When it comes to vehicle batteries, several brands stand out for providing top-quality models. Duralast, a private store brand of AutoZone, is one of the world’s best battery brands. You can find Duralast batteries in over 6000 AutoZone stores across the US.
It’s worth noting that Duralast doesn’t manufacture its batteries. And when delving deeper to understand these batteries, you might want to know the manufacturer. So, who makes Duralast batteries?
I reveal the manufacturers behind Duralast batteries. You’ll also know the various categories of Duralast batteries and why they’re worth buying.
Question: Who Makes Duralast Batteries?
Clarios, East Penn Manufacturing, and Exide are the manufacturers behind Duralast batteries. Clarios, a Brookfield Business Partners subsidiary, makes most of these batteries. After production, these manufacturers supply Duralast batteries to AutoZone, which sells them to consumers.
Here’s an overview of each manufacturer:
Clarios
Clarios specializes in developing, manufacturing, and distributing varieties of advanced batteries. The company prides itself as a revolutionary energy storage solutions provider. Its headquarters is in Glendale, Wisconsin.
Johnson Controls was the manufacturer of Duralast, among other battery brands. In 2019, Brookfield Business Partners bought the automotive business battery division from Johnson Controls. The new owners rebranded the battery division Clarios.
Batteries from Clarios are used in one in three vehicles worldwide. It distributes over 150 million batteries annually – over a third of the global output – to over 100 countries.
The company manufactures and distributes its batteries from its 16 facilities across the US. Its factories in the US are in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Missouri, Michigan, and Texas. Moreover, it has other facilities in China, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, and South Korea.
Besides Duralast batteries, Clarios manufactures several other battery brands like DieHard, AC Delco, Walmart Everstart, Kirklands, and Optima batteries.
East Penn Manufacturing
East Penn is a family-owned lead-acid battery manufacturer headquartered in Pennsylvania, United States. It has the largest single-site facility globally in Berks County. The company makes high-quality lead-acid Duralast batteries for AutoZone.
Besides batteries, East Penn produces battery-accessory products like wires, cables, cable clamps, boosters, and lugs. This company has a large market in Canada and the United States.
If you’re seeking a high-quality and durable battery, go for the platinum Duralast battery made by East Penn. The company also manufactures batteries for brands like Napa, Deka, Intimidator, AUX, MK, and Duracell Car batteries.
Exide
Exide is another popular battery manufacturer that makes Duralast batteries for AutoZone. It’s the largest manufacturer and supplier of lead-acid batteries in India. The company is headquartered in Kolkata, India, with a facility in Milton, Georgia, United States.
Unlike Clarios and East Penn batteries, Exide batteries are low-quality and have lower price tags. If you’re on a budget, you can buy a Duralast battery made by Exide. The company manufactures a range of battery-related accessories, such as boosters and solar panels.
Other battery brands that Exide manufactures include Bosch and Rural King batteries.
Answer: Types of Duralast Batteries
Now that you know who makes Duralast batteries, let’s look at the categories of Duralast batteries available at various AutoZone stores.
Duralast
Duralast is the brand’s standard edition battery and the most affordable choice at AutoZone stores. Still, Duralast batteries provide enough power to keep your car running. They deliver OE cranking amps no matter the power needed.
Regarding framework, these batteries feature a solid build to resist impact and reduce damage during vibrations. They’re also corrosion resistant thanks to the venting system that prevents gasses from venting on the terminals.
The standard edition Duralast has a consistent price regardless of size, cranking amps, and capacity. They also come with a 2-year, free-replacement warranty.
Duralast Gold
If you’re looking for a better-performing battery for your passenger car or farm equipment, Duralast Gold can be a considerable option. This 12-volt battery is the brand’s mid-rage model with up to 750 CCA. You can count on this battery when starting your car in colder conditions.
Duralast Gold is ideal for vehicles with power-draining features like infotainment systems and heated seats. The battery’s framework will resist vibrations due to its polypropylene construction.
You’ll also love this battery due to its low self-discharge capacity. It’s, therefore, a reliable companion that’ll serve you for years. AutoZone provides this battery with a 3-year free replacement warranty.
Duralast Platinum
Duralast Platinum batteries are the brand’s best-quality models with the highest power output. These batteries are available in the EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) and AGM (Absorbent Glass Matt) variants.
The EFB variant has proprietary carbon additives to ensure faster recharge while delivering consistent power. This battery variant is ideal for vehicles with the engine start/stop technology and other power-draining features.
Furthermore, EFB batteries have a grid structure and an optimized plate to prevent corrosion and increase cycle life.
The AGM variants provide reliable starting power and deep cycle capability. They’re ideal for vehicles with accessories demanding greater power. Their cycle life is two times that of conventional batteries, meaning they recharge faster and retain power for a long time.
Duralast Platinum batteries resist vibrations, and you can mount them in any position. Like Duralast Gold, Platinum options come with a 3-year replacement warranty.
Answer: Duralast Battery Pros and Cons
Pros
- High-quality materials
- Decent warranty
- Good performance
- Ideal for cold-weather startups
- Can withstand vibrations
Cons
- Higher self-discharge rate than most battery brands
- They require regular maintenance to keep them in good shape
- Some varieties don’t have a carrying handle
Question: How Long Do AutoZone’s Duralast Batteries Last?
Most car batteries will last 3-4 years, depending on how you maintain them. The good news is that Duralast batteries will last three to four years or even longer. In case of damage, you can take advantage of the brand’s 2- to 3-year replacement warranty.
Your battery’s service life will vary depending on your vehicle type, the extent of use, and the level of maintenance. Proper battery maintenance involves doing the following:
- Clean the terminals regularly to clear dirt and corrosion. You can use battery terminal cleaners, baking soda, or water.
- Keep your battery in a secure position. Securing your battery can help minimize impact, particularly when driving on rugged terrains. Moreover, you’ll prevent water, snow, and debris from landing on the battery.
- Don’t use electrical components when your engine is idling.
- Turn off all accessories when parking your car.
- Charge the battery fully.
- Limit the use of power-draining accessories, especially when they’re not needed.
- Use a slow charger and leave your battery to charge overnight.
Final Thoughts
So, who makes Duralast batteries? Clarios, East Penn Manufacturing, and Exide make Duralast batteries for AutoZone. These batteries are among the best options on the market, with plenty of power to keep your vehicle running.
When choosing Duralast batteries, it’s essential to go through the three varieties available. The brand provides:
- Duralast (the basic option).
- Duralast Gold (the mid-range option).
- Duralast Platinum (the highest-quality option).
These batteries come with a 2- or 3-year replacement warranty, depending on the variety you choose.