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Exide Extreme X55D23CMF Vehicle Battery $197 (In-Store Only) @ Bunnings

70

Features
High technology for modern passenger vehicles
Sealed maintenance free
Extra life, extra power
Extreme reliability
Up to 42 month warranty, condition apply

Dimensions

173mm x 222mm x 233mm
Weight

Total Weight 16.0kg
Specifications
Colour
Extreme Red Top
Model Name
Exide Extreme
Model Number
X55D23CMF
Material
Lead Acid Battery
Reserved Capacity
120
Amp Hours
65
Voltage (V)
12
Cold Cranking Amps
650

Toyota Camry!
Direct competitor to the Century: 75D23L MF

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closed Comments

  • +6

    Cheaper here including shipping $20.

    • +1

      Bunnings return might be easier tho

    • +6

      Show that web page to Bunnings and get another 5% off.

  • +2

    what do they mean by 'high technology' lol

    • I don't think they've heard of EV's yet

      • +2

        Some EVs use 12v lead acid still

    • For some reason (simplicity/time presumably) big retailers rarely have decent descriptions of many products they sell.

      From the manufacturers website:

      The addition of Ap9 technology to the Exide range of products helps support the mechanical properties of rolled expanded grids, whereas the traditional silver additive has proven to have no impact. In extreme conditions, grid corrosion is limited by the addition of Ap9 and by a low calcium content. Additionally, when batteries endure long term storage and overcharging at high temperatures, battery life is increased with the addition of Ap9 no matter what the technology. Ap9 improves the battery recharge ability after a discharge.

      Additionally, our top quality Exide Extreme range of Passenger batteries has been further enhanced with a new technology additive we call 2xT. The 2xT additive is combined with other active material components to achieve the necessary formulation to improve durability and reliability. 2xT technology in the Extreme range will deliver longer life, hence the backing of extended warranty.

      • Two different metals and an acid produces a current…. cutting edge.

        Then seal it up, so you can't make the battery last longer…. brilliant!

        • Vast imrovements on old LA technology. Just internal structure changes can significantly reduce sulfation risks.

  • I misread and somehow thought it said $97…

    Running one of these since 2020, which I happened to get from Bunnings also. $170 back then (minus 5% Powerpass), 15% increase in 4 years not too bad in the grand scheme of things I guess. Unfortunately seems it's not nation wide. Coming up at $222 in WA.

  • I prefer Supercharge Gold Plus - MF75D23L

    https://autobarn.com.au/ab/Autobarn-Category/Shop-our-Full-R…

    I bought one a few weeks ago when it was even cheaper at $187.

  • +2

    Don't know if you can still get non "maintenance free" batteries.. But if you can, buy them.

    No such thing as maintenance free. The charging process will always give off Hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas comes from the water / electrolyte.

    Water levels will ALWAYS drop and need to be topped up.

    Here's what I do… Every 10- 15 years, go to a metal recycler and ask to buy an old battery. Use a meter to find one >12.5v with a load on it… (there's normally heaps).

    Buy it (lead value … about $12).

    Take home and crack open the stupid maintenance free stuff.
    Add distilled water ($3 at SCA). Or just use tap water if you have to. It WILL be below the plates. All plates need to be under electrolyte.

    Charge it up / go for a long drive.

    Check fluid levels of each cell when changing the oil…..

    Repeat. Got 15 years out of a Century branded one. Currently 10 years into an Exide brand. Remembering…these were thrown out "maintenance free" batteries.

    One of those scams that should be banned. But some marketing genius filed "maintenance free" under "public safety".

    • Back in the 90s, topping up your battery with distilled water was just an annual service item.

    • The whole point of sealed batteries is that they don't lose electrolyte. The best thing you can do to extend battery life is to occasionally put it on a charger, even if it's regularly driven.

