Everstart Maxx 35

When my 2015 Honda Civic started showing those telltale signs of battery failure last winter—sluggish morning starts, dimming headlights, and that dreaded clicking sound—I knew it was time for a replacement. What I didn’t expect was the rabbit hole of battery research I’d fall into or how much I’d learn about the Everstart Maxx 35 battery. After three months of daily use through one of the coldest Michigan winters we’ve had in years, I’m ready to share everything I’ve discovered about this affordable power option.

The Fundamentals: What Is the Everstart Maxx 35?

The Everstart Maxx 35 isn’t just another car battery—it’s a lead-acid automotive battery designed specifically for small to medium-sized vehicles. The Everstart Maxx 35 is Walmart’s house brand answer to premium automotive batteries at a fraction of the cost. When I first picked one up, I was surprised by both its solid construction and reasonable price point.

As someone who’s changed more batteries than I care to admit (I come from a family of “car people”), I appreciate that this battery falls into the Group 35 size classification—a standard size that fits many Japanese and some domestic vehicles. The battery is manufactured by Johnson Controls, which also produces batteries for major brands like Interstate and Duracell, so there’s real engineering behind this Walmart-exclusive product.

The Maxx series represents Everstart’s premium line, offering enhanced features compared to their basic Value line. While researching, I found this distinction important—the Maxx isn’t just a budget option but positioned as a legitimate competitor to more expensive branded alternatives.

Technical Specifications That Matter

Let’s talk specifics because numbers tell an important story with batteries. The Everstart Maxx 35 features:

• Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 640
• Reserve Capacity: 100 minutes
• Group Size: 35
• Voltage: 12V
• Terminal Type: Top post
• Dimensions: Approximately 9″ x 6.9″ x 8.9″
• Weight: Around 39-41 pounds

The 640 CCA rating immediately caught my attention during my research. For those unfamiliar with battery terminology, CCA measures a battery’s ability to start an engine in cold temperatures. At 640, the Maxx 35 sits comfortably above what most small to midsize vehicles require. My Honda only needs about 500 CCA, so this battery gives me a nice buffer for those brutally cold Michigan mornings when the temperature dips below zero.

The reserve capacity of 100 minutes is equally impressive. This indicates how long the battery can run essential systems if your alternator fails. In real-world terms, that’s potentially enough time to get to a service station if your charging system goes out while driving—something I unfortunately had to test when my alternator belt snapped on the highway last month. The battery kept my essential systems running long enough to navigate safely to the shoulder and call for assistance.

Compatibility: Which Vehicles Work With the Everstart Maxx 35?

Before purchasing, I verified compatibility with my vehicle and discovered the Everstart Maxx 35 fits a surprisingly wide range of cars and light trucks. Generally, this battery works well with:

• Most Japanese vehicles (Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Subaru)
• Many domestic compact and midsize cars
• Some European models, though always check specifications

Specifically, I’ve found it works well in vehicles like:

• Honda Civic (most model years)
• Toyota Camry and Corolla
• Nissan Altima and Sentra
• Ford Focus and Fusion
• Chevrolet Malibu and Cruze
• Hyundai Elantra and Sonata
• Subaru Impreza and Legacy

When I helped my neighbor install one in her 2017 Toyota Corolla, the fit was perfect—almost identical to the OEM battery. For anyone unsure about compatibility, Walmart offers a helpful vehicle lookup tool online, or you can compare your existing battery’s group size (usually labeled directly on the battery).

Price Point: How Much Will This Set You Back?

One of the most compelling aspects of the Everstart Maxx 35 is its price. When I purchased mine, it cost $98.76 before tax—significantly less than the $150-200 quotes I received from auto parts stores for comparable batteries.

The price does fluctuate slightly between regions and with occasional promotions, but generally, you can expect to pay between $95-110 for a new Maxx 35. This pricing represents one of the battery’s strongest selling points. You’re essentially getting the specifications of a premium battery at a mid-tier price.

An important cost consideration is that Walmart offers free installation with purchase at their Auto Care Centers. This saved me the $20-25 installation fee that other retailers typically charge, making the total value proposition even stronger.

Where to Purchase: Availability and Buying Options

The Everstart Maxx 35 is exclusively available through Walmart, which both limits and simplifies your purchasing options. You can buy it:

• In-store at Walmart’s automotive department
• Online through Walmart.com with in-store pickup
• Online with home delivery (though I’d recommend in-store pickup due to the weight)

I opted for online ordering with in-store pickup, which let me ensure the battery was in stock before making the trip. The process was seamless—I ordered at 8 AM and received a pickup notification by noon the same day.

One advantage of purchasing through Walmart is the widespread availability of stores. With over 4,700 locations in the United States, most people have reasonable access to both purchase and warranty service if needed. This widespread network was reassuring to me as someone who occasionally takes long road trips.

Warranty Coverage: What Protection Do You Get?

