Interstate Batteries are one of the most popular battery brands. They are reliable and relatively affordable. A common question many have is who makes them. Who makes Interstate Batteries?
The maker of Interstate Batteries is Brookfield Business Partners and Exide Technologies. The Interstate Battery System of America, Inc., a privately owned battery marketing and distribution company in the United States, markets these batteries.
A previous report showed that Johnson Controls is making 65% of Interstate Batteries. However, this is no longer true. Johnson Controls is not currently making these batteries. The company Brookfield and Exide Technologies has already taken over this job.
Read on to learn more about who makes Interstate batteries, the different types, and their lifespan.
Who Makes Interstate Batteries [Interstate Battery Review]
The Brookfield Business Partners and Exide Technologies, through their partnership with Interstate Battery System of America, Inc., make Interstate batteries. Previously, Johnson Controls was responsible for manufacturing 60% of Interstate Batteries. Currently, Brookfield and Exide are the makers of these batteries.
The Interstate Battery System of America, Inc. markets and distributes these batteries through independent distributors throughout the United States. Who makes interstate batteries? There are rumors that these batteries are made in China in the past. However, this is not true. Brookfield and Exide make approximately 98% of Interstate Batteries in the United States.
Interstate Batteries has its company headquarters in Dallas, Texas. It operates a distributor network that supplies batteries to more than 200,000 dealers. This company also has distributors in other parts of the world, including the following:
- Canada
- Nicaragua
- Bolivia
- Panama
- The Dominican Republic
- Bermuda
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Guatemala
- Haiti
Interstate Batteries also operates more than 200 corporate and franchise retail stores. Among the products it supplies to its network of distributors are marine/RV, garden, lawn, motorcycle, and mobility batteries.
Its business got a shot in the arm when it partnered with Studebaker. It has grown into a billion-dollar privately owned company since it started in 1952. Aside from manufacturing one of the most dependable car batteries, this company also became a leading battery recycler that sells thousands upon thousands of recycled batteries.
Factories that make Interstate Batteries are in different locations. Some of the most notable ones are located in Southern California and Louisiana, while other plants are located in Mexico.
Different Types of Interstate Batteries
According to many Interstate Battery reviews, Interstate Batteries are among the most reputed brands for car batteries. However, Interstate does not only make car batteries. This company produces different kinds of batteries for other uses.
These batteries are well-known for their robust performance and strong build. The different types of batteries produced by Interstate are the following:
General Interstate Battery Types
1. MTX Battery Line
This line of batteries can satisfy or even exceed your vehicle’s starting requirements. It is a non-AGM battery but can deliver lasting power even in AGM-related applications. AGM is an alternative battery with an Absorbent Glass Mat that holds the battery fluid instead of standard batteries’ plates.
2. MT Battery Line
This is another non-AGM battery with standard performance life. It can provide standard performance in moderate to hot climates for cars and trucks.
3. MTP Battery Line
The MTP battery line is also a non-AGM battery with the most extended battery life and high-cranking performance in moderate to cold climates.
4. M Battery Line
This battery comes with ample cranking power. Moreover, it is ideal for customers who are after value for their money. It can deliver robust cranking power.
5. MTZ Battery Line
This battery can provide long-lasting power for modern vehicles full of the latest accessories. It will satisfy motorists who use GPS devices, phone chargers, DVD players, etc.
6. AGM Battery Line
The maker of this battery designed it for Powersport applications. And it comes sealed, spill-proof, and with an acid pack. Once they fill it with acid, the battery will be sealed permanently. There is no requirement to fill it with water and regularly check the liquid level.
7. Marine RV Battery Line
This battery can provide the best outdoor performance. It will provide users the comfort they have in their homes and provide all the power that their high-demand electronics require.
8. Marine Battery Line
This battery can satisfy the need for starting, deep-cycling, or both. It is the best battery option for longevity and durability.
Specific Interstate Battery Models
Here are some of the specific automotive battery models of Interstate Batteries. They can produce average cold-cranking amps of 800 CCAs. Their total CCAs range from 900 to 1000. That makes their power output bigger than the batteries of other battery brands:
1. SLA 1055, 5Ah
This is a 12-volt Sealed Lead Acid AGM battery with a leak-free design. It uses the constant voltage, constant current (CV/CC) battery charging system. Since it is an AGM-type battery, it doesn’t need any maintenance.
2. DCM0035, 35 Ah
This is a 12-volt deep cycle battery which is ideal for those who are fond of the outdoors. If integrated with a solar power system, this battery can provide off-grid electricity. It can also be used as a part of a home hybrid energy system.
This battery can power a trolling motor because it is compact and effortless to carry around. The battery’s hard plastic shell is strong and protects its inner parts from shocks and vibration.
3. CTR 10A Internal Battery
This 6-volt battery has a long life as long as you top up its liquid regularly. It can produce 10 amperes (amp), enabling it to last twice as long as its competitive brands. A hard plastic shell protects its inner parts. This battery is ideal for powering your home’s security system.
4. SLA 35 Ah
This battery is another AGM battery from Interstate. Its application range and durability make it a better alternative to standard batteries. It is a deep-cycle battery that needs no maintenance. This battery has a long lifespan since its makers built it with quality materials. Also, it can handle deep discharge applications.
