DieHard Vs Duralast Battery

Duralast and DieHard are two of the most popular manufacturers of car batteries. They both make a variety of grades and models which suit all sorts of vehicles and engine sizes. Duralast batteries are cheaper overall than DieHard batteries, but some DieHard models offer a longer warranty period. Both have comparable Cranking amps, Cold Cranking Amps, Amp Hours and Reserve Capacity. Both battery brands are actually manufactured by the same company, Clarios LLC, and are built at the same factory. So they’re very similar in almost every way other than price and warranty. If you want a better price, buy a Duralast. But if you want a longer warranty, choose DieHard.

The battery is one of the most important components of your vehicle because without one, it won’t start. It’s essential to choose the right battery for your engine so it has enough power to crank the motor. This is called CA or Cranking Amps. A battery should also produce enough power to crank the engine in extremely cold weather. This is known as CCA or Cold Cranking Amps. Both Duralast and DieHard make batteries with enough juice to crank an engine in both ideal and cold temperatures.

Car batteries recharge as the engine runs. But they also store electricity as they rest, this is called reserve capacity. DieHard and Duralast both have a very good reserve capacity that can last for months without starting the engine.

You can’t go wring with either battery brand, they’re both excellent, very durable and long lasting with plenty of power. I use both in our company vehicles and have never had a problem with either. However I highly recommend buying a higher grade battery like Gold or Platinum AGM. They’re a lot better than starter grades.

Duralast Vs DieHard 12V Batteries

Duralast and DieHard are both excellent 12V batteries. They function in the same basic way and have a lot in common, but there are some differences that set the two brands apart. DieHard and Duralast batteries have comparable cranking amps, cold cranking amps, reserve hours and amp hours, but they differ slightly in terms of price and warranty. Duralast tends to be a little cheaper while DieHard offers a long warranty on high end models.

Before we start comparing the two brands, lets review a few terms that describe the basic functions of the battery.

Cranking Amps

The purpose of a battery is to power the start which cranks and starts the engine. The power the strarter needs is supplied by the battery. When you turn the key or press the ignition button, an electrical current flows from the battery to your engine’s starter which starts the car. Cranking amps measures the amount of current your battery releases in 30 seconds when the surrounding temperature is 32°F (0°C). Without the necessary cranking amps for your motor, it won’t start.

In general, the larger the battery the more cranking amps it provides
Electricity supplied by the battery comes in high-voltage spurts instead of a single jolt to the starter

It’s important to use the right size battery for your engine. Too much power can destroy the start solenoid. However, too little juice and you may not be able to crank the motor.

Cold Cranking Amps

In cold weather, it’s harder to crank the engine than when it’s warm outside. The oil becomes thicker when it’s cold which makes the engine harder to crank. This means you need more power than usual from the battery to start the vehicle. Cold cranking amps, or CCA, measures the amount of current your battery releases in 30 seconds when the surrounding temperature is 0°F (-17°C). This is very important in cold climates but it’s also a factor in warmer areas where it gets cold at night.

In general, the larger the battery the more cold cranking amps it provides
A battery with high CCA is more important in cold climates than warm ones, however even in warm climates it can get quite cold at night

It’s important to choose a battery with enough cold cranking amps to start your engine when it’s cold. If you don;t have the minimum required amps, you may not be able to start the engine when the temperature drops.

Reserve Capacity

The reserve capacity of a battery refers to how much electricity it stores. The reserve capacity, or RC, measures for how many minutes a fully charged 12V battery can deliver 25 amps of power in an 80℉ environment before dropping to 10.5V. The RC is measured in minutes, so the higher the number a battery has the better it is.

A higher reserve capacity is better because batteries lose power over time. This is why you should start an engine every few weeks to keep the battery charged. If you don;t the battery will eventually die and need recharging.

Amp Hour

Battery capacity is measured in amp hours, or ampere hours, sometimes abbreviated as Ah. Amp hours is a measure of how many amps the battery can deliver in exactly one hour. For example, a 12V Duralast or Diehard battery with a capacity of 100Ah can deliver 100A to a 12-volt device for one hour. The same 100Ah battery could supply power for 4 hours (100/25=4) to a 25 amp device.

An average 12V car battery has a 48 Ah rating. However many higher grade batteries have a higher Ah rating.

BCI Group Number

BCI stands for Battery Council International, which is a trade association that assigns numbers and letters for each battery group size. Every battery has a BCI number which tells you where the terminals are located as well as the dimensions of the battery. Having BCI numbers groups helps keep batteries properly sized so they fit into the vehicle they’re designed for.

Every vehicle has an area where the battery is mounted. Buying the correct BCI numbered battery ensures the battery will fit properly in the mount.

Battery Date Code

Every 12V DieHard and Duralast battery has a date code label located on either the top or the back side of the battery. The last four (4) digits of the code represent the month and the year the battery left the factory. For example, if the code ends with the numbers 0122 it means January, 2022.

It’s best to buy a battery as fresh as possible. Batteries slowly drain as they sit on a shelf. If you buy a battery that’s fairly new it will have a stronger charge than an older battery. You can tell exactly when the battery was made by examining the code.

