more about reserve capacity than cranking amps. Most batteries will offer plenty of cranking amps to turn over just about any modern engine, but what modern vehicles really need from batteries is more reserve capacity to run accessories in start/stop applications with the engine off or other significant electrical draws, like alarm systems, dash cameras, Wifi connections, etc...
When it comes to choosing between multiple options (in this case, the DH6 or DH7), the smaller battery will generally offer less power and reserve capacity and also weigh a bit less. However, it will also typically be less expensive up front. So if your truck doesn't have significant electrical demands, the smaller battery will probably work just fine. However, if your engine is demanding a lot from the electrical system, whether that is an aftermarket stereo system or a start/stop scenario in regular commuter traffic, then the larger battery is the better option.
Whatever you choose, know that the key to maximizing battery performance and lifespan is proper voltage maintenance. Fully-charged, OPTIMA YELLOWTOP batteries will measure about 13.0-13.2 volts. Whenever any lead-acid battery is discharged below 12.4 volts and is left sitting in that state, sulfation will begin forming in the plates, which will diminish capacity and lifespan. That makes a quality battery charger or maintainer an excellent addition to any garage. We're so confident this is true, we'll add an additional year of free replacement warranty coverage to your OPTIMA battery, if you purchase a 1200-series OPTIMA charger from us at the same time as your battery purchase!