I live in NY and the winter can be harsh on batteries. I do not use the car much but I try to keep the battery charged using a battery tender. I'm still under warrranty but from my experience and reading several other post the OEM battery is not the most reliable. Maybe I was suppose to add water every 2 yrs, but from looking at the battery I'm not exactly sure how or even if its worth the effort.

Instead of trying a 3rd time, I went with the Optima from pepboys for $120. 3yrs free replacement warranty and then 84 month pro-rated.

The battery dropped right in, I used my spare rubber hitch cover (left side of the battery) to allow the bracket to snugly hold the battery in place using the second screw hold from the right.



The old OEM battery - with a dark 'dead' black status eye