Duralast Car Batteries

Duralast batteries are manufactured by a company called Johnson Controls International, one of the largest battery manufacturers in the world. The brand is exclusively sold at AutoZone Stores, a leading retailer of automotive parts and accessories in the United States. The batteries come in a wide range of models and three grades, standard, gold and platinum. Duralast batteries are known for their long-lasting performance, durability and reliability, making them a popular choice for both personal and commercial vehicles.

Duralast batteries are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions. They’rebuilt using high-quality materials and advanced technology to deliver reliable and long-lasting performance. Some of the features of Duralast batteries include:

Durability: Duralast batteries are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh conditions.
Long-lasting performance: Duralast batteries are built to provide long-lasting performance.
Maintenance-free: Duralast batteries are maintenance-free.
Resistant to vibrations: Duralast batteries are built to withstand vibrations and shocks.
Easy to install: Duralast batteries come with a user-friendly installation guide, making them easy to install.

Duralast Standard

The standard grade Duralast battery is very good and will reliably start your vehicle, but it doesn’t have any advanced features like higher grade batteries do. It’s a good replacement for most stock vehicle batteries but not usually an upgrade.

The following are some typical specs:

Type: Flooded Cell
CA: 735
CCA: 590
RC: 105
Warranty: 2 years

*Specs taken from Duralast battery 40R-DL Group Size 40R 590 CCA

Duralast Gold

Duralast Gold batteries are a big upgrade from the standard grade. They have more amperage, better reserve capacity and a longer warranty.

If you live in a cold climate, Duralast Gold is a better option because they have more cold cranking amps (CCA). They reliably work in higher heat and lower cold than a standard battery.

Gold grade batteries have additional lead plates in which gives them superior performance. They’re usually an upgrade from most factory vehicle batteries.

The following are some typical specs:

Type: Flooded Cell
CA: 1000
CCA: 800
RC: 140
Warranty: 3 years with free replacement

*Specs taken from Duralast Gold Battery H7-DLG Group Size 94R 800 CCA

Duralast Platinum EFB

Duralast Platinum EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) batteries are built to start large modern engines while exceeding the performance of the original, conventional battery. They’re designed to significantly improve charge acceptance and cycle life. Duralast Platinum EFB batteries provide strong starts and ultimate power for modern features like cruise control, lane assist, infotainment systems, and heated seats.

Platinum batteries come with marine options. In most cases, you should not use a marine battery in a car or truck.

Type: EFB
CCA: 850
RC: 170
Warranty: 3 years with free replacement

*specs taken from Duralast Platinum EFB Battery H8-EFB Group Size 49 850 CCA

Duralast Platinum AGM

Duralast Platinum AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) Batteries provide excellent power, durability, and flexibility. They’re engineered to meet or exceed the performance of your original AGM battery. Delivering maximum cold cranking amps, reserve capacity and a a 3-year, free replacement, nationwide warranty..

Duralast Platinum AGM batteries provide ample power to vehicles with multiple electronic features like cruise control, lane assist, infotainment systems, and heated seats. In vehicles designed for AGM Automotive batteries, Duralast Platinum AGM Batteries meet or exceed the original equipment for premium performance.

Type: AGM
CCA: 900
RC: 160
Warranty: 3 years with free replacement

*specs taken from Duralast Platinum AGM Battery H8-AGM Group Size 49 900 CCA

Advantages & Disadvantages Of Duralast Batteries

Like any other battery brand, Duralast batteries have their advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of them:

Advantages:

Long-lasting performance
Durability and resistance to extreme temperatures and harsh conditions
Maintenance-free
Easy to install
Wide range of battery models to suit various vehicle types and applications
Affordable prices compared to some other battery brands in the market
Easy installation with no maintenance required
Robust design to withstand extreme weather conditions
High reserve capacity to power additional accessories
2 to 3 year free replacement warranty

Disadvantages:

Relatively high prices compared to other battery brands
Limited availability as they are sold only at AutoZone stores.

DieHard Car Batteries

DieHard batteries are a well-known brand that’s been manufacturing batteries for over a century. They’re manufactured by a company called Clarios LLC and were historically sold exclusively at Sears. In 2019, Clarios took over Johnson Controls, the manufacturers of Duralast. That same year, Advance Auto Parts purchased the DieHard brand. Today, Clarios manufactures both battery brands at the same factory and sells them both at AutoZone.

The brand is known for its reliability, durability, and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.

DieHard batteries are built using advanced technology and high-quality materials to deliver reliable and long-lasting performance. Some of the features of DieHard batteries include:

Durability: DieHard batteries are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh conditions.
Long-lasting performance: DieHard batteries are built to provide long-lasting performance.
Maintenance-free: DieHard batteries are maintenance-free.
Resistant to vibrations: DieHard batteries are built to withstand vibrations and shocks.
Enhanced grid design: DieHard batteries have an enhanced grid design that improves the battery’s power and performance.

DieHard Red

DieHard Red is their entry level budget car battery which is on par with most factory batteries. It’s mainly used to start the car and doesn’t have any advanced features like higher grade batteries do. If you want a direct replacement for a factory car battery, this is usually a good choice.

