Everstart Battery 35

As I pulled into my driveway last winter, my car sputtering to a final, reluctant stop, I knew it was time. The dreaded dashboard warning light had been flickering for weeks, and now my trusty sedan had finally surrendered to the inevitable: battery death. What followed was a deep dive into the world of automotive batteries that ultimately led me to the Everstart Battery 35 – a discovery that transformed my understanding of vehicle power systems and saved me from future roadside emergencies. I’m sharing everything I’ve learned to help you make an informed decision about whether this battery is right for your vehicle.

The Morning My Car Wouldn’t Start

It was a frigid Tuesday morning when I turned my key in the ignition and heard nothing but a faint clicking sound. No roar of the engine, no comforting hum of power – just silence and that ominous click. After a jump start from my neighbor (thank you, Dave!), I made it to the auto parts store, determined not to find myself stranded again. That’s where I first encountered the Everstart Battery 35, and my journey into battery knowledge began.

What Exactly Is the Everstart Battery 35?

The Everstart Battery 35 isn’t just any battery – it’s a Group 35 automotive battery designed to provide reliable starting power for a wide range of vehicles. When I first held one, I was struck by its solid construction and professional design. This isn’t a battery that feels cheaply made or compromised.

Everstart is Walmart’s house brand for automotive batteries, manufactured by Johnson Controls (the same company that makes batteries for major brands like Interstate and DieHard). Don’t let the “house brand” label fool you – the quality of the Everstart Battery 35 rivals many premium alternatives at a significantly lower price point.

What Vehicles Use the Everstart Battery 35?

The Group 35 size classification means this battery fits many Japanese and American vehicles, including popular models from:

• Toyota (Camry, Corolla, RAV4)
• Honda (Accord, Civic, CR-V)
• Nissan (Altima, Maxima, Rogue)
• Subaru (Forester, Outback, Impreza)
• Some Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models
• Select Ford and Chevrolet models

When I was shopping, I discovered that this compatibility makes the Everstart 35 one of the most versatile batteries on the market. I drive a 2018 Toyota Camry, and the fit was perfect – but I highly recommend checking your vehicle’s specifications or consulting with a professional before making a purchase.

Technical Specifications: Understanding What Makes the Everstart 35 Tick

Before buying my Everstart 35, I needed to understand what I was getting. Here’s what I found in my research:

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): Power When It Matters

The Everstart Battery 35 typically offers between 640-650 CCA, which I’ve found to be more than sufficient for most standard vehicles. When I learned that CCA measures a battery’s ability to start an engine in cold temperatures, this became a crucial factor for me living in the Midwest where winter temperatures regularly dip below freezing.

For those unfamiliar with the term, CCA represents the number of amps a battery can deliver at 0°F for 30 seconds while maintaining a minimum voltage of 7.2 volts. In simpler terms, it’s how much power your battery can provide to start your car when it’s really cold outside.

Reserve Capacity: Your Safety Net

The reserve capacity of the Everstart 35 typically ranges from 90-100 minutes. This specification became personally relevant to me last summer when I accidentally left my headlights on during a two-hour movie. When I returned to my car, it started right up – no jump needed. The reserve capacity represents how long your battery can run essential systems if your alternator fails, measured in minutes at a 25-amp draw while maintaining a voltage above 10.5 volts.

Physical Dimensions: Will It Fit?

The Group 35 designation indicates standard dimensions of approximately:

• Length: 9.1 inches
• Width: 6.9 inches
• Height: 8.9 inches

These measurements matched my vehicle’s battery tray perfectly, but I recommend measuring your current battery or consulting your vehicle’s manual to confirm compatibility.

Voltage: The Standard 12V

Like most automotive batteries, the Everstart 35 is a 12-volt battery. This is the standard for modern vehicles, so no surprises here.

Weight: Substantial but Manageable

When I picked up my Everstart 35, it weighed approximately 40 pounds – hefty enough to feel substantial but still manageable for one person to install. The weight actually reassured me about its construction quality.

Price Point: Exceptional Value for Quality Power

One of the most compelling aspects of the Everstart Battery 35 is its price. When I compared it to other Group 35 batteries, I found the Everstart to be priced between $85-$120, depending on the specific model and any ongoing promotions. This represented a savings of $30-$60 compared to premium brands with nearly identical specifications.

My research revealed that the affordability of the Everstart Battery 35 doesn’t come at the expense of quality or reliability, making it an excellent value proposition for budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on performance.

Warranty Coverage: Protection for Your Investment

The warranty on my Everstart Battery 35 provided significant peace of mind. Walmart typically offers:

• A free replacement period (usually the first 1-3 years, depending on the specific model)
• A prorated warranty period that extends beyond the free replacement period

When purchasing mine, I received a 3-year free replacement warranty, which is competitive with more expensive brands. The warranty card was straightforward, with clear instructions on how to make a claim if necessary. I keep my receipt and warranty information in my glove compartment, just in case.

Installation Experience: Easier Than Expected

Installing the Everstart Battery 35 myself saved me the $25-$50 installation fee that many service centers charge. The process was surprisingly straightforward:

1. I disconnected the negative (black) terminal first, then the positive (red) terminal of my old battery.
2. After removing any hold-down clamps or brackets, I carefully lifted out the old battery.
3. I cleaned the battery tray and terminals using a wire brush and a solution of baking soda and water to remove any corrosion.
4. After placing the new Everstart 35 in the tray, I secured it with the hold-down mechanism.
5. I connected the positive terminal first, then the negative terminal, making sure both were tight but not overtightened.
6. A light coating of terminal protectant spray helped prevent future corrosion.

The entire process took me less than 30 minutes, and the satisfaction of completing the job myself was worth the effort. For those less mechanically inclined, Walmart offers installation services for a reasonable fee.

Performance in Extreme Weather: A Critical Consideration

Living in a region with hot summers and bitterly cold winters, weather performance was a major concern for me. After 18 months with my Everstart Battery 35, I can report excellent performance across all seasons.

Cold Weather Performance

During last winter’s polar vortex, when temperatures plunged to -15°F, my car started without hesitation. The 640 CCA rating proved more than adequate, even in these extreme conditions. I’ve noticed that in very cold weather, the battery seems to deliver power more confidently than my previous, more expensive battery.

Hot Weather Durability

Summer temperatures in my area regularly exceed 95°F, which can be just as challenging for batteries as cold weather. Heat accelerates the chemical reactions inside batteries, potentially shortening their lifespan. Despite this, my Everstart 35 has shown no signs of degradation or performance issues during hot weather.

Maintenance Requirements: Virtually None

One feature I particularly appreciate about the Everstart Battery 35 is that it’s fully maintenance-free. The sealed design means:

• No need to check or add water
• No risk of acid spills
• No regular maintenance tasks to remember

This maintenance-free design gives me one less thing to worry about in my vehicle care routine. The battery case is well-sealed and robust, with clear positive and negative terminal markings that haven’t faded over time.

Real-World Performance: My Day-to-Day Experience

After driving with the Everstart Battery 35 for over a year and a half, I’ve formed some definite opinions about its real-world performance:

Starting Reliability

In approximately 500 starts across all weather conditions, I’ve experienced zero failures. The engine turns over immediately, with no hesitation or struggling. This reliability has eliminated the background anxiety I used to feel about whether my car would start, especially when parked at airports or in remote locations.

Electronic System Support

Modern vehicles demand more from batteries than ever before, powering sophisticated electronics even when the engine is off. My vehicle’s advanced infotainment system, USB charging ports, and various electronic systems have all functioned flawlessly with the Everstart 35, with no noticeable drain issues.

Longevity Indicators

Although it’s too early to judge the full lifespan of my battery, after 18 months it shows no signs of degradation. Regular testing at auto parts stores confirms it’s still operating at near-new capacity. Based on my research and experience, I expect a 4-5 year lifespan with normal use, which aligns with industry averages for quality batteries.

Comparing the Everstart 35 to Competitors

Before settling on the Everstart 35, I researched several alternatives. Here’s how it stacks up against other popular Group 35 batteries:

Everstart vs. DieHard

DieHard batteries typically cost $30-$50 more than comparable Everstart models. In my testing and research, the performance differences didn’t justify this premium for my standard driving needs. Both offer similar CCA ratings and warranty terms.

Everstart vs. Interstate

Interstate batteries have an excellent reputation and often offer slightly higher CCA ratings (typically 20-30 CCA higher). However, they generally cost $40-$60 more than the Everstart. For extreme conditions or high-performance applications, this difference might matter, but for my daily driver, the Everstart provided equivalent real-world performance.

Everstart vs. ACDelco

ACDelco batteries are often priced similarly to Interstate, with comparable specifications. The main difference I found was in warranty terms, with ACDelco sometimes offering longer coverage. However, the Everstart’s warranty was sufficient for my needs, making it the better value proposition.

Everstart vs. Store-Brand Alternatives

When comparing to other store brands like AutoZone’s Duralast or Advance Auto Parts’ Autocraft, the Everstart offered similar specifications at a comparable or slightly lower price point. The deciding factor for me was Walmart’s widespread presence, making warranty claims potentially more convenient.

Is the Everstart Battery 35 Suitable for High-Performance Applications?

While my standard sedan doesn’t qualify as “high-performance,” I’ve spoken with several car enthusiasts who have used the Everstart 35 in more demanding applications. The consensus seems to be:

• For moderately upgraded vehicles with additional electronics or modest performance modifications, the Everstart 35 performs admirably.
• For heavily modified vehicles, competition cars, or extreme performance applications, specialty batteries with higher CCA ratings and enhanced vibration resistance may be more appropriate.

My brother-in-law installed an Everstart 35 in his modified Subaru WRX and reports no issues after a year of spirited driving, which speaks to the battery’s capability beyond standard applications.

Marine Applications: Not Its Primary Purpose

Some automotive batteries can double as marine batteries, so I investigated whether the Everstart 35 would be suitable for my friend’s small fishing boat. The verdict: while it might work in a pinch, it’s not designed for marine use.

Marine batteries need to withstand constant vibration, provide deep-cycle capabilities for running electronics when the engine is off, and resist the corrosive effects of the marine environment. The Everstart Battery 35 is designed primarily for automotive starting applications and lacks the specialized features of true marine batteries.

For dedicated marine use, I advised my friend to look at Everstart’s marine battery line instead, which is specifically designed for that purpose.

Charging State Upon Purchase: Ready to Go

When I purchased my Everstart Battery 35, it came fully charged and ready for immediate installation. This is typical for most Everstart batteries sold at Walmart. However, if the battery has been sitting on the shelf for an extended period, it might benefit from a supplemental charge after installation.

I checked the built-in charge indicator (a small window on top of the battery that changes color based on charge state) before purchasing, which showed green, indicating a full charge. After 18 months of use, this indicator still reliably reflects the battery’s state of charge.

Environmental Considerations: Responsible Disposal

When it came time to dispose of my old battery, I was pleased to discover that Walmart and most auto parts stores offer free recycling services. In fact, many stores provide a small credit (typically $5-$10) when you return your old battery while purchasing a new one.

Nearly 99% of lead-acid battery components can be recycled, making them one of the most recyclable consumer products available. I found this environmental aspect reassuring, knowing that my old battery wouldn’t end up in a landfill.

Customer Reviews and Reputation: The Wisdom of Crowds

Before making my final decision, I scoured online reviews and asked friends about their experiences with Everstart batteries. The overall sentiment was positive, with most reviewers citing:

• Excellent value for money
• Reliable performance across various vehicles
• Good warranty support
• Consistent starting performance in extreme weather

The few negative reviews typically centered around rare manufacturing defects (which the warranty covered) or mismatched applications where the battery wasn’t appropriate for the specific vehicle needs.

Purchasing Options: Where to Buy

The Everstart Battery 35 is primarily available at Walmart stores and through Walmart’s website. This limited distribution is both a strength and weakness:

Advantages:

• Consistent pricing
• Straightforward warranty process through a single retailer
• Widespread availability due to Walmart’s extensive store network

Disadvantages:

• Limited ability to shop around for better pricing
• Potential stock issues at some smaller Walmart locations

When I purchased mine, I checked stock availability online before heading to the store, which saved me a wasted trip when my nearest location was out of stock.

