Quick question, do you all lock you cars when park them up? Some of the modules in your car stay "live" when the key is turned off, and don't go to sleep until the car is locked. I've seen so many complaints from customers about the battery going flat, only to find they park their car in a garage and never lock it.

 

That is a great comment! (like always from you)
I am a stickler for locking the car because i have an aftermarket stereo in there with 2 15" woofers and an Alpine amp!
I do short city driving and some times don't drive for a few days. I can't believe the difference the insulation makes (keeping hot and cold air off the battery) as well as the solar panel. I also have high output aftermarket ignition coils and many added ground wires because the stock grounds are minimal. You have to put an extra ground to body with an amp in the back and 1 to engine block.
I know you're thinking "loud stereo = bad for battery" but I don't turn it up all the time and when i'm within 2 blocks from my home i turn it down. I also pull my handbrake before shutting car off to turn off daytime running lights which is also better for starting. I also have another small battery in the back of car insulated now which should also help in starting. I have to re-iterate, the insulation and solar panel has made a huge difference.

 

I'm amazed at these battery issues. I got my 2005 4-cyl Mazda6 back in March 2005. I'm still using the original battery. I wonder if some of the problems were V6 related.

 

UPDATE Jan 22, 2013:
My car did not start today, Tues @ 1:15 pm. I had it running last time Sat @ 5:15 pm. I have 2 batteries and it wasn't enough juice to start. Even with both batteries insulated and solar panel. It tried but failed. Pissed.
I believe the Optima Yellow Top Battery Gel Based? If it is, it sucks in really cold weather. I also have a rear smaller battery is inside car! It is a Kinetik HC 800---not cheap either. It has been real cold with wind chill factor of -28 overnight. Remember i also have a winter front. I got a boost and it started.
The solar panel hasn't been much help last few days as it is really cloudy and i am parked in between 2 houses. I made sure windshield was clear for solar panel as well.
I boosted it and voltage came right up. Let it run for almost 2 hours before shutting it off.

BOTTOM LINE: I would not recommend YELLO OPTIMA batteries in a cold environment .

Just got this email: The yellow top is also needs to be charged for a longer period of time to actually take a charge compared to the red top. If the vehicle is only run for short periods of times it will not be enough to put a higher charge into it.
However: on the website both Red & Yellow take 35 minutes for 90% charge with 100 amp charge. I guess driving longer or more often is needed in winter.

As the temperature gets colder, a battery’s available power decreases while the power required to crank an engine increases. If you live in a cold climate, look for a battery with the highest possible CCA rating.

Temperature................Available Power from Battery ............Power Required to Crank Engine
Summer26.7°C (80°F)..... ................100%.............................. ...............100%
Zero 0°C (32°F)................................65%......... .....................................155%
Freezing ..-17.8°C (0°F)...................40%....................... .......................210%
Extreme Cold -35.6°C (-32°F)...........25%............................... ..............350%

It is harder to start a car in winter, hence the higher value for "Power Required to Crank Engine"
As it gets colder, "Available Power from Battery" Decreases.
EXAMPLE: if it takes 200 amps to start in summer with CCA of 800; @ Freezing (-17.8C, 0F) the values would be 420 amps required to start with only 320 amps available-----------your car probably wouldn't start. The above chart is from Canadian Tire. What are the real values for starting a car?

ARTICLE FOR OPTIMA: Optima has 3 main categories of batteries, red top for automotive starting, blue top for RV's and marine purposes and yellow top for deep cycling. The red top batteries are high performance car batteries that have high cold crank amps and will start your car every time, no matter the conditions. These batteries last longer and outperform other traditional car batteries. They have a high resistance to the common causes of car battery failure. The yellow top batteries are perfect for vehicles that have plenty of accessories, such as high performance stereo systems, hydraulics and more. This is a type of deep cycle battery, so it provides power for a long time. However unlike most other deep cycle batteries it also has enough power to start your car whenever you need it.
The Optima YellowTop car battery (price estimate is for group size 34) combines the qualities of a starting battery with a deep-cycle battery. Its absorbed glass mat inner-components replace the standard lead-acid, giving it a longer shelf life and allowing it to be stored for up to one year. However, the Optima YellowTop car battery has less cold-weather punch than the other best-reviewed brands in this size range at 750 cold cranking amps (CCA).
Unfortunately the RED Optima battery doesn't fit on the V6 3.0 ltr-----correction, the one they had there didn't fit in my car, part # 8002-02 34 Red Top does. I may have to go this way.

