The battery in your car isn’t going to last forever. At some point in the future, it is going to need replacing. With the number of electronics in vehicles, the demand on the battery is much greater.
What you may be surprised to learn is that most callouts to breakdown services tend to involve a flat or dead battery. But you don’t need to wait until such a problem arises. If you begin to notice your car doesn’t start as quickly as it did, or the interior lights aren’t as bright. Then now is the time to look at replacing the battery in your diesel-powered car, in an RV, or a marine vehicle.
But with so many different kinds of car batteries available, which one do you choose for your car?
Below we look at Optima Red Top and Yellow Top batteries for use in your vehicle. You’ll then be able to decide which of these would be the most suitable to use in place of the battery you have now in your car.
Optima Battery Yellow vs. Red vs. Blue: Head To Head
What Do The Colors Mean On Optima Batteries?
Optima batteries come with three different color tops and two different color cases. Due to this, many people are left confused about which type of Optima battery they should purchase for use in their car, RV, or boat.
Color Of The Case
As already mentioned, Optima battery cases come in two colors, dark and light gray.
The dark gray case indicates that this is a battery you should be used solely for helping to get your vehicle started.
As for the light gray case, this one indicates it is a dual-purpose battery. Not only can it be used to start a vehicle, but it also comes with a deep cycling feature.
Color Of The Top
Above we have already stated that Optima batteries come with three different color tops. Just because they come with different color tops doesn’t mean that they have a specific use.
For example, some people believe that Optima Red Top batteries are purely used to help get a car’s engine started. They also think that Optima Yellow Top batteries are dual-purpose ones, and finally, Optima Blue Top batteries aren’t designed for deep cycles. – But they are wrong, as the color helps indicate which kind of vehicle can use them.
Red and Yellow Top batteries are suitable for only automobiles, whilst Blue Top batteries are ideal for RV’s and marine vehicles (i.e. boats).
So when it comes to replacing the battery in your vehicle, RV or marine vehicle do you go for the Optima RedTop, YellowTop, or BlueTop Battery.
Cold Cranking Amp Vs Capacity
You will notice that both Red and Blue Top Optima batteries with a dark gray case have a higher CCA rating than Yellow and Blue Top batteries with a light gray case.
Red Top & Blue Top Dark Gray: High CCA, Low Reserve Capacity
These batteries come with a higher CCA to ensure that they can provide instant amperage when needed to start a vehicle’s engine. These particular batteries only provide such high amperage for a short period of time to help get a car started. Once the engine is running, they immediately begin to recharge using the vehicle’s charging system.
Yellow Top & Blue Top Light Gray: Low CCA, High Reserve Capacity
Typically these batteries have a lower CCA rating compared to the batteries already mentioned above. Yet they still can quickly start most cars, RV’s, and boats, except problems, may arise in vehicles where you live in extremely cold climates.
Although they have a lower CCA rating, such batteries come with a much higher RC rating. In many cases, they come with an additional 20 minutes of reserve capacity so that they can be deep-cycled. This makes them more appropriate for vehicles with lots of electronic components such as audio systems.
Warranty
When it comes to the warranty on these three Optima batteries, you will notice that they vary somewhat.
- When it comes to Red and Yellow Top batteries, both of these come with a three-year free replacement warranty.
- However, when it comes to Optima’s Blue Top battery, these come with only a two-year free replacement warranty.
But a word of warning, if you intend to use the Optima Red Top batteries in commercial vehicles, the warranty is shorter. When used in a commercial application, Optima only offered a one-year free-replacement warranty on their Red Top batteries.
How Do I Choose The Right Optima Battery?
When it comes to deciding, which is the correct Optima battery for your car there, are a couple of questions that need answering first. The first of these is “how cold does it get where you live?” By answering this, you will know just which of the different color batteries you should be getting.
Who Is Red Top For?
Optima RedTop Group 35
Such a battery is suitable for use in any vehicle, including cars that come without any aftermarket electronics.
Also, this battery is ideal if you use your car daily and just want a battery that will get your vehicle started. It is better as it comes with more amps specifically to help get vehicles started. Vital if you live where it can get cold.
Who Is Yellow Top For?
Optima Batteries YellowTop Dual Purpose D34/78
Such batteries are best used in vehicles with numerous electronic accessories and for those vehicles that don’t have alternators. So suitable for RVs, racing cars that don’t have a charging system and diesel cars fitted with aftermarket electronics.
Who Is Blue Top For?
BlueTop light gray case for boats with lots of electronic components
BuleTop dark gray case for starting marine vehicles
A Blue Top battery with a dark gray case is suitable for RVs and marine vehicles, specifically starting the engine. The Blue Top with a light gray case should only be used in marine cars and RVs with many additional electrical accessories.
Now we’ve explained a bit about the various types of Optima batteries you can buy to use in a car, marine vehicle or RV, we hope it helps you find the right battery to meet your particular needs.
To help you decide which may be best for your vehicle, let’s look at the 4 Optima batteries below that we consider suitable.
