Why are batteries suddenly so expensive?

[CH4Ohio]

Bidenflation was significant and it's not going away. Think about that when you pull the lever in the voting booth.

We still have to mark paper ballots here. Getting harder all the time to hold your ballot and fill in the bubbles while holding your nose . . .

 

[grsthegreat]

I was just servicing my kawasaki mule today. Went to inspect t battery. Still strong CCA, And its an 11 year old Orilleys AGM Battery. Im impressed. But its a $260 battery, so not looking forward to having to replace it when it dies.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

Same here! I think my 2016 Malibu (older body style) uses an H8 AGM. For a 2.5L 4cyl basic car, it's the physically largest battery I've ever had in a car. I actually mail-ordered a Walmart Everstart Platinum replacement for that car last year. It came packaged/boxed really well. I can't find a good way to defeat the auto stop/start on that car. Those cheap hood switch bypass harnesses just set the check engine light on it. On the other hand, the hood switch bypass works perfectly to defeat auto stop/start on our 2021 Traverse. I have yet to replace the factory AGM in that baby yet.

For the little aux battery in the trunk of my 2016 Malibu, a previous owner hacked the OEM style out and replaced it with a riding mower sized battery. It's worked the 2-3yrs we've owned it.

on Ford Rangers, 2019 to present, there is a 120v outlet in back area. A night light installed disables auto start stop. Or just push the disable button...

 

[grsthegreat]

on Ford Rangers, 2019 to present, there is a 120v outlet in back area. A night light installed disables auto start stop. Or just push the disable button...

On my 2020 f150 i just installed the “auto start eliminator” device. I was going to try going thru Forscan and disabling it, but read about other issues that can happen by doing that. The “eliminator” was easy to install, not very expensive, and totally stopped that stupid function.

 

[jyoutz]

Had my 2004 Dodge Cummins since new.... 21 years. I think I'm on my 3rd set.

My first factory set went 9 years.

 

[jyoutz]

But my 1976 calculator that cost $100 has been a buck at the dollar stores for decades.

Not much demand for calculators nowadays. We all have them on our phones now.

 

[jyoutz]

On my 2020 f150 i just installed the “auto start eliminator” device. I was going to try going thru Forscan and disabling it, but read about other issues that can happen by doing that. The “eliminator” was easy to install, not very expensive, and totally stopped that stupid function.

I just push to button on the dash to do the same thing.

 

[jyoutz]

We were told Interstate switched manufacturers some time back… I don’t have a way to verify.

Another thing I have heard is virgin lead performed better than recycled but again it’s only hearsay.

Lead is chemically the same if it was just mined and smelted or recycled.

 

[Gregster613]

too many people today are trying to make their first Mill in a short time. they also want to be able to afford healthcare. that takes a lot of money today. what I do is go to a place here in Tampa Florida area that rebuild or sells Blem Batteries I pay $$38 buck s for a battery that is guaranteed for 2 yrs. they test the charging & starting system and install the battery. or you can bring your core and pick up a battery. this is all they do. I used to work for a Battery company that does this, I was the auto Electrician there,rebuilt starters and alternators. they dump the acid out in plastic barrels,wash the battery, add new acid to the barrel until it reads 12.75 on the hydrometer. then pours it back into the battery and puts it on a trickle charge with a special industrial charger for 3 days, this breaks any Sulfation loose. they load test the batteries then put them on the shelf. when I get one it usually last me 2.5 to 3 yrs. they also sell brand new batterys for $60 bucks,these last about 4 yrs. theres only like 3 batterie company's in the USA,one of them is interstate. . these companys make the batteries for all distributors and their put their labels on them.

You're lucky to have a facility like that "close" to you most everyone else doesn't! Good for you.

 

[NUTTERDW]

I noticed this with an older car I had. Today I'm trying to replace a 1979 VW Beetle battery and I'm seeing $200!
Are they filling batteries with gold now?


WTH ???

I'm guessing Tariffs. I know they have one up 50 dollars in the past few months. I don't think any of them are made in the USA. I collect old Farmall tractors and seems like Im forever needing a battery. I have a diesel pickup and I usually buy the batteries that will fit it for my tractors and then I trade them out to keep fresh ones in my truck.