I would like to hear someone in Alberta and hear what they do! They probably plug their car in nightly, and start 1-2 times a day. From now on i am going to start my car evry day and in the fall get another battery.

The Kinetic battery shown is mine, before insulating it. I have the Yellow Optima under the hood.

 

I am impressed with Odyssey Batteries: http://shop.odysseybattery.com/c/batteries_auto-ltv
Odyssey batteries are rated to -40.
Odyssey Batteries have 15% more plates than Optima in the same space. the design of the flat plates allows more plates to be packed into the battery avoiding the “dead space” area between cylinders in the “six-pack” design. This means there is 15% more surface plate area which means more power. I believe the dead area between spiral cells on the OPtima is a problem when it comes to the cold. See attached picture.
Also found this: The Optima YellowTop car battery (price estimate is for group size 34) combines the qualities of a starting battery with a deep-cycle battery. Its absorbed glass mat inner-components replace the standard lead-acid, giving it a longer shelf life and allowing it to be stored for up to one year. However, the Optima YellowTop car battery has less cold-weather punch than the other best-reviewed brands in this size range at 750 cold cranking amps (CCA).
Odyssey Battery Master Distributor in Canada - odyssey battery Canada, odyssey batteries, odyssey battery

I have this Optima: Battery World, Vancouver, BC - Every Battery, Every Purpose, Every Time! We carry batteries and accessories for applications such as Laptop, Cell Phone, Golf, RV, Marine, Automotive, Motorcycle, Solar, Cordless Tools & Devices, etc.
OPTIMA SC34DU 12V.
Capacity 55AH. Length 10". Width 6.875". Height 7.813".
Weight 43.5 lbs. Cold Cranking Amps 750A
Reserve 120 .

OPTIMA BATTERIES ARTICLE:
Optima batteries are some of the best AGM batteries available. Optima has 3 main categories of batteries, red top for automotive starting, blue top for RV's and marine purposes and yellow top for deep cycling. The red top batteries are high performance car batteries that have high cold crank amps and will start your car every time, no matter the conditions. These batteries last longer and outperform other traditional car batteries. They have a high resistance to the common causes of car battery failure. The yellow top batteries are perfect for vehicles that have plenty of accessories, such as high performance stereo systems, hydraulics and more. This is a type of deep cycle battery, so it provides power for a long time. However unlike most other deep cycle batteries it also has enough power to start your car whenever you need it. If you have an RV, then the blue top option is best.
Unfortunately the RED Optima battery doesn't fit on the V6 3.0 ltr------correction, the one they had there didn't fit in my car, part # 8002-02 34 Red Top does. I may have to go this way.
Just got this e-mail: The yellow top is also needs to be charged for a longer period of time to actually take a charge compared to the red top. If the vehicle is only run for short periods of times it will not be enough to put a higher charge into it.
However: on the website both Red & Yellow take 35 minutes for 90% charge with 100 amp charge. I guess driving longer or more often is needed in winter.

For my Vehicle, Mazda 6 the PC1200 is recommended but it is too small.