Optima Group 34 Batteries Comparison
Red Top Vs. Yellow Top Group 34 Battery
 Optima 34/78 RedTop |  Optima YellowTop D34/78 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating |  |  |
| Price |  | |
| Dimensions (in Inches) | 10.06 x 6.88 x 7.88 | 10.06 x 6.94 x 7.88 |
| Weight (in lbs) | 37.90 | 38.80 |
| CCA Rating | 720 | 800 |
| RC Rating | 90 mins | 100 mins |
| Usage | Automobiles | Marine vehicles, RVs, racing cars |
Optima RedTop Starting Group 34
This particular battery measures 10 x 6.88 x 7.8 inches and weighs in at 38.4 lbs. Although the terminals are in the usual location with the positive terminal on the left and negative on the right, you can fit it any way you like in your car. This is because it comes with different adapters to use for fitting in your vehicle.
The CCA rating on this battery is 800 and has an amperage hour of 50. But unlike some other Optima batteries, it is essential to note that this one only has an RC rating of 100 minutes.
Other Special Features:
- It can recharge a lot faster compared to some other batteries
- Impressive High Power Delivery
- More than 15 times the vibration resistance
Pros
- High Reserve Capacity of 100 minutes
- Quick and easy start-up feature
- Affordable price
- Prolonged battery life
Cons
- Not able to hold much charge
Who Is This Battery For?
Ideal for use in cars, including diesel ones without any aftermarket electronic accessories.
Optima Batteries YellowTop Dual Purpose D34/78
Just like the above battery from Optima measures 10 x 6.88 x 7.8 inches but weighs in at 43.5 lbs. The terminals on this are also located exactly as those on any Optima Red Top battery.
The CCA rating on this particular battery is just 750 but comes with a 55.00 Ah rating. Its CCA rating may be slightly lower than that of the above Optima battery, but it does come with a Reserve Capacity of 120 minutes. So you can be assured that it will provide consistent performance throughout the time it is used.
Other Special Features:
- It provides not only ultimate starting but also great deep cycle power.
- It comes with a 120 minute RC (Reserve Capacity) rating.
Pros
- Cranking and deep-cycle power
- Maintenance-free
- Spill-proof and vibration resistant
- It comes with 300+ discharge and recharge cycles
Cons
- May find that it doesn’t charge as well as other batteries
Who Is This Battery For?
Great for use in vehicles with lots of additional factory electronic accessories, including diesel vehicles. Also suitable for cars fitted with aftermarket accessories such as winches or inverters.
Optima BlueTop Group 34: Dark Gray Case Vs Light Gray
 Optima Dual Purpose |  Optima 34M Starting |
|
|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating | |  |
| Price | | |
| Dimensions (In Inches) | 10.06 x 6.88 x 7.94 | 10.06 x 6.88 x 7.94 |
| Weight (in lbs) | 43.50 | 38.40 |
| CCA Rating | 750 | 800 |
| RC Rating | 120 mins | 100 mins |
| Supported Vehicle | Starting battery for marine vehicles | Dual purpose battery for marine vehicles, with many additional electrical accessories. |
Optima BlueTop Dual Purpose D34M
This particular dual-purpose battery from Optima measures 10 x 6.88 x 7.8 inches and, like the battery below, weighs 43.5 lbs. Again the terminals are located in the same position as on all other Optima batteries. Still, you can easily move the battery position around as it comes with unique adaption fitments.
As this is a dual-purpose battery, the CCA rating is somewhat less compared to some other Blue top batteries. It comes with a CCA rating of 750 and an Ampere-hour rating of 55.00. As this battery isn’t only designed to help with starting engines and running various electronic accessories, it comes with a Reserve Capacity of 120 minutes.
Other Special Features:
- It comes with 870-ampere marine cranking amps
- This battery is completely sealed so ensuring that the terminals are protected against corrosion
- It is 15 times more resistant to vibration, so is much more durable
Pros
- Plenty of cranking power to get your vehicle started
- 100% leak and spill-proof
- It can be mounted in any position
- 15 times more resistant to vibration
Cons
- It doesn’t come with any additional features other than charging
Who Is This Battery For?
It is perfect for boats and RVs to provide additional power to run various electronic accessories. Also, it is ideal to use in cars, including those running on diesel.
Optima BlueTop Starting 34M
This particular battery from Optima measures 10 x 6.88 x 7.8 inches and weighs a total of 43.5 lbs. As for the terminals on this battery, you will find that these are located in the usual position with the positive terminal on the left-hand side and the negative on the right-hand side.
This particular battery has a CCA rating of 800 and an Ah rating of 50. But be aware that, unlike the Optima Blue Top D34M battery, this one comes only with a Reserve Capacity of 100 minutes. So although great to help get your car started in cold weather won’t provide enough power to keep any electronic accessories running for long when the engine isn’t running.
