When did the price of car batteries escalate? Just bought a new

[sinkingfeeling]

one for my 1991 Subaru Loyale wagon. The one I bought last was like $85. The new one was $145.

[Beakybird]

1. I got a dead battery.

They gave it to me free of charge.

[democratisphere]

2. What Brand did you buy?

[sinkingfeeling]

4. Think it's a Duralast from Auto Zone. A D26.

[CurtEastPoint]

3. so much winning

[fleabiscuit]

5. The possible good news is that your old battery must have lasted a long time.

They have always seemed expensive to me. The rising prices just go unnoticed until we need a new one.

[sinkingfeeling]

8. Not long at all. The 3 year battery I bought in Aug. 2016 cost $85.

It was a local brand and only lasted 2 years. I decided not to take it back for replacement so went to AutoZone.

[we can do it]

6. I thought the same thing.

[TreasonousBastard]

7. Same here. I was shocked at the cost. But, the increase is due to lead...

no only is lead more expensive, but manufacture costs more due to safety and health regs.

[Kali]

9. about two or three years ago

tires are insane now too. last time I got tires for my little car they were what I expect to pay for truck tires.

[flamin lib]

10. Here's the thing with batteries.

Lead acid batteries have the highest energy density per dollar of all storage technology. After all these years who'da thought? But they're big and heavy.

You'll notice that new batteries are smaller than 15 years ago but have more amps and capacity. They also die without warning. One start everything's good but you're stranded at the grocery store, right?

Construction of lead acid batteries consists of lead plates suspended in an acid bath. To increase capacity while reducing size the plates are thinner and placed closer together. Manufacturing technology and precision costs money.

As the battery ages the lead plates slouhges off residue which eventually bridges the space between the plates. In the bad old days this happened slowly ' cause there was lots of space between the plates. Now it kind of happens all at once--surprise!

Add the cost of recycling/recovery of all the nasty stuff it takes to make batteries and there ya have it!

[sinkingfeeling]

11. Thanks.

[natheo]

12. car maintenance is costly

It is not a surprise anymore. OE parts are getting expensive also.