Type: Flooded Cell
CA: 812
CCA: 650
RC: 80
Warranty: 1 Year Free Replacement

*specs taken from DieHard Red Battery: 65 Group Size, 650 CCA, 810 CA, 80 Minute Reserve Capacity, Reliable Starting Power

DieHard Silver

DieHard Silver is a big upgrade from the basic level Red battery. It can handle starting the vehicle and powering some extra features like the AC and lights.

DieHard Silver batteries are engineered for reliable starting power in all climates. They meet the manufacturer’s power (CCA) and reserve capacity requirements for your vehicle, ensuring you’ll get the power you need in cold and hot weather.

Type: Flooded Cell
CA: 935
CCA: 750
RC: 140
Warranty: 2 Years Free Replacement

*Specs taken from DieHard Silver Battery: 65 Group Size, 750 CCA, 935 CA, 140 Minute Reserve Capacity

DieHard Gold

DieHard Gold batteries are designed for maximum power in any climate. They meet or exceed the manufacturer’s power (CCA) and reserve capacity requirements for your vehicle.

DieHard Gold batteries are engineered with Stamped Grid technology, which is a stronger and more durable positive grid with reduced corrosion.

Gold batteries are designed for use in older model cars.

Type: Flooded Cell
CA: 800
CCA: 640
RC: 100
Warranty: 3 Years Free Replacement

*Specs taken from DieHard Gold Battery: 35 Group Size, 640 CCA, 800 CA, 100 Minute Reserve Capacity

DieHard Platinum

DieHard Platinum batteries have stamped grids which work in extreme temperatures. They use 20% less energy and 20% less emissions while producing more power. They’re engineered to provide up to 2x the life vs. a standard flooded battery. Platinum batteries are ideal for vehicles with start-stop technology or high demand electrical accessories like back up cameras, heated seats, navigation, plug-in accessories, which put a heavier load on the battery.

Type: Flooded Cell
CA: 935
CCA: 750
RC: 130
Warranty: 4 Years Free Replacement

*Specs taken from DieHard Platinum 24F Platinum Battery: 24F Group Size, 750 Cold Cranking Amperage, 935 Cranking Amperage, 130 Minute Reserve Capacity

DieHard Platinum AGM

The DieHard AGM Platinum provides 2x the life vs. a standard flooded battery with exceptional starting power in extreme climates. They’re built to meet and exceed vehicle starting and reserve capacity power requirements with AGM technology. The batteries are maintenance free with a no spill design. Platinum AGM batteries are ideal for vehicles with start-stop technology or high demand electrical accessories like back up cameras, heated seats, navigation, plug-in accessories, which put a heavier load on the battery.

DieHard Platinum AGM batteries are engineered with Stamped Grid technology, which features a stronger and more durable positive and negative grid design.

Type: Flooded Cell
CA: 950
CCA: 760
RC: 120
Warranty: 4 Years Free Replacement

*Specs taken from DieHard Platinum AGM Battery: H6 Group Size, 760 CCA, 950 CA, 120 Min Reserve Capacity

Advantages & Disadvantages Of DieHard Batteries

Like any other battery brand, DieHard batteries have their advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of them:

Advantages:

Long-lasting performance
Durability and resistance to extreme temperatures and harsh conditions
Maintenance-free
Enhanced grid design for improved power and performance
Available in a wide range of battery models to suit various vehicle types and applications
Long-lasting performance
Durability and resistance to extreme temperatures and harsh conditions
Maintenance-free
Enhanced grid design for improved power and performance
Available in a wide range of battery models to suit various vehicle types and applications
3 to 5-year warranty depending on the model

Disadvantages:

Limited availability as they are sold only at Sears stores
Higher prices compared to some other battery brands in the market

DieHard Vs Duralast 12V Car Batteries

Both Duralast and DieHard batteries are built using advanced technology and high-quality materials to deliver reliable and long-lasting performance. The produce a variety of models and grades to fit almost any engine requirements

However, there are some differences in their features.

Duralast Battery Features

Calcium alloy grid for enhanced power and performance
Easy installation with no maintenance required
Robust design to withstand extreme weather conditions
High reserve capacity to power additional accessories
2-year free replacement warranty

DieHard Battery Features

Enhanced grid design for improved power and performance
Maintenance-free
Durability and resistance to extreme temperatures and harsh conditions
Available in a wide range of battery models to suit various vehicle types and applications
3 to 5-year warranty depending on the model

Summary: Diehard Vs Duralast Battery

The battery is one of the most important components of your vehicle because without one, it won’t start. Choose a battery that enough power to crank the motor, this is the battery’s CA or Cranking Amps. A battery should also produce enough power to crank the engine in extremely cold weather, this is known as CCA or Cold Cranking Amps. Both Duralast and DieHard make batteries with enough juice to crank an engine in both ideal and cold temperatures.

You can’t go wring with either battery brand, they’re both excellent, very durable and long lasting with plenty of power.

If you have any questions or comments about DieHard vs Duralast batteries, email any time.