I need a new battery in my 04 xc70. Was wondering if I should get a Volvo battery or another brand?
Any difference?

Thanks

 

Do you really think Volvo makes batteries?

Personally I buy mine at Walmart and I buy the best one there I can get. The issue isn't so much quality or price, as I'm sure I can get a better quality battery elsewhere. The issue is who has the most locations and convenient hours should I need a warranty replacement? Lots of battery warranties are not collected on even though the battery doesn't make it past the warranty period because Murphy's law kicks in and it dies on a Sunday afternoon when the dealer is closed, or you are 100 miles from the local battery dealer you purchased from.

 

There are only a couple companies that actually make the batteries, no matter what sticker is on it.

I agree, go with warranty and convenience. A dealer battery is two years, unlimited mileage. No prorating like some parts stores.

 

I actually had good luck using NAPA Online to get a good price on a 72 month warranty item with a big cold cranking value. Paid online, got a discount and picked up at a local store... Price was around $120 or so for a size 48 (Volvo S40). They have an 84 month (2 year total replacement) for about $150. Most OEM dealers will quote 150-175 and I even recall Sears quoting 175.. (US)

 

I bought my new battery for my 2007 XC-70 at my Volvo dealer for $120. They installed it free, while doing a routine service at 60,000 miles. My battery was 8 years old and did not pass the battery test.

I have bought the best Sears GOLD Diehard batteries for most of my 45 years of working on cars, because of the warrantee and their no questions asked return policy. And, because you can find a Sears store almost anywhere. I feel the same way about Auto parts store batteries, too.

I was just surprised that the Volvo dealer wasn't much more than a local Autos parts store, so why not?

My secret for long battery life has been what I learned from the Army - keep the battery clean and make sure it always has water in it. Top it off with distilled water if you can or regular bottled water (not mineral or flavored water). Clean the terminals.

The sealed "no maintenance" batteries still run out of water. Nobody checks them any more when you get an oil change or most routine service. Pop off the caps and inspect them with a flashlight. It's pretty easy to do.

What happens to most batteries, is that the acidic vapors vent out and get the battery damp. Dust and dirt sticks to the damp surface. After a few months, that surface can begin to conduct current, which shorts out your battery, very slowly, at first. That is also what causes corrosion to build up on the terminal leads. All batteries vent vapor and because of that, they all lose acid levels over time due to heat and charging.

When the acid levels get low, they expose the metal battery plates to the air, where they corrode and overheat, eventually cracking or breaking off, reducing battery power or breaking the circuit entirely.

If your battery is inside the car, like on the XC-70, make sure the battery vent tube is connected and allows gases to vent through the car floor to the outside air.

 

I buy Volvo batteries at the dealer. Since I am a dealer, the wholesale price is about even with Wal Mart and it is a direct replacement. Go to the dealer and ask to buy it wholesale.

 

tony1963, you are the dealer you can buy any auto parts with whole sale price, not every body can do that.
The batteries are universal, find the best deal with best warranty to buy, the stealership just ripped of the customers most of the time, expectantly the senor citizens.