The warranty is where the Everstart Maxx 35 truly stands out from budget alternatives. It comes with a 3-year free replacement warranty—impressive for a battery in this price range.

Here’s how the warranty works:

1. Keep your receipt (I scanned mine and saved it digitally)
2. If the battery fails within 3 years of purchase, bring it to any Walmart store
3. They’ll test it and replace it at no cost if it’s defective

I haven’t had to use the warranty service, but a colleague did with a different Everstart model and reported a straightforward process. The store tested his battery, confirmed the failure, and replaced it on the spot.

This warranty length matches what you’d expect from batteries costing $40-50 more, making it an exceptional value proposition. I’ve owned batteries with shorter warranties that cost nearly twice as much.

Maintenance Requirements: How Much Babysitting Does It Need?

Modern batteries have come a long way from the maintenance-intensive units of decades past, and the Everstart Maxx 35 is no exception. It’s fully maintenance-free, requiring no water additions or electrolyte monitoring throughout its lifespan.

The sealed design means:

• No checking fluid levels
• No topping off with distilled water
• No cleaning accessible cell caps

This sealed construction also reduces the risk of acid leaks and makes the battery safer to handle during installation. As someone who remembers helping my father maintain old-style batteries with removable caps, this maintenance-free design is a welcome advancement.

The only “maintenance” I’ve performed is occasionally cleaning the terminals with a wire brush to prevent corrosion buildup—a five-minute task that should be part of routine vehicle maintenance regardless of battery type.

Performance Comparison: How Does It Stack Up Against Competitors?

When comparing the Everstart Maxx 35 to competitors, I evaluated it against three primary alternatives:

1. DieHard Gold 35 (approximately $150): The DieHard offered similar specifications but at a 50% higher price point. In my research, I couldn’t justify the premium for nearly identical performance metrics.
2. Interstate MT-35 (approximately $140): Interstate has an excellent reputation, but again, the specifications were comparable to the Everstart while commanding a significant price premium.
3. ACDelco 35PS (approximately $130): Another respected brand with similar performance characteristics but at a higher price point.

After three months of ownership, I’ve found the Everstart Maxx 35 performs on par with these more expensive alternatives. Cold starts have been consistently strong, even during a week of sub-zero temperatures. The battery maintains voltage well, showing 12.6V when fully charged—identical to readings I’ve seen from premium batteries.

The only potential disadvantage I’ve identified is that some premium batteries claim longer lifespans of 4-5 years versus the expected 3-4 years from the Everstart. However, with the 3-year free replacement warranty, this difference becomes less significant.

Cold Weather Performance: Will It Start When You Need It Most?

Living in Michigan, cold weather performance isn’t optional—it’s essential. With 640 CCA, the Everstart Maxx 35 is well-equipped for frigid conditions, and my experience confirms this.

During January, we experienced a polar vortex that brought temperatures down to -15°F. While many vehicles in my apartment complex refused to start, my Honda fired up after only a slightly longer crank than normal. This real-world test impressed me more than any specification could.

For context, most automotive experts recommend a minimum of 400-500 CCA for small to midsize vehicles in cold climates. At 640 CCA, the Maxx 35 provides a healthy buffer that accounts for battery degradation over time and exceptionally cold conditions.

If you live in an extremely cold climate (regular temperatures below -20°F), you might consider a battery with even higher CCA ratings, but for most North American winters, the Maxx 35 provides sufficient cold-starting power.

Initial Charge: Does It Come Ready to Install?

My Everstart Maxx 35 came fully charged and ready for immediate installation. Upon testing with a voltmeter before installation, it showed 12.6V—indicating a full charge.

This out-of-the-box readiness is convenient but not universal across all batteries or situations. Factors that may affect charge status include:

• How long the battery has been sitting in inventory
• Storage conditions at the retailer
• Season and ambient temperature

If you’re concerned about charge status, Walmart’s Auto Care Centers can check and charge the battery before installation. I recommend having this done if the battery has been sitting on the shelf for an extended period (visible dust on the case is often a tell-tale sign).

Installation Process: DIY or Professional Help?

Installing the Everstart Maxx 35 is straightforward for anyone with basic automotive knowledge and tools. The process took me about 20 minutes, including cleaning the terminals and cable ends.

Basic installation steps:

1. Disconnect the negative (black) cable first
2. Disconnect the positive (red) cable
3. Remove any hold-down brackets or clamps
4. Remove the old battery
5. Clean terminal connectors
6. Position the new battery in the tray
7. Secure any hold-down mechanisms
8. Connect the positive cable first, then negative

If you’re uncomfortable performing the installation yourself, Walmart offers free installation with purchase at their Auto Care Centers. This service would typically cost $20-25 elsewhere, adding to the value proposition.

One installation tip: I applied dielectric grease to the terminals after connection to prevent future corrosion. This inexpensive addition can extend terminal life and ensure consistent electrical contact.