Based on what is in my vehicle now, i know the Odyssey 34-PC1500 will fit my car.
The 34M-PC1500 has extra studs on top (bonus but not necessary).
The 34-PC1500 has top SAE only (that's what i use anyway)
The 34/78 PC1500 has top SAE and side 3/8 receptacles (will work)
The 34R-PC1500 has terminal positions reversed Odyssey Batteries Canada Specifications - odyssey battery Canada, odyssey batteries, odyssey battery for specs.
Length 10.85 Width 6.76 Height: 7.82
CCA 880, Reserve 135 , Weight 49.5 lbs

Odyssey Features: 1) Mounting flexibility--Non-spillable design – can be mounted on any side in any position except inverted.
2) Vibration resistance: Design protects against high impact shock and mechanical vibration – a common cause of premature battery failure.
3) Extreme temperature tolerant: Operating temperatures from -40°C (-40°F) to 80°C (176ºF).
4) Totally maintenance free: No need to add water, ever! Drycell design with resealable venting system.
5) Better warranty: Limited 3- and 4-year full replacement warranty – not pro rata.
6) Longer service life: With 3-10 years of service life, ODYSSEY® batteries save consumers time, money, and aggravation.

Odyssey Battery $270 on Amazon:
Optima Battery $206 on Amazon:
Wonder how much AC Delco batteries are?

DieHard batteries are some of the best on the market as they were originally marketed as batteries that last forever. As cars have been built to last longer, that slogan no longer stands. However DieHard batteries are still some of the most highly recommended car batteries available. DieHard batteries can be purchased at Sears. They come with a full replacement warranty for the first 3 years. All DieHard products will start the car in every kind of weather and are completely maintenance free. At 0 degrees Fahrenheit, the cold cranking amps is rated at 875 and the battery has a reserve of 145 minutes. It is a lead acid battery with 6 cells. Expect to spend between $150 to $300 for a DieHard car battery.

Just Found This: Best Batteries for Cold Weather

The cold crank amps will give you an idea of how well the battery will perform in cold weather. One of the most common causes of a dead battery is the cold. If you park your car outside during the winter, then at one point or another you will have had difficulty starting your car due to the extremely cold temperature. Basically the greater the cold cranking amps the easier it is to start the car in cold weather. DieHard batteries are excellent and will start in any weather. Other excellent brands for cold weather include Duralast Gold, Optima, and TruStart for Toyota vehicles.
Guess we can remove Optima from the list, the YELLO one anyways.

NOW I KNOW WHY I LIKE THE ODYSSEY:
Sears Diehard Platinum = Odyssey, See Attached Pics
I don't know if this is common knowledge, but I thought I'd pass it on. I keep finding the Odyssey 1500T battery for sale well over $200. The Sears Platinum battery is made by Odyssey and sells for $190.
Look indentical in structure and features, don't they? (pics attached)

link to info: Lead-Acid Battery Manufacturers and Brand Names List 2013 Look under Enersys, you'll find Sears and Odyssey under here.
Started finding the info here: Stealth 316 - Dyna-Batt Battery
Hope this might save someone some money if they didn't know.

ABOVE FROM: Sears Diehard Platinum = Odyssey - YotaTech Forums

Great Video on AGM batteries from Canadian Tire: http://video.canadiantire.ca/v/18435...-agm-battery-/

Die Hard Specs same as Odysssey: The group size 34 battery from DieHard Platinum comes with a 135-hour long reserve capacity for reliable starts during emergencies.
With 850 CCA (actually 30 less than Odyssey), 99.99% pure virgin lead plates and tin-coated brass terminals this battery is ideal for North and South temperature zones.
Dimensions: 10.9" (L) X 6.8" (W) X 7.8" (H).

 

UPDATE: Got confirmation that OPTIMA is only rated to -30 degrees (as long as you start your car every day or every other day).
This is unacceptable for The Great White North. See pic below. Up here we wear toques, eh! I like the toque in the attachment pic best, and i'm not talkin bout the bearded toque or Don Cherry! .

Yellow Top is 750 CCA, Red Top is 800 CCA. Both charge the same rate. Not much difference.

My battery is getting charged and load tested later. These batteries are fine with draining and coming back to full charge.

I also had a misfire with a bad ign coil. I am also gonna change the plugs. He removed a couple and they were fine but some are starting to seize so we are going to change them all. Going to get these NGK iridium # TR5IX, # 7397. They have a smaller tip. Laser-welded iridium center electrode is resistant to heat, corrosion and electrical wear. The tapered ground electrode minimizes quenching. Provides outstanding acceleration, high fuel efficiency and durability. Product Features:0.6 mm iridium-tip. The Denso i currently have are only .4 mm tip.
Mazda recommends NGK plugs as OEM.
With staying iridium, i may go to nitrous some day.