      • Unfortunately they still do.The efficiency of the oxygen recombination mechanism of the sealed lead acid battery is not 100% during use, due to the incomplete recombination reaction and the loss of water caused by grid corrosion, when each charge, the rate of gas generation is greater than the rate of gas recombination, resulting in A portion of the gas escapes, causing loss of water. Because the electrolyte of sealed lead acid battery cannot be replenished, dehydration is also one of the unique causes of failure.
        I have a SLA in my PHEV I top up with 2ml per cell per year (takes all of 1 minute). Still on the original 2014 battery. System works

        As for charging…I kind of agree. If you don't, sulfation and dendrites form. However, the problem with maintenance free batteries is that the recombination of gasses at full charge is poor. So if you overcharge it, it will loose gas, therefore losing electrolyte. Solution - break it open and top it up.

        The biggest killer is temp. Reactions speed up with temp. So in summer, you need to charge more frequently and top up more accordingly. Got a spare battery…keep it in the coldest part of your shed. Dont put it on a trickle charger (unless you are topping it up with electrolyte), it will dry out.

        I reiterate…there is no such thing as a maintenance free battery.

        Should be "reduced maintenance" and they should NEVER be glued shut. Should be clipped together so the gases can move between terminals when in use, and unclipped to be topped up.

        it's a Scam!

        • Yes maintenance free is nonsense. However, compared to old unsealed systems modern sealed SLAs are a boon to people who know little about, and typically neglect, battery maintenance - which is likely a majority of drivers.

          • +1

            @Igaf: I see what you are saying…but I think the term is more harmful..as people believe batteries are now truly maintenance free..and replacing them every 4 years is normal…

            It isn't..

            Recycling yards are full of Fully functional, PERFECT batteries. We should be minimising waste, not promoting it.

            All it needs is a name shift, and design fix.

            "Reduced maintenance batteries" or "once a year service batteries"

            I bet the price of these things would drop to $50 in 5 years…as no one would be buying them for 10 years.

            • @tunzafun001: Yeh, no doubt consumers are being asked implicitly to accept reduced longevity as a trade off for "convenience". Batteries are under significantly "larger" loads with modern cars but at the same time batteries are being built to a price despite tech advances. Classic built in obsolescence.

        • Let's break down the new set of claims and discuss their validity.

          Claim 1: "The efficiency of the oxygen recombination mechanism of the sealed lead acid battery is not 100% during use, due to the incomplete recombination reaction and the loss of water caused by grid corrosion, when each charge, the rate of gas generation is greater than the rate of gas recombination, resulting in a portion of the gas escapes, causing loss of water."

          True: Sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries, such as AGM and gel batteries, are designed to recombine gases internally, but the efficiency of this process is not perfect. Over time, some gas can escape, leading to a gradual loss of water. This is a recognized limitation of SLA batteries.

          Claim 2: "Because the electrolyte of sealed lead acid battery cannot be replenished, dehydration is also one of the unique causes of failure."

          True: Since SLA batteries are sealed, they are designed to minimize the loss of electrolyte. However, over time, the slight loss of water can lead to dehydration, which is a common cause of battery failure.

          Claim 3: "I have a SLA in my PHEV I top up with 2ml per cell per year (takes all of 1 minute). Still on the original 2014 battery. System works."

          Unsafe and Not Recommended: Topping up SLA batteries by opening them is not recommended and can be dangerous. The batteries are sealed for a reason, and tampering with them can compromise their integrity, safety, and performance. While the user reports success, this is anecdotal and not advisable as a general practice.

          Claim 4: "As for charging…I kind of agree. If you don't, sulfation and dendrites form. However, the problem with maintenance free batteries is that the recombination of gases at full charge is poor. So if you overcharge it, it will lose gas, therefore losing electrolyte. Solution - break it open and top it up."

          Partially True and Unsafe: Sulfation and dendrite formation are indeed issues that can occur if batteries are not properly maintained or charged. Overcharging can lead to gas loss in maintenance-free batteries. However, breaking open a sealed battery to top it up is not recommended. Proper charging practices should be followed to prevent overcharging and gas loss without resorting to dangerous modifications.

          Claim 5: "The biggest killer is temp. Reactions speed up with temp. So in summer, you need to charge more frequently and top up more accordingly. Got a spare battery…keep it in the coldest part of your shed. Don't put it on a trickle charger (unless you are topping it up with electrolyte), it will dry out."