Other Special Features:
- 5/16 inch stainless steel stud posts ensure it is safe to use
- It is 15 times more resistant compared to some other 12-volt batteries
- Six-pack design helps it to produce much higher current
- It is very durable and vibration-free
Pros
- Enough current to be able to run a compressor
- Are both leak and spill-proof
- Enough power to be able to start an engine even in cold weather
Cons
- May find that there are some warranty issues with this battery
Who Is This Battery For?
An excellent battery for use in boats and RVs and in all types of cars.
Other Best Seller Optima Batteries At A Good Price
 Optima RedTop 35 |  Optima RedTop 25 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating | | |
| Price | | |
| Dimensions (In Inches) | 9.38 x 6.88 x 7.88 | 9.38 x 6.75 x 7.69 |
| Weight (in lbs) | 37.90 | 31.70 |
| CCA Rating | 800 | 720 |
| RC Rating | 100 mins | 90 mins |
| Supported Vehicle | Trucks, SUVs, street and hot rod cars | Old-model cars, boats |
Optima Red Top Group 35 ($244)
This Optima Red Top battery measures 9.3 x 6.8 x 7.6 inches and weighs only 31.7 lbs. It is one of the lightest batteries available from Optima. It may weigh less, but it still comes with a CCA rating of 720 and a C20 capacity of 44.00 Ah.
What lets this battery down is it only has a Reserve Capacity of 90 minutes. So it is only suitable to help get the engine in your car, RV, or boat started. Certainly not ideal if your vehicle comes with several additional electronic accessories.
Other Special Features:
- It weighs less than other batteries
- It is extra durable as with all other Optima batteries
- Like other Optima batteries is 15 times more resistant to vibration
Pros
- It helps to start an engine quickly
- Specially made for extreme use such as when temperatures drop very low
- Are leakproof and extra sturdy
- It is available at an affordable price
Cons
- May find it needs replacing after only a year
Who Is This Battery For?
This group 35 720 CCA starting battery is suitable for use in cars and provides power to trucks, SUVs, street and hot rod cars.
Optima Redtop Group 25 Starting Battery ($224)
This particular battery from Optima measures the same as the Group 34 battery discussed above. It is 9.3 x 6.8 x 7.6 inches, and just like the Group 34 battery weighs only 31.7 lbs.
Also, like the Optima battery mentioned above, this one comes with a CCA rating of 720 and a C20 capacity of 44.00 Ah. Plus, it only comes with a Reserve Capacity of 90 minutes.
Other Special Features:
- The design provides the battery cells with extra surface area to operate more effectively
- Will work in all types of situations
- It comes with a three-year warranty
- It comes with adaptors to fit the battery in any position you wish in the battery box
Pros
- Faster recharging
- Prolonged battery life
- It comes with impressive high power delivery
- Strong starting burst
Cons
- It does not hold much charge
- You will need to invest in a good battery charger
Who Is This Battery For?
This Redtop Group 25 720 CCA is perfect for use in most types of American old-model cars, including Hondas, and even in boats.
Tips To Have A Long Lifespan Optima
If you fail to take proper care of the battery in your vehicle at some point, it will fail. However, you can do a few things to ensure that any battery you use will continue to work for a few years.
Below are some ways to help increase the lifespan of any of the batteries discussed in this article.
Tip 1 – Choose the right type of battery
A perfect 7-year starting battery cannot last over 2 years if it’s continually discharged and used as a deep cycle battery.
Tip 2 – Don’t Take To Many Short Journeys
The problem with short journeys is that they don’t allow the battery enough time to become fully charged.
Tip 3 – Hook Car Battery Up To A Charger
If you don’t intend to use your car, RV, or motorboat for any time, make sure that you connect the battery up to a battery charger. This will ensure that the battery doesn’t end up discharging below 12.4 volts. If this does occur then sulfation will start to form inside the battery. Not only can it reduce the battery’s capacity but also its lifespan.
Which is the best battery charger for Optima batteries? Find the answer here: Optima Battery Charger 400 vs. 1200 – Which One Should You Get?
FAQ’s
Is optima yellow top a gel battery on an AGM Battery?
As with all Optima batteries, you will find that the Yellow Top models are all AGM batteries and not gel ones.
How long do yellow top optima batteries last for?
This is not an easy question to answer as it depends on several different factors. Factors that will affect how long such batteries last include the temperature of the environment and the kind of vehicle it is used.
If used in a commercial car, expect it to only last for around 18 months or so before it needs replacing. As for a vehicle operated by you and your family, you may not need to replace it for 3-years or more.
Are optima yellow top batteries worth it?
If you are looking for a dual-purpose battery that will provide you with all the power you need, then look no further than investing in one of these. You’ll find that this battery has a lot less internal resistance ensuring that it delivers power consistently. Plus, you will find compared to comparative models, it can recharge quicker.
Can I use a blue top optima battery in my car?
You can if you want, the same also goes for the Yellow and Red Top ones. This is because it comes with the same starting and deep cycle specifications as the Red and Yellow ones. But before you do decide to use such a battery, make sure that the deep cycle is necessary for your needs.
Is an Optima battery worth the money? Should you get Optima or other brands?
Read more: Odyssey vs Optima – Are Optima batteries really better?
