If you’re in the market for a new car battery, you’ve probably come across Duracell and DieHard as two of the top options. Both brands promise reliable starts and long battery life. But which one is right for your vehicle?
Let’s take an in-depth look at Duracell and DieHard car batteries to see how they compare.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Duracell | DieHard |
| Construction | Absorbed glass mat (AGM) | Flooded lead-acid, AGM, lithium-ion |
| Terminal Design | Dual terminals | Top and side terminals |
| Cold Cranking Amps | 550-850 CCA | 550-800 CCA (up to 1200 for lithium-ion) |
| Warranty | 2-3 years free replacement | 3-4 years free replacement |
| Availability | Widely available | Sold primarily through Sears |
Key Takeaways:
- Both Duracell and DieHard make high-quality, reliable car batteries with AGM construction.
- DieHard offers more battery design options including lithium-ion batteries with very high CCA.
- Duracell batteries are more widely available and moderately priced.
- DieHard is sold mainly through Sears but offers premium features and longer warranties.
- For most drivers, either Duracell or DieHard would be an excellent battery choice.
- Consider climate, vehicle demands, budget, warranty, and availability when choosing between the two brands.
- Duracell gives you reliable performance at a good value. DieHard provides top-tier battery tech for demanding vehicles.
Duracell Car Batteries
Duracell has been a trusted name in batteries for decades. They are known for making high-performing alkaline batteries for everyday use. In recent years, Duracell has expanded into manufacturing batteries for automotive needs as well.
Duracell car batteries feature:
- Dual Terminal Design: Duracell batteries have both top and side terminal posts for convenient installation and accessibility. Many vehicles require a side terminal battery.
- Advanced Construction: They use Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) technology that makes their car batteries spill-proof and mountable in any direction. The AGM separators also prevent shorts and increase vibration resistance.
- High CCA Ratings: Duracell batteries deliver high cold cranking amps (CCA) ranging from around 550 to 850. The CCA determines how well your battery starts in cold weather. More CCA means faster ignition and fewer failed starts.
- Long Shelf Life: Thanks to the AGM construction, Duracell batteries can sit on store shelves for extended periods without losing a charge. Even after sitting idle, they can bounce back to a full charge quickly.
- Nationwide Availability: You can find Duracell batteries in many major auto parts stores across North America like Pep Boys, NAPA, and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Online retailers like Amazon also stock various Duracell automotive battery models.
Duracell provides reliable performance across a wide temperature range.
Their car batteries work well in regions with extremely cold winters or very hot summers.
Overall, Duracell batteries deliver powerful starts and long service life at a reasonable price point.
DieHard Car Batteries
DieHard is the flagship brand from Sears for automotive batteries. They have been manufacturing batteries since 1967. DieHard burst onto the scene with innovative features that were ahead of the competition at the time.
Here are some key things to know about DieHard car batteries:
- Multiple Designs: DieHard offers conventional flooded lead-acid batteries as well as absorbent glass mat (AGM) and lithium-ion batteries. This gives you options to choose the ideal design for your vehicle.
- High CCA Ratings: DieHard conventional and AGM batteries have excellent cold cranking amps between 550 to 800. Their Platinum lithium-ion batteries have an incredible 1200 CCA rating for the fastest starts possible.
- Innovative Components: DieHard uses things like finely-tuned acid chemistry and premium positive grid alloy to optimize electrical flow and maintain battery power.
- Full Replacement Warranty: All DieHard batteries have a free replacement warranty. You get 3 years free replacement on conventional models and 4 years on AGM and lithium batteries.
- Nationwide Availability: DieHard is sold at Sears stores across America as well as via the Sears website. You can also find DieHard batteries at Amazon and other online retailers.
DieHard offers high-end batteries packed with the latest technological advances. They are an excellent solution for vehicles with demanding electronics, accessories, or performance needs. Expect to pay a premium price for the DieHard experience.
Key Comparison of Duracell And DieHard Car Batteries
Now that we’ve covered the basics of Duracell and DieHard car batteries, let’s directly compare some key factors to help you choose the right battery for your vehicle.
- Construction and Design
Both Duracell and DieHard offer absorbent glass mat (AGM) batteries which are maintenance-free and mountable in any position.