          Partially True: Temperature does affect battery reactions, and higher temperatures can accelerate chemical reactions and lead to faster water loss. Keeping a spare battery in a cool place can help preserve its lifespan. However, the claim about trickle chargers is misleading. Modern trickle chargers are designed to maintain a battery's charge without causing significant water loss, and regular topping up of SLA batteries is not recommended.

          Claim 6: "I reiterate…there is no such thing as a maintenance free battery."

          Partially True: The term "maintenance-free" means that the battery is designed to require minimal maintenance, not that it is completely maintenance-free. SLA batteries significantly reduce the need for maintenance compared to traditional flooded batteries, but they are not entirely maintenance-free in all conditions.

          Claim 7: "Should be 'reduced maintenance' and they should NEVER be glued shut. Should be clipped together so the gases can move between terminals when in use, and unclipped to be topped up."

          Opinion: This is a subjective suggestion. The design of SLA batteries aims to ensure safety and reliability. Clipping rather than sealing could potentially allow for easier maintenance, but it would also compromise the safety and containment of gases and liquids, which could lead to leaks and other issues. The current designs prioritize safety and durability.

          Conclusion

          While some aspects of the claims contain elements of truth, there are several inaccuracies and unsafe recommendations. Modern SLA batteries are designed to minimize maintenance while providing reliable performance. Tampering with these batteries can be hazardous and is generally unnecessary. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for battery maintenance and replacement to ensure safety and optimal performance.

          • @Oofy Doofy: Appreciate the significant analysis of the old thread.

            In terms of safety risk (ie topping up electrolyte in a battery) is infinitely small, and far less dangerous than say..driving to work! Modern batteries are potentially dangerous (as they are glued)….hence my rant!

            Manufacturers could easily allow owners to top them up safely, but purposely chose not to do so.

            So in summary, this part of your review is most pertinent..

            "The batteries are sealed for a reason".

            Yes - that is to ensure the batteries die prematurely and to sell more batteries.

    • Let's break down the claims and discuss their validity.

      Claim 1: "Don't know if you can still get non 'maintenance free' batteries. But if you can, buy them."

      True: Non-maintenance-free (also known as flooded or wet cell) batteries are still available. These batteries require periodic maintenance, including topping up with distilled water.

      Claim 2: "No such thing as maintenance free. The charging process will always give off Hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas comes from the water/electrolyte."

      Partially True: The term "maintenance-free" refers to batteries designed to minimize the need for maintenance, not eliminate it entirely. Sealed maintenance-free batteries, such as AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) and gel cells, are designed to recombine gases internally, significantly reducing the need for water replenishment. However, they are not entirely free from maintenance under certain conditions. All lead-acid batteries can produce hydrogen gas during charging, but in maintenance-free designs, this is managed to avoid the need for regular topping up.

      Claim 3: "Water levels will ALWAYS drop and need to be topped up."

      False: For traditional flooded lead-acid batteries, this is true. However, maintenance-free batteries are designed to minimize water loss. They often use sealed designs and have internal mechanisms to recombine gases produced during charging, reducing the need for regular topping up.

      Claim 4: "Every 10-15 years, go to a metal recycler and ask to buy an old battery. Use a meter to find one >12.5v with a load on it… (there's normally heaps). Buy it (lead value … about $12)."

      Unsafe and Not Recommended: This practice is generally unsafe and not recommended. Old batteries from recyclers may be structurally compromised or have other issues that can make them dangerous to handle or reuse. Furthermore, using old batteries without proper testing and refurbishment can lead to poor performance and potential safety hazards.

      Claim 5: "Take home and crack open the stupid maintenance-free stuff. Add distilled water ($3 at SCA). Or just use tap water if you have to. It WILL be below the plates. All plates need to be under electrolyte."

      Unsafe and Not Recommended: Opening sealed batteries is dangerous. These batteries are designed to be sealed to prevent leaks and contamination. Introducing tap water, which contains minerals and impurities, can damage the battery and reduce its lifespan. Only distilled water should be used in batteries, and even then, tampering with sealed units is risky and can void warranties.

      Claim 6: "Charge it up/go for a long drive. Check fluid levels of each cell when changing the oil….. Repeat."

