12V Battery Replacement | Art’s Automotive Berkeley

When we were deciding which 12V battery to use here at Art’s Automotive, our most important considerations were reliability, performance, and customer satisfaction. Over the last 45 years, we have partnered with several battery distributors. Some were great, but changed over time. Others were very short experiments. Right now, we think Deka batteries by East Penn Manufacturing is the best choice for us and our customers, and they are our primary offering. Below, we’ll break down the key players in the automotive 12V battery market and explain why Deka stands out.

The Big Three: East Penn, Clarios, and Exide

1. East Penn Manufacturing (Deka)

Key Brands: Deka, Duracell Automotive, NAPA Legend Premium.

Why We Chose Them:

  • Made in the USA: East Penn operates the world’s largest single-site lead-acid battery facility in Pennsylvania, with strict adherence to ISO 9001 and Telcordia standards.
  • Focus on Quality in Design: Pressed alloy grids instead of cast pure lead grids reduce the chance of shorting
  • Quality Assurance: Deka batteries undergo 250+ quality checks and use advanced AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) technology for vibration resistance and extended cycle life.
  • Sustainability: Their closed-loop recycling system recovers 99% of lead from used batteries.
  • Support & Logistics: Free delivery and core retrieval through partnerships like East Bay Battery, ensuring seamless service for our shop.
  • A real warranty: The warranty is 18 months, which might not sound like a lot compared to others, but it’s a full warranty, not pro-rated.

2. Clarios (Formerly Johnson Controls)

Key Brands: DieHard, Optima, Varta, Interstate (private label), and some Delco.

Overview:

Clarios is a huge battery manufacturer. They currently produce 1/3 of the world’s automotive batteries. For many years we used the Interstate branded batteries and were happy, but at one point the quality dipped severely and the warranty rate became way too high. Also, the Interstate warranty was pro-rated and based on suggested list, which was far more than what we charged our customers. The customer would pay the percentage of the warranty period that had been used up, and the unused percentage would be covered by Interstate. It wasn’t a good deal for customers because it was based on an inflated list price, not the price they actually paid for the battery.

Other Issues:

  • Global Manufacturing: Many batteries (e.g., Interstate) are now made in Mexico or Asia.
  • Limited Recycling: While they recycle materials, their network lacks East Penn’s localized core retrieval.

3. Exide Technologies

Key Brands: Exide, Champion, Duralast (AutoZone).
Overview:
Exide has a long history but faced challenges, including a 2001 fraud scandal and a 2020 bankruptcy restructuring.
Concerns:

  • Inconsistent Quality: Reports of shorter lifespans compared to Deka and Clarios.
  • Global Supply Chain: Many Exide batteries are manufactured overseas (e.g., India).
  • Rebranding: Now operates as Stryten Energy in North America, complicating warranty claims.

Why Deka Batteries Are Our Top Pick for 12V Batteries

  1. Local Partnership: East Bay Battery provides same-day delivery, expert support, and hassle-free core returns—critical for minimizing shop downtime.
  2. Proven Durability: Deka has consistently delivered good quality and our warranty rate is very good.
  3. Made in the USA: East Penn has the largest 12V battery manufacturing plant in the world, and it’s right here in the US.
  4. Transparent Sourcing: Full control over production and recycling ensures ethical, eco-friendly practices.
  5. Cost-Effective: Competitive pricing without compromising on cold-cranking amps (CCA) or reserve capacity.

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