Sealed versus unsealed battery

[john.thompson068]

Much to my surprise, I was not able to find very much information comparing the two styles of batteries on the Internet or when doing a search on this site.

So what are the advantages and disadvantages of sealed and unsealed batteries?

Which do you prefer and why?


I have gone to several parts stores and comparable batteries are offered in both styles. Should I run a sealed battery because my battery is relocated to the trunk? I have a solenoid in the trunk with a stainless steel firewall and a fuel cell.

 

[1badgtx]

Sealed batteries are better...I like to use optima or equalivent battery...Interstate has a good one too...The ones that are not sealed are usually rebuilt in good ole mexico...They only last a couple of years...You get what you pay for!!!!Sams club has optima at a good price..
Petty Blue 67 gTx

 

[Ron 73]

John, I really don't myself know if there's any advantages and disadvantages as far as the quality of the battery's. I personally like the unsealed because of one advantage of using a hydrometer to check the cells when i have a problem to make sure the cells are testing ok, Ive found over the years that sometimes the battery can read ok on a volt meter and not be up to snuff because of a bad cell in one. Running one in the trunk location a sealed would be the way to go if this helps. Good luck.

 

[john.thompson068]

Just purchased a sealed AutoCraft from Advance Auto. All of the sealed batteries I saw at three different parts stores had a vent. The Diehard I just replaced didn't appear to have a vent. I tried taking the top off to see if it was hidden under the top cover but never got the cover to come off.

 

[StX_Rd_Runr]

Might look into the Northstar brand of battery. Started by some engineers from Odyssey batteries. Made in the US, I think in Missouri. Less expensive than the Odyssey batteries, too. Nice thing is no acid seepage and the terminals are bronze.

After the wet acid battery in the car blew up, we put one in my wife's daily driver, a RHD 67 Land Rover 88. After a year and a half, it has been great. The tropics eat batteries for fun. Connections still look new, holds its charge even after a three week trip up to Babylon etc. It is an AGM (absorbed glass mat) style. When the battery in the RR dies it will get a Northstar battery. We sourced ours through Quality Power: http://www.qualitypowerauto.com/

As it is not considered hazardous it can be shipped USPS Priority Mail , a big plus here in the US Virgin Islands.