The Best Interstate Batteries
Of all the batteries made by Interstate, many Interstate Battery reviews indicate that three batteries have gained the approval of most car owners:
1. Interstate Battery 12 volts, 35 Ah
This is a relatively small conventional battery ideal for powering small motors.
2. Interstate Battery 12 volts, 75 Ah
This is an AGM battery with VRLA technologies, which is maintenance-free and spill-proof.
3. Interstate Battery 12 volts, 110 Ah
This is a deep cycle AGM battery that is also maintenance-free and spill-proof.
Costco Battery Warranty and Return Policy
Interstate Battery Warranty
A brand new Interstate battery comes with a full 1-year warranty. But it seems that Interstate Batteries also offer a 75-month warranty, as their limited warrant clause indicates. You can replace batteries with a total warranty of 75 months without any charge (except for legislatively imposed fees and taxes, if applicable).
If you use the battery regularly, you can expect it to last long. On average, the battery life can range from 3 to 5 years – if used properly and provided with proper care. For non-AGM batteries, you always need to top up their battery fluid and give it a regular check and clean up.
Are All Interstate Batteries Maintenance Free?
Not all batteries made by Interstate are maintenance-free. All AGM batteries are maintenance-free, but you should top up and regularly check non-AGMs. But you can consider them all maintenance-free under normal conditions.
Standard deep cycle models require regular watering to maintain their optimum performance.
Durability of Interstate Batteries
On average, an Interstate Battery will last from 3 to 5 years, depending on the use and care given to the battery and its exposure to extreme conditions. Also, driving habits has a lot to do with how long the car battery will last.
If the car is regularly driven in extreme conditions, you can’t expect the battery to last longer than a battery used in normal, non-stressful conditions. That said, Interstate Batteries are well-known for their longevity and their durability.
Pros and Cons of Interstate Batteries
You can also determine the worthiness of Interstate Batteries by examining their pros and cons. Every product has its share of advantages and disadvantages. Here are the pros and cons of Interstate Batteries:
Pros
- With Interstate, you can always get the most suitable battery for your vehicle. There is a wide range of battery models that Interstate offers to consumers.
- All battery models of Interstate come at a fair price.
- Interstate is also known as a recycler of batteries. It is a company that ensures the reuse of the lead and acid of old batteries. That means they do their part in keeping our environment free of pollutants.
- Batteries made by Interstate are housed in durable, thick plastic casings.
- All batteries made by Interstate are easily maintained. Its AGM batteries are all maintenance-free.
- Interstate Batteries don’t discharge quickly and can provide long-lasting service.
- There are Interstate Batteries that are compact and very portable. They are also easy to mount and dismount.
- Interstate Batteries is associated with American Automobile Association (AAA). This is another proof that it is a reputable and trustworthy brand.
- This company provides timely service to customers who need their attention.
- Battery equipment and accessories are available in every distributor of Interstate Batteries. This provides the element of convenience, which means a lot to consumers.
- They don’t require customers to show proof of purchase before providing their needed service.
- Their customer service is excellent. They don’t ask for appointments before customers get the service they require. Their service staff and crew are competent and knowledgeable and can provide adequate help to their customers. Once customers enter their store, they can expect quality care and service.
Cons
- There are cases where the terms of the warranty are unclear.
- Some distributors do not offer good warranty service. Also, some even fail to offer warranty services, resulting in losses to customers.
- Some Interstate batteries expire before their warranties.
- Fresh hires may offer poor customer service. They are not well briefed on the Interstate Batteries’ values held and maintained. This gives the brand a bad reputation.
Are Interstate Batteries Worth Your Money?
Some industry observers say Interstate Batteries are not the best of the lot and that they are not the usual battery that one can recommend as number one. While that may be true, there is no denying that these batteries are always included in the top 10 of the best automotive battery available in America today.
For instance, Consumer Reports, one of the highly respected publications in reviewing consumer items, has consistently ranked Interstate Batteries as number one or number two in its listings of top automotive batteries in the United States.
Interstate Batteries has been in the battery business since 1952. It has built a massive network of over 200,000 dealers nationwide through its six decades. Internationally, there are about 200 corporate and franchise stores that retail all kinds of Interstate Batteries.
This firm is indeed a reputable company since it was selected by battery manufacturers such as Brookfield and Exide to market and distribute their batteries.
These batteries are definitely worth your money because, on average, they are very affordable, can provide powerful cranking performance, and are usually long-lasting. Additionally, if you choose the AGM versions, you will be free of the usual battery maintenance chores.
Conclusion: Who Makes Interstate Batteries [Interstate Battery Review]
Brookfield Business Partners and Exide Technologies are the ones who make Interstate batteries, while the Interstate Battery System of America, Inc. markets these batteries. The said company is a privately-owned battery distribution and marketing company.
Interstate Batteries, especially the AGM versions, offer free maintenance, long life, and robust cranking performance. These batteries are definitely worth your money.
For your reference, here are the general types of Interstate batteries:
- MTX Battery Line
- MT Battery Line
- M Battery Line
- MTZ Battery Line
- MTP Battery Line
- AGM Battery Line
- Marine RV Battery Line
- Marine Battery Line
For years, Interstate batteries have been providing high-quality batteries. And they were able to maintain their rank among the most trusted battery brands. So, if you need a car battery (or any battery), Interstate batteries are a good choice for your vehicle.
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