Battery Capacity: Understanding Amp-Hour Ratings

While Everstart doesn’t prominently advertise the amp-hour (Ah) rating on packaging, research indicates the Maxx 35 provides approximately 55-60 Ah of capacity. This measurement indicates how much energy the battery can store.

For comparison:

• Economy car batteries typically offer 40-50 Ah
• Mid-range batteries offer 50-70 Ah
• Premium/high-performance batteries may offer 70+ Ah

The 55-60 Ah capacity of the Maxx 35 is suitable for most modern vehicles with standard electrical systems. If your vehicle has extensive aftermarket electronics, a high-powered audio system, or other high-draw accessories, you might consider a battery with higher capacity.

In practice, I’ve found this capacity sufficient for my needs, which include occasional camping trips where I use the battery to power small devices through an inverter while the engine is off.

Environmental Considerations: Recycling Your Old Battery

When purchasing the Everstart Maxx 35, Walmart required me to return my old battery for recycling or pay a core charge (around $10). This policy incentivizes proper disposal and recycling of lead-acid batteries, which contain materials harmful to the environment.

The recycling process for lead-acid batteries is well-established and highly effective:

• Up to 98% of battery materials can be recycled
• Lead and plastic components are reprocessed into new batteries
• The acid is neutralized and treated

If you’re replacing a battery yourself and purchased online, simply bring your old battery to any Walmart Auto Care Center for recycling. They’ll ensure it’s properly processed without charging a fee.

This closed-loop recycling system is one environmental bright spot in automotive maintenance, and I appreciate that Walmart actively participates in this process rather than leaving it to consumer initiative.

Long-Distance Reliability: Road Trip Worthy?

Since installing the Everstart Maxx 35, I’ve taken two substantial road trips:

• A 600-mile weekend journey to Chicago and back
• A 900-mile week-long trip through northern Michigan

During both trips, the battery performed flawlessly. Even with extended highway driving, which can sometimes mask charging system problems, the battery maintained proper voltage throughout the journey.

The 100-minute reserve capacity provides peace of mind for long-distance travel. Should your alternator fail, this reserve gives you approximately 1.5 hours of essential electrical system operation—typically enough time to exit the highway safely and seek assistance.

For road trip preparation, I recommend having your battery tested before long journeys, regardless of brand. Most auto parts stores offer free battery testing that can identify potential issues before they leave you stranded.

Performance Vehicles: Is It Sufficient for Higher Demands?

While the Everstart Maxx 35 meets the needs of most standard vehicles, performance applications deserve special consideration. Based on specifications and my research, this battery is:

• Suitable for: Most stock vehicles with standard electrical systems, including light performance modifications
• Potentially insufficient for: Heavily modified vehicles with high-output audio systems, extensive auxiliary lighting, or performance modifications that place higher demands on the electrical system

My brother-in-law briefly used the Maxx 35 in his modified Subaru WRX before upgrading to a higher-performance AGM battery. He reported that the Everstart performed adequately for daily driving but showed limitations during autocross events where rapid power delivery was crucial.

If you have a performance vehicle with significant modifications, you might consider:

1. The Everstart Maxx Platinum (AGM version) with higher performance specifications
2. A dedicated performance battery from specialists like Optima or Odyssey

User Experiences: The Verdict from Real Owners

Beyond my personal experience, I’ve researched extensively and spoken with other Everstart Maxx 35 owners. The consensus aligns remarkably well with my findings:

Most positive comments mention:

• Excellent value for money
• Reliable cold-weather starting
• Good warranty support when needed
• Consistent performance comparable to more expensive brands

Common criticisms include:

• Some units failing prematurely (though covered under warranty)
• Occasional manufacturing inconsistencies
• Limited availability outside Walmart

One pattern I noticed in online reviews is that satisfaction rates are highest among owners who use the battery in vehicles with standard electrical demands. Those who reported disappointment often had vehicles with extensive modifications or extreme usage patterns that would challenge any battery in this category.

Deep Cycling Capability: Beyond Starting Power

While primarily designed as a starting battery, the Everstart Maxx 35 offers moderate deep cycling capability. Deep cycling refers to a battery’s ability to be deeply discharged and recharged repeatedly.

In practical terms, this means:

• The battery can handle occasional complete discharges (like leaving lights on overnight)
• It will tolerate some use for camping or tailgating where you run accessories with the engine off
• It’s not designed for dedicated deep cycle applications like trolling motors or RV house power

During a power outage last month, I used my car as an emergency power source for charging phones and running a small LED light. The Maxx 35 handled this occasional deep discharge well, though I was careful to run the engine periodically to recharge.

If you frequently need deep cycling capability, consider a dual-purpose or dedicated deep cycle battery instead. The Maxx 35 will tolerate occasional deep discharges but isn’t designