If you are looking to replace your car battery, you’ve probably heard of Interstate as a brand name. Who makes Interstate Batteries and are they worthwhile to spend your money on?
In this guide, we evaluate the basics of this battery company and show you if they are worth the cost. We also evaluate the various types that are available to purchase while evaluating the pros and cons of the models.
Who Makes Interstate Batteries?
Interstate Battery System of America makes Interstate batteries. This company is owned and operated in the United States. The automotive batteries are manufactured by select partners, such as Exide Technologies and Brookfield Business Partners. Its headquarters are in Dallas, Texas.
The batteries are distributed independently through a variety of vendors. Plus, Interstate batteries come in a variety of options, whether it’s for a car, motorcycle, marine application or for the residential lawnmower.
The distributor network reaches to more than 200,000 dealers. There are also distributors in other parts of the world, such as in Canada, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Bolivia, Bermuda, Guatemala and more.
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Are Interstate Batteries Good?
It’s difficult to find anything negative to say about Interstate Batteries. Overall, there’s nothing but praise for the company and its products. The batteries are known to be of top quality and come in a variety of applications for any use.
Still, there’s always something to be aware of when working with any company because none are perfect. With that said, there are a few issues to watch out for, including a shortened warranty and trouble with customer service.
That’s why it’s important to evaluate both the pros and cons of the battery company before making a decision.
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Interstate Battery Pros
1. Multiple Suppliers
It might be hard to understand why Interstate Batteries chooses to use multiple suppliers versus one, but the outcome truly benefits the customer. Batteries are expensive to manufacture and transport. If only one supplier was used, there would be areas of the country that didn’t get the equipment that was needed.
While the one supplier option would help to maintain consistency, Interstate Batteries doesn’t seem to struggle because the company only uses reliable suppliers. The result is multiple locations throughout the country that can supply the batteries. With numerous factors, the cost remains at a minimum and you can find the batteries almost anywhere.
2. Maximum Compatibility
Interstate Batteries aren’t in the market to make one type of battery. Instead of focusing on a niche market, there’s a battery to suit most any application.
Whether you are looking for a car battery or you need to get your lawnmower moving again, you should be able to find an Interstate Battery that fits perfectly. Plus, they are available at most retail locations, so you won’t have to hunt them down.
3. Dependable Construction
Interstate batteries might be most known for its sturdy and dependable construction. All of the batteries come complete with a thick casing, ensuring that every bump and jostle of the car goes unnoticed.
Not only that, but the batteries are manufactured to the highest levels of care. For this reason, you can count on an Interstate Battery to last as long as possible.
4. Sealed Designs
Many of today’s Interstate batteries are sealed. For this reason, you don’t have to add any water or worry about maintenance. With a sealed design, the battery is better equipped to hold a charge longer.
The sealed battery also tends to be more compact. Plus, you can mount these batteries in a variety of configurations, ensuring a perfect fit every time.
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5. Reasonable Price
Despite all of these benefits to the Interstate Battery lineup, you aren’t looking at a premium price to install one in your vehicle. The cost is similar to most other batteries on the market, allowing you to get more for your money.
If you compare the Interstate battery option for your vehicle against the other top competitors, you probably won’t see a big difference. For that reason, you want to look at all of the specs between the two companies to decide which one will be a better value for you.
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Interstate Battery Cons
1. Shorter Warranty
Interstate batteries are extremely reliable, so you might not be concerned about the warranty length. However, there’s always the chance for a manufacturer defect, so it’s important to be covered for what might happen.
In comparison with some other brands, a few of the Interstate batteries have a shorter warranty term. If you don’t want to replace a defective battery on your own dime, this might be something to consider.
2. Customer Service Issues
In most cases, you’ll never need to reach out to a battery company for support. However, if you do have a problem, it’s nice to know that you will be treated with respect and dignity.
When it comes to reviews for Interstate Battery, customer service seems to be one of the major complaints. Over the past few years, customer service seems to have gone downhill slightly, so it’s another factor you want to think about.
Types of Interstate Batteries
1. MTP
Interstate MTP batteries are known as some of the best on the market. This lineup is part of the flooded lead-acid types, with group sizes available from 24 to 151. You can expect cold cranking amps ranging from 370 to 950 CCA and a cranking amps rating of 465 to 1060 CA.
The Reserve Capacity lasts 57 to 180 minutes, depending on which type you choose. The weight of the battery will also be between 22.5 and 49.4 pounds. You can find these batteries with terminal posts on the top or side. However, the MTP lineup only has a 30-month lineup, which doesn’t seem like a lot, but it’s not too bad considering it’s a flooded type.
2. MTZ
The MTZ lineup is considered a Super Premium option. It’s among the top lineup that Interstate currently offers. These aren’t lead-acid batteries but are known as AGM (absorbent glass mat). With the Pure Matrix tech, you know these are the cream of the crop.
Because of the high-tech design and superior manufacturing practices, Interstate provides its longest warranty period with these batteries. You can expect a 48-month warranty with these batteries.
3. MTX
Another premium option is the MTX. While it’s not at the same level as the MTZ, it provides sensational durability for a more reasonable price. These AGM batteries won’t disappoint if you want a good value without sacrificing performance.
The power will be slightly lower than the MTZ. Additionally, you can count on a shorter warranty period, lasting just 36 months.
4. MT
Interstate’s MT batteries are going to offer one of the best values on the market. This lineup consists of flooded batteries that range in size from 24 to 121. Additionally, the cold cranking amps are between 370 and 900 CCA, while the cranking amps will be 465 to 1125 CA.
Look for a Reserve Capacity ranging between 45 and 150 minutes. You can choose a design that features terminal posts on the side or top. Sadly, this lineup of flooded batteries only comes with a 24-month warranty, which is why the cost can be a little lower.
5. M
The cheapest option for most users is the M lineup provided by Interstate Batteries. It’s considered the budget-friendly option. We recommend these batteries if you are looking for something to power a recreational vehicle or a smaller, compact engine.
You can’t expect the maximum amount of power out of these batteries. Plus, there’s only a 18-month warranty on these batteries.
6. Commercial Grade
If you are looking for a battery to use in your heavy-duty vehicle, whether it is a pickup truck or cargo van, the Commercial series might be the best option for you. Interstate Batteries provides an entire commercial lineup that’s meant to supply massive power for heavier applications.
However, this lineup isn’t the most advanced you can buy on the market. If you are looking for something with superior durability and better ratings, you might need to choose another brand. Plus, Interstate Battery only supplies an 18-month warranty for the Commercial Grade lineup, so you don’t get a lot of protection.
How many years do Interstate batteries last?
In general, an Interstate battery will last between 3 and 6 years. Interstate batteries are a high-quality brand, and with proper maintenance they can last a long time. That said, there are many factors that can affect how long a battery lasts, such as how often it is used and maintained.
How to charge an Interstate Car Battery?
How to charge your interstate battery depends on the type you have. If you have an Interstate AGM battery, you may need a special car battery charger for AGM batteries to ensure that the life of the battery lasts as long as possible.
Where to buy an Interstate Battery?
You can find Interstate batteries at many different local and online auto parts stores. You can also find them on Amazon. If you want to know the dealers of the Interstate battery, you can check it on their website to find the nearest one to you.
How to tell if an Interstate battery is bad?
If your Interstate battery doesn’t hold a charge for more than a few days, that’s a strong sign that it’s bad. If you notice that your starter motor sounds slower than usual when you start the engine, this is also a sign that you may need to replace the battery.
Interstate is a well-known battery brand in the US and is definitely a good choice if you are looking for a new battery. Remember, the best way to extend the life of a car battery is to keep it charged and always keep it fully charged.
I hope you enjoyed the information in this article and that it helped you make your decision on where to choose an Interstate battery.
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Categories: Car Battery, Reviews