      Partially True: Charging the battery and maintaining fluid levels is part of proper battery maintenance for traditional flooded batteries. However, for maintenance-free batteries, regularly opening and topping up cells is not recommended or necessary.

      Claim 7: "Got 15 years out of a Century branded one. Currently 10 years into an Exide brand. Remembering…these were thrown out 'maintenance-free' batteries."

      Anecdotal Evidence: While some people report extended lifespans for batteries with diligent maintenance, this is highly variable. Modern maintenance-free batteries are designed for longevity without user intervention. Individual experiences can differ based on usage patterns, environmental conditions, and battery quality.

      Claim 8: "One of those scams that should be banned. But some marketing genius filed 'maintenance free' under 'public safety'."

      Opinion: This is a subjective statement. Maintenance-free batteries are not a scam; they provide convenience and safety benefits by reducing the need for regular maintenance and handling of potentially hazardous materials. They are designed to meet specific safety and performance standards.

      Conclusion

      Overall, while some aspects of the claims contain elements of truth, there are several inaccuracies and unsafe recommendations. Modern maintenance-free batteries are designed to minimize maintenance while providing reliable performance. Tampering with these batteries can be hazardous and is generally unnecessary. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for battery maintenance and replacement to ensure safety and optimal performance.

      • Your review of claim 2 and claim 3 are in conflict of each other. Let's stick with claim 2, ie…

        If someone put a gun to your head and said make this battery last 10+ years or I'm pulling the trigger…..you are going to need to top up the electrolyte at some stage.

        As for the later claims.. if you are reviving a considered dead battery…I don't think "potentially reduces the life span " is on the consideration list! So you topped up a dead battery with plain water and only got another 6 years out of it…

        If it is over 12v (the internals aren't compromised). If it isn't leaking electrolyte, the outside isn't compromised (not rocket science).

        Again, on the list of dangerous activities on this planet…topping up a battery rates pretty darn low. But gluing it shut makes it harder than it should be.

        I'm 47 - owned maybe 10 cars, 3 bikes and boats.. probably spent $200 total on all my batteries in my 47 trips around the sun. I guarantee 70% + of the batteries at the tip are still functional with electrolyte topped up. I'm getting 10 years minimum out of turfed batteries!

        It's an environmental disgrace.

        Maintenance free should have a capillary type tube where people can simply syringe in 2ml of fluid every year. Safe, and will last it's true life.

        • As to say, even if it had any possible life left in it, topping it up could potentially make its residual lifespan even worse.

          Internal resistance is a thing, as is sulphation. You can't really do much about those things once they have occurred.

          For example, if you have a diesel vehicle vs a petrol of 2L, the minimum reserve you want to have for reliable operation of the vehicle is 600cca for a diesel and 300cca for a petrol.

          Between entropy induced sulphation, increased internal resistance, various charge cycles, reserve CCA capacity etc… you are risking your vehicle throwing codes and/or leaving you stranded.

          If nothing changed currently with battery technology and recycling, including not finding any more lead deposits, we'd run out of lead, globally, in about 8 years. The timeline keeps extending due to improvements in how we do things.

          • @Oofy Doofy: Internal sulphation/ resistance for sure.

            But…I grabbed a "scrap" battery for the missus car in July last year. Found 5 straight away on top of the pile (just look at the condition of the posts) that were 12.45v or higher under a load (used one of those little 12v plug in heaters). Took the one at 12.53v.

            At 12.45v under load….there ain't any issues with it. The low 12s are probably fine as well. It is like 10.5v, etc, then it's toast. But higher the better.

            Begs the question, why did someone turf these?

            Scrapper said sometimes businesses close/ battery approaches warranty end date and batches of never used batteries get dumped.

            Sitting at 12.45v in the scrap yard, someone has looked after it.

            At $15, at that voltage under load … I'll take a chance I'll get at least 7 - 10 years out of it (Outtie V6 ). One year now down…hasn't changed, but I added a pipette of 1mm of Inox to each cell.

            As for the depleting lead issue…well….nothing to add your honor!

  • are exide batteries any good? i have a century and ive always used century for my vehicles

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