Optima is now owned by Interstate, I think. We've been using the gel celled technology on sailboats for a number of years. They are an EXCELLENT choice for occasional use. Also remember, NO BATTERY ACID to eat up your car, the terminals, fittings, etc. They are a bit more expensive, and the DO require a special charger (they are about $50). If I were in the market for a battery for a car I was going to keep for more than 5 years, I'd jump on an Optimal. By the way, I'm sold on Interstates for regular use. My 190SL has one that's 8 years old...

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Bill Streep
San Antonio
'57 190SL (toy)
'08 S5500 (mine)
'09 CLK550 (wife's)
'06 SLK350 (daughter's)
'11 GLK350 (daughter's)
'03 CLK310 (spare)