DieHard takes things a step further with their lithium-ion batteries that are the lightest car batteries available today. The lithium-ion models have the highest CCA ratings from DieHard.
Duracell batteries feature a dual terminal design great for accessibility. DieHard does not emphasize dual terminals but their range of battery designs is more diverse overall.
Also Read: Comparison of DieHard And EverStart Car Batteries.
- Performance and Reliability
In terms of battery performance, Duracell and DieHard brands are quite closely matched. Both deliver ample starting power, resistance to electrical shorts, and dependable longevity.
Duracell and DieHard have comparable cold cranking amp (CCA) ratings across similar models. Expect CCAs between 550 to 850 for most vehicles. DieHard’s Platinum lithium-ion models top out at an incredible 1200 CCA.
Real world tests suggest Duracell and DieHard batteries last around the same amount of time in typical driving conditions. Either brand should reliably serve for 3-5 years before needing replacement. Proper maintenance helps maximize lifespan.
Duracell and DieHard both manufacture high-quality batteries backed by solid warranties. You really cannot go wrong with either brand when it comes to reliability.
- Availability and Price
DieHard batteries are sold exclusively through Sears stores and websites like Sears.com and Amazon.
Duracell has wider availability in national auto parts chains and online retailers.
Duracell batteries are competitively priced against other major brands like Interstate and Optima.
DieHard batteries have premium pricing due to their brand reputation and innovative technology.
Expect to pay 15-20% more for a comparable DieHard model versus Duracell.
If availability and price are your main concerns, Duracell likely has an advantage. But DieHard is a worthy investment for the latest battery tech.
- Warranties
Duracell provides solid coverage through their product warranties. You get:
- 3-year free replacement warranty for Duracell Premium AGM batteries
- 2-year free replacement warranty for all other Duracell automotive batteries
DieHard warranties extend even longer:
- 3-year free replacement on flooded lead-acid batteries
- 4-year free replacement on AGM and lithium-ion models
Both brands offer adequate timelines to get a free replacement battery should yours experience defects or early failure. DieHard edges out Duracell a bit on warranty coverage for their premium batteries.
Choosing Between Duracell and DieHard Batteries
When deciding between Duracell and DieHard for your car battery replacement, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Vehicle Type: DieHard lithium-ion batteries are ideal for vehicles with lots of power draw. Duracell is a good economical choice.
- Climate Conditions: In extreme cold or hot climates, focus on batteries with the highest CCA ratings for optimal starting.
- Budget: Duracell batteries are generally cheaper than comparable DieHard models.
- Availability: Duracell batteries have wider in-store availability if that’s important to you.
- Warranty: DieHard offers slightly longer free replacement coverage, especially on AGM/lithium models.
Also Read: Comparison of Super Start And DieHard Car Batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Still have some questions about Duracell and DieHard car batteries? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.
There is no definitive “most reliable” car battery brand. Top tier manufacturers like DieHard, Duracell, Optima, Interstate and Odyssey all make batteries known for excellent performance and longevity. Choosing between the major brands comes down to factors like battery design, warranty coverage, price, and availability.
Yes, Duracell is one of the most reliable car battery brands. Their batteries go through extensive testing to ensure consistent performance. Duracell car batteries have high CCA ratings and durable absorbed glass mat (AGM) construction. Expect around 3-5 years of reliable service from a Duracell battery with proper maintenance.
DieHard remains an industry leader known for high-quality, innovative car batteries. Their flooded lead-acid and AGM batteries offer trusted reliability. DieHard’s Platinum lithium-ion line is their most advanced offering yet in terms of starting power, lightweight design, and battery longevity. So yes, DieHard still manufactures excellent batteries.
Optima and Odyssey are widely considered the longest lasting car battery brands. Their spiral wound AGM batteries are built for extended life spans of around 8-10 years in normal use. Lithium-ion batteries, like those from DieHard, also last many more years than typical lead-acid batteries. But they are more expensive.
Final Thoughts
Both Duracell and DieHard are reliable battery brands that offer high-quality options for most vehicles. Think about your specific needs in areas like budget, performance, and warranty coverage.
This will help you select the right car battery between these two industry leaders.
Hopefully this comparison of Duracell and DieHard car batteries assists you in choosing the right one for your vehicle. Let me know if you have any other questions!
