Last Updated on: June 10, 2024
Generally, the main function of a battery is supplying electrical current to your car’s motor, making it possible for the engine to start. The battery can also power most of the car’s electronics even when the engine is off.
Unfortunately…
With the many options available, picking the right one can be tricky, especially since the different AutoZone brands have many similarities. But the key factors that vary between batteries are group size, crank amp, reserve time, and amp-hour. Therefore, in this article, we’ll elaborate more on the difference between Duralast vs. Valucraft, the two main battery brands from AutoZone.
Main Difference Between Duralast Vs. Valucraft
The main differences between Duralast and Valucraft are:
- Duralast battery weighs about 34.81 lbs. whereas Valucraft battery weighs about 40.59 lbs.
- Duralast comes with a 2-year free replacement warranty, whereas Valucraft battery comes with a 1-year free replacement warranty.
- Duralast battery comes with a cold-cranking Amperes of about 590 amps, whereas Valucraft comes with a CCA of about 690 amps.
- Duralast has a reserve capacity of about 105 minutes, whereas Valucraft has a reserve capacity of about 80 minutes.
- Duralast battery’s group size designation is 40, whereas Valucraft battery is 34.
The Difference Between Duralast And Valucraft
Despite being two different car battery brands, these AutoZone batteries serve the same purpose: starting the car’s engine and powering some of the vehicle’s electronics. Both Duralast and Valucraft can crank the car’s engine and then let the engine take it from there.
Generally, there are many batteries under these two brands, and including them in our article can be a bit challenging, so we will focus more on Duralast 24-DL and Valucraft batteries. You can find more details of these models on a forum community dedicated to these battery models.
Finding a discussion starter in the forums recommended communities won’t be a problem; after all, the main topic will be car batteries. You can go through the older thread and even start a new thread on other Valucraft parts like the Valucraft ball joints and parking brake.
Some of the key differences between Duralast and Valucraft include:
Cold Cranking Amperage
CCA (Cold Cranking Amperage) refers to the ability of your battery to start the engine when the temperature is too low. A 12v battery can generate a certain amount of energy at 0 Degrees Celsius for about 30 seconds.
Remember, the higher the battery’s CCA, the more starting power a battery will have when the temperature is too low. Fortunately, Valucraft has more CCA amps than Duralast.
Duralast comes with 600 amps, whereas Valucraft has a CCA of about 690 Amperes, which means that Valucraft has more power than some Duralast.
If you need a more powerful Duralast battery, you can use the Duralast platinum or Duralast gold batteries. These brands have additional power that can come in handy when running accessories like heated seats requiring more power.
Plus, they have a longer warranty than Valucraft batteries and the Duralast 24-DL, but you may have to spend more on these high-end options. You can even match your Duralast batteries with some Duralast gold pads and Duralast parking brake shoes, which have a lifetime warranty.
Reserve Capacity
Reserve minutes, also known as reserve capacity, refer to the time your battery can sustain a certain load without running out. This measurement is usually conducted before your battery is fully charged, and the sustained load is usually over 25amps.
As aforementioned, Duralast has a reserve capacity of 105 minutes while Valucraft has a reserve capacity of about 80 minutes.
According to an old thread, the Valucraft battery can sustain this load for 105 minutes or until fully recharged.
Durability
In terms of durability, Duralast batteries last longer than Valucraft batteries; after all, Duralast comes with a 2-year warranty, with the high-end options having an even longer one. On the other hand, Valucraft batteries come with a 1-year replacement warranty, which means that Duralast can last longer.
If properly taken care of, the Duralast can serve you for a very long time. Therefore, in terms of durability, Duralast is better.
Cost
Another factor you must consider when purchasing car batteries is your budget; overspending is not an option when working with a tight budget. Luckily, Valucraft batteries cost less than Duralast batteries. Unfortunately, the price of these batteries is not constant, but the Valucraft battery costs about 127 dollars.
On the other hand, Duralast 24-DL goes for about 158 dollars; therefore, if you’re working with a low budget, you should go for Valucraft batteries.
But if the price is not an issue, you can get the Duralast platinum or Duralast gold batteries for over $200.
Battery Group Size
The group size refers to the right battery size that can fit your car battery compartment in terms of the type of car, terminal locations, and physical dimensions. The BCI (Battery Council International) assigns letters and numbers to each group size. The size is based on your engine type and car model; fortunately, some vehicles can support more than a single group size.
Valucraft battery is classified under group 34, while Duralast belongs to size 24. Group size 34 batteries are medium-large powerful batteries with a reserve capacity of between 100 and 145 minutes. Battery group size 24 batteries tend to function more like deep cycle batteries instead of starting applications.
Build
Being from different brands, these two batteries vary in design. And one of the key differences is their weight. Valucraft battery weighs about 36.5 lbs. while Duralast batteries weigh 43.3 lbs.
Another key difference in their design is the positive terminals of Valucraft are on the top left side while that of Duralast is on the left side.
Duralast Vs. Valucraft: Similarities
Despite the many differences between these two brands, it has several similarities. The main similarity between them is:
Voltage
Generally, most car batteries have an average voltage of about 12 volts, including Duralast and Valucraft batteries. Therefore, they can serve as starting and deep cycle batteries, which means powering most of the electronics in the vehicle. Certain car owners on the fora platform claim that you can even use Valucraft wires on Duralast, which means they can use the same parts.
Pro Auto Thought: You might have already read through our other comparative battery posts regarding Duralast and the competition. We’re not done yet! Here is another one for your consideration — Odyssey Vs Optima Battery.
Watch This!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Duralast A Good Battery?
Yes, Duralast brands are some of the best options in the market that can serve you for a very long time. Sure there are some negative and positive reviews about this brand, but it has several batteries for everyone. Therefore, most models can guarantee longer warranties and CCA of over 590mperes and a reserve capacity of about 105 minutes.
Does AutoZone Sell Valucraft Battery?
Yes, Autozone deals with some car batteries, and this includes Duralast and Valucraft batteries. It includes several batteries from different group sizes, including even dual-purpose batteries. You can even find a battery repair shop using the forum software on their website.
Does AutoZone Offer Free Battery Installation Services?
Yes, as long as you purchased from them, Autozone will install your new battery for free, remove the old one, and help dispose of it.
Conclusion
AutoZone is one of the leading retailers of vehicle accessories and parts in the United States, with shops all over the North and South American continents. They own several battery labels, including Duralast Gold, Duralast, and Valucraft.
Unfortunately, picking between their two batteries can be quite challenging. Still, with the above information, you can get the right option and even install it in your vehicle for free.
