I started using Optima batteries about 10 years ago because they don't gas out when charging like a regular lead acid battery (I had a couple car with the batteries located in the far rear corner of the engine compartment and the fumes tended to eat the under hood paint and battery tray and inner fender,

The first battery I got lasted about 8 years and I was really happy with it. I've bought several since then and have had three go belly up within the first year. The new Optimas seem to either be bad and die quickly or "good" and only last 4-5 years now.

The 100% free replacement (because of the age) doesn't really do you a lot of good when the car doesn't start in a small town that doesn't have an Optima dealer and you're 400 miles away from home........ask me how I know.

I'm told that the reason for the poorer performace is the lower quality of lead they are now using.

I'll still use the Optimas on certain cars that I'm concerned about the battery trays and surrounding areas being eaten up acid on because I don't know of a better alternative, but I don;t recommend them like I used to,