Specialized Applications: Beyond the Basics

While researching the Everstart Battery 35, I discovered some interesting specialized applications that might be relevant to certain readers:

For Vehicles with Start-Stop Technology

Modern vehicles with start-stop technology (which automatically shuts off the engine when stopped) place additional demands on batteries. The Everstart 35 can handle these systems in most cases, but vehicles with particularly aggressive start-stop cycles might benefit from Everstart’s AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery variants, which offer enhanced cycling capabilities.

For Vehicles with Extensive Aftermarket Electronics

If you’ve added significant aftermarket electronics like high-powered audio systems, additional lighting, or winches, you might need to consider whether the Everstart 35’s reserve capacity is sufficient. In my conversation with an audio enthusiast, he mentioned successfully using the Everstart 35 with his moderate aftermarket system, but those with extreme setups might need to look at dual battery solutions.

Making Your Decision: Is the Everstart Battery 35 Right for You?

After all my research and personal experience, I believe the decision to purchase an Everstart Battery 35 comes down to a few key factors:

Consider the Everstart Battery 35 if:

• Your vehicle requires a Group 35 size battery
• You want reliable performance at an affordable price
• You have a standard or moderately equipped vehicle
• You value warranty coverage from a nationwide retailer
• You’re comfortable with a product that delivers excellent value rather than premium brand prestige

Look at alternatives if:

• Your vehicle requires a different group size
• You have extreme performance requirements
• You have specialized needs like competition racing or off-road expeditions
• You need a deep-cycle battery for extended electronics use when the engine is off

My Final Verdict

After 18 months with the Everstart Battery 35, I can confidently say it represents one of the best automotive values I’ve found. The combination of reliable performance, appropriate specifications for most vehicles, solid warranty coverage, and excellent price point makes it a compelling choice for the average driver.

The most impressive aspect of the Everstart Battery 35 is how it delivers premium-level performance without the premium price tag, proving that you don’t always get what you pay for – sometimes you get more.

When my brother needed a new battery for his Honda Accord last month, I didn’t hesitate to recommend the Everstart 35. His experience has mirrored mine: straightforward installation, reliable starting, and the satisfaction of knowing he made a smart financial decision without compromising on quality.

As my battery continues to perform flawlessly through its second year, I’m increasingly convinced that for most drivers, the Everstart Battery 35 represents the sweet spot where performance, reliability, and value intersect. When it eventually comes time to replace it, I’ll be heading straight back to Walmart for another Everstart – the highest endorsement I can offer for any automotive product.

Common Questions About the Everstart Battery 35

How long will the Everstart Battery 35 last?

With proper vehicle maintenance and normal driving conditions, you can expect 4-5 years of reliable service. Extreme conditions, short trip driving patterns, or vehicles with heavy electrical demands may experience shorter lifespans.

Can I install the Everstart Battery 35 myself?

Absolutely! The installation process is straightforward for most vehicles and requires only basic tools (typically a wrench or socket set). Just remember to disconnect the negative terminal first and reconnect it last to avoid electrical shorts.

Will Walmart install the battery for me?

Yes, Walmart’s Auto Care Centers offer battery installation services for a reasonable fee. This service typically includes a system check to ensure your alternator is properly charging the new battery.

Does the Everstart Battery 35 work in both hot and cold climates?

Yes, my experience and broader research confirm that the Everstart 35 performs well in both temperature extremes. The 640-650 CCA rating provides ample cold-weather starting power, while the sealed, maintenance-free design helps resist degradation in high temperatures.

Is there a difference between Everstart and Everstart Maxx batteries?

Yes, Everstart Maxx is Walmart’s premium battery line, offering enhanced specifications like higher CCA ratings and longer warranty periods. For most standard applications, the regular Everstart Battery 35 provides sufficient performance, but the Maxx line may be worth considering for more demanding applications.

As I wrap up this guide, I hope my journey with the Everstart Battery 35 helps you make an informed decision for your vehicle. Remember that the best battery is one that meets your specific needs, fits your vehicle correctly, and provides reliable service at a price that makes sense for your budget. For me, the Everstart 35 checked all those boxes – and I believe it will for many of you as well.