Optima was bought by johnson controls a few years ago . JCI took the features that made the optima a good battery out for cost saving [ famous last words for good products] then were or did sell name to somebody else not sure who. JCI is biggest battery maker around. They are, like a lot of companys, tryng to made parts last just to warranty time limit .Thats just the way its done .I don,t like it but what you goin do? later Wrechbender