Who Makes Duralast Batteries? (Manufacturers, Types, Pros)

Duralast batteries from AutoZone are budget-friendly, which is great for folks like me who love a good deal. But don’t let the price tag fool you – these batteries pack enough punch for your daily drives and those cold morning starts.

Duralast batteries don’t just come from one place. They’ve got three big names behind them – Clarios, East Penn Manufacturing, and Exide. Each of these companies is a heavyweight in the battery-making arena, pouring years of expertise into every battery that ends up in your car.

In this article, we’re delving deep into the world of Duralast batteries. I’ve had quite a journey with car batteries, and Duralast has been a significant part of that adventure. Let me take you through what I’ve learned, from the affordable regular versions to the high-performance beasts.

Duralast Batteries

AutoZone, that giant in the automotive parts world with a whopping 5,000+ stores across North America, is bringing Duralast batteries to the table. But here’s a little insider info – they don’t make these batteries.

For Duralast, it’s three major players in the battery game: Clarios, East Penn Manufacturing, and Exide. These guys are the real deal in battery making, and they supply these power-packed Duralast batteries to over 6,000 AutoZone stores.

I remember once I was working on a classic car restoration, and I needed a battery I could rely on. It turned out that a Duralast was my saving grace. Known for their solid reliability, these batteries are like that trusty hammer in your toolbox – always ready and dependable.

Duralast Battery Makers

Let’s talk about who’s behind those Duralast batteries you often see.

Clarios

Now, these guys are like the hidden champions of the battery world. Part of Brookfield Business Partners, Clarios is all about making those lead-acid batteries we rely on.

Clarios has an impressive history, starting in 1885 in Cork, Ireland. They’ve been in the game since lead-acid batteries were first invented!

They merged with Tyco International and now have this global presence, with facilities like Delaware and Ohio. They’ve been building this battery empire for over a century!

But here’s the twist: they don’t usually put their name on the products. Instead, their batteries are Delkor, Optima, Mac, and Varta.

East Penn Manufacturing

These folks might not be as big as Clarios, but let me tell you, they’ve got a game. This family-owned business in Pennsylvania has one of the world’s largest single-site battery manufacturing complexes.

They make Deka batteries, and their reach goes all over North America. Once, I used a Deka battery for an old car I was fixing up, and it was like giving the car a new lease on life!

East Penn has a division called ‘Reserve Power,’ they’re pretty big on VRLA reserve power batteries. It’s amazing how a smaller player in the industry can still pack such a punch.

Exide

These folks are big names in the battery world and are known for making Duralast batteries. They’re based in Milton, Georgia, with a global HQ in Kolkata, India.

It’s fascinating how they balance quality and cost, making their batteries affordable without skimping performance. It reminds me of the time I had to balance quality and budget on a renovation project – not an easy feat, but worth it in the end!

Exide is like the innovator of the group, constantly working on new battery systems. They’ve moved past the old “Good-Better-Best” way of doing things and are all about bringing power and start-up reliability to the table.

The Lowdown on Duralast Batteries: Powering Your Ride in Style

I’m diving under the battery blanket to give you the scoop on what’s what with these power packs.

Regular Duralast Batteries (Duralast Standard)

Alright, so you’ve got your regular Duralast batteries. These are your bread and butter – not too pricey, and they’ll get your car cranking without a fuss.

I’ve used these bad boys often, especially when doing old rides on a budget. They’re like that reliable friend who’s always ready to jump in on a road trip, no questions asked. Quickstarts, less shakin’ in your engine – they’re solid for the everyday drive.

High-Performance Duralast Batteries

Now, when you’re ready to step up the game, that’s where the Duralast Gold and Platinum come into play.

Duralast Gold

Imagine you’ve got a bunch of taxis to keep on the road or maybe a couple of buses. You’re going to want something that doesn’t quit. Enter Duralast Gold.

These are the heavy-lifters of the battery world. They’ve got this stuff called calcium in them, and it’s not just for strong teeth; it’s for keeping your battery going strong, even if your car’s taking a long nap in the parking lot.

I’ve seen these in action, and they’re tough. More muscle inside means they shake off the bumps and jolts of daily driving like it’s no big deal, and they don’t rust up on you.

Duralast Platinum

Now, let’s talk about the big dog – the Duralast Platinum. These are the heavyweights, the kind of battery you want if you’re all about that top-shelf life.

They’re made to be super tough, bend without breaking, and not leak if things get twisty. I’ve put these into some awesome cars, and they keep everything running smooth – your fancy screens, seat warmers, all the good stuff.

Sure, they might hit your wallet a bit harder, but for the peace of mind and that solid performance? Well, that’s something you can’t put a price on.

Whether you’re just tooling around town or have a car decked out with all the latest gadgets, Duralast has a battery to match your needs. And from my time on the road and under the hood, I can tell you – they live up to their name.

Why Look for Duralast Batteries?

You’re probably wondering, “Why should I eye those Duralast batteries?” Let me break it down with some talk from my tinkering and experiences.

Pros

Let’s first shine a spotlight on the standout advantages of choosing a Duralast battery:

• Performance: Every Duralast battery I’ve dropped into an engine bay has kicked off without a hitch, time and time again.
• Quality Materials: We’re talking about durability. These batteries are built with the good stuff, meaning they don’t bail on you when things get rough on the road.
• Warranty: It’s like a safety net for your wallet. Standard models pack a 1-2 year warranty, while the high-performance lineup bumps that to 3 years. That’s the confidence you can count on.

Cons

There is no sugar-coating here – there are a few things to remember.

• Self-Discharge: If your car’s a driveway decoration, the standard Duralast might lose charge quicker than you’d like. The term is “self-discharge,” meaning you might return to a battery that’s not ready to roll.
• Maintenance Needs: Regular models want a bit of your attention. Neglect them, and they’ll get grumpy. But it’s smooth sailing if you’re okay with a little upkeep or invest in the high-performance type.
• Handle with Care: Some Duralast batteries skip the carrying handle to cut costs, which is fine unless you’re swapping them in and out like library books.

So there you have it, straight from the garage. Duralast batteries have their perks and quirks, but picking the right one is like choosing the right tool – it’ll do the job well if you know what you’re getting into.

Are Duralast Batteries Worth Using?

So, you’ve got the rundown on Duralast batteries – which makes them, what types are out there, and the pros and cons. Now, let’s talk about whether they’re worth your hard-earned cash. I’m tossing in my two cents based on what I’ve seen and done.

Aspect	Duralast Lowdown
Comparison with Others	Regular Duralast batteries and DieHard are like distant cousins. Both have over 800 CCA, all from the same family tree.
Durability	These batteries are marathon runners, not sprinters. Properly cared for, a Duralast can last up to 5 years, thanks to that calcium boost.
Performance	High-performance Duralasts have up to 500 CCA and are power-packed. They’re like the muscle cars of batteries.

So, what’s the verdict? In my book, Duralast batteries are like that reliable tool you’ve had for years. They might not always be the flashiest, but they do the job and are there when needed.

Whether you’re going for the regular or the high-performance, you’re getting a battery that’ll stand by you through thick and thin.

References

Organizations:

• Battery Council International (BCI). https://batterycouncil.org/

Website Resources:

• Battery University. https://batteryuniversity.com/
• Consumer Reports – Car Battery Buying Guide. https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/car-batteries/buying-guide/index.htm
• AutoZone’s Duralast Page. https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery
• Exide Technologies. https://www.exide.com/
• East Penn Manufacturing. https://www.eastpennmanufacturing.com/
• Clarios. https://www.clarios.com/

Video References:

AutoZone