 

The above is a 140 amp battery isolator. Measurements are 6" X 5" X 3.5" and costs $110 + wire + connectors. This is recommended when you have 2 batteries. The next size down in this brand is a 90 Amp which is too low and only a bit smaller. However, this must be installed under the hood. We all know there is not that much room under the hood. The middle post is the wire from the alternator. The 1 post on the side goes to 1 battery and the other post goes to other battery. Current will flow from alternator to both batteries but never the other way from one battery to the other.

I did not do this. I had both batteries in parallel. Even though both are AGM batteries bought around the same time, but different manufacturers and different size and 1 is spiral wound other one has plates. If one battery is weaker than other or something, it may help kill other one or make both weak. We believe this is what happened in my situation.
To resolve the situation, i removed my smaller battery at the back. I will keep it as a spare to jump my main one if needed. After this removal, I then noticed i lost my bass response. My bass amplifier was located on passenger side of my wagon which is the furthest point from my main car battery. I decided to move my amplifier. I moved it right behind the driver seat. I managed to get rid of 13 feet of power wire going from battery to amp. I probably have 7-8 feet left. I now have my bass response back. By the way my main power wire is 4 gauge. I guess going further than 8 feet-ish means a loss of good bass. The amplifier likes the 4 gauge wire as it fits perfectly right in with no connector needed. I will look into making it prettier in the late spring and maybe hook back my cooling fan for the amplifier.
For now the smaller battery is in shop getting charged.

 

THE SAGA CONTINUES:

Car did not start today!
Good news, i jumped it with my smaller battery and it fired up.
Seriously gonna have to re-visit a draw - in a couple of weeks.

 

VERDICT !

The battery passed the load test. Alternator is good. Current draw is still only .12 amp (which my solar panel compensates for during partial day) which is same as last year and minimal (probably security flashing light o dash).

The verdict is the Optima Yellow battery sucks in winter. It is only rated to -30 and real weak after -20 (even though i have it wrapped in insulation). It passed the load test but just passed - it is weak.

I will have to buy an Odyssey/Sears Die Hard Platinum battery. These batteries are rated -40 degrees and have more CCA and just as much reserve. Odyssey supplies Sears.
Gonna wait til Fall. If i start my car every other day i'll be fine in cold weather as i have a battery back up to boost it sitting downstairs.

Based on what is in my vehicle now, i know the Odyssey 34-PC1500 will fit my car.
The 34M-PC1500 has extra studs on top (bonus but not necessary).
The 34-PC1500 has top SAE only (that's what i use anyway)
The 34/78 PC1500 has top SAE and side 3/8 receptacles (will work)
The 34R-PC1500 has terminal positions reversed
Length 10.85 Width 6.76 Height: 7.82
CCA 880, Reserve 135 , Weight 49.5 lbs

 

That battery from Odyssey is really expensive.
Found 2 alternative ones.
These new batteries are very similar to Odyssey.
They are both CCA of 770 and 120 minute reserve.
Odyssey is 880 CCA and 135 reserve.
Odyssey is $250 , these other 2 are on sale right now for $25 Off which gets you to $155.

Canadian Tire recommends a Type 40R Battery for the Mazda 6 6 cyl, rated @ 700 CCa and 110 min reserve (as if this is good enough in my situation!). It is better than OE @ 590 CCA.

1 Good Option is Canadian Tire Eliminator Ultra Flat Plate AGM Type 34 top mount: MotoMaster Eliminator Ultra Flat Plate AGM Automotive Battery | Canadian Tire

2nd Good Option is Exide EDGE Flat Plate AGM from PartSource Type 34 top mount: http://www.exide.com/Media/files/Dow...n%20spread.pdf

Since these batteries are good and on sale now, i will be buying 1 of them today or tommorrow. I will wrap it in insulation and post pics when done.

Oh Yeah: Sears does not do automotive any more in Canada!