We were at HersheyPark on Friday and returned late at night to a dead battery in my Envoy. Thankfully I had jumper cables and my wife's car there (step-son drove a friend), so I was able to drive it home with no problem (charged for 2 hours). Started up yesterday morning and got me where I needed & back home, but last night went to park it in the garage and it was dead.

I know Pep Boys isn't the preferred repair shop. but they install batteries free. They recommend the Bosch Premium Performance Battery Group SIze 78:

http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/9151284/40/parts/batteries_accessories/automotive_batteries/?quantity=1

Anyone else have any other recommendations? I have to take my step-son to the airport (returning to Fort Leonardwood/USMC) and will deal with the battery issue later this afternoon.

Thanks!!

Delco 78PG battery. The best one we sell at my dealership.

The batteries I've bought through Pep Boys have lasted me a long time... which is shocking considering that they have changed brands/names over the years.

The last few years, I really like the Optima batteries. I get the 34/78 so I have both side and top posts. So far the 34/78 fits in every GM car I've tried putting it in, so I can swap it about as needed... though I don't think it would fit the Sunfire.

Pricy? A bit, but I wait until they have specials and buy them. Online, they are going for $150. Even a cheap comparable battery is $111... but I know that cheap batteries only last a short time. I'd rather pay more and have the CCAs and longer life.

Die Hard or Delco

Thanks all for your input. I got home a lot later than I expected tonight and of course Pep Boys is now closed. I like the ACDelco battery and will consider that for the wife's car (the G6 has been with us officially 5 years as of June 28). It still has its original factory battery and it was recommended last service that it's time for replacement. It needs to go back to the dealer for some additional repairs not able to be done last time, so I will add the ACDelco battery to the list.

As for now, I will likely use my AAA membership to call-in for the mobile battery service. This way I'm ready for wherever I need to go in the truck. Since I'm planning to replace the Envoy this time next year with a new Sierra, I'll go the AAA route (unless someone here advises me not too).

I'm used to replacing batteries every 18 months or so (that's about as long as they last in AZ)...for my Jeep, I usually have get a 'Super Start' 850 CCA model from the local O'Reilly.

Try Advance auto. Use their discount codes online, pick up battery in store. They install for free.

Wife's Cav just go one...

AAA is a good way to go since you are going to get rid of the Envoy, otherwise I recommend the Die Hard Gell Pack Platinum battery. I have them in my SUV's and they rock.

Thanks all for sharing your advice. I went the AAA route, 6 year warranty (3 year replacement and then 3 year pro-rated). I'm hoping to get a new Sierra pickup next year (end of year 2014 or a new 2015), unless the new Canyon (2015) captures my eye instead. Otherwise, I think I did okay ($125 with free installation outside my house )

Its worth noting that there are only 3 main automotive battery manufacturers in the US: Delphi, Exide and Johnson Controls. For example, Duralast, Autocraft, and Interstate batteries are all made by Johnson Controls. Of course not all batteries are created equal, and there's a reason why different tiers of a brand cost more (Economy, Silver, Gold, Platinum, etc).

Its worth noting that there are only 3 main automotive battery manufacturers in the US: Delphi, Exide and Johnson Controls. For example, Duralast, Autocraft, and Interstate batteries are all made by Johnson Controls. Of course not all batteries are created equal, and there's a reason why different tiers of a brand cost more (Economy, Silver, Gold, Platinum, etc).

Who makes the Sears Platinum Gel Pack Die Hard batteries as I am really impressed with them.

Wish GM would put the Gel Pack batteries in their SUV's and top of the line auto's as I think with all the electronics, having the extra CCA is worth it.

Just had to replace the 5yr old GM battery in my 2008 Trailblazer SS and WOW what a difference, I can now tell that over the last year, all the weird electrical issues were clearly the battery slowly dying. Will remember for the future to only go 4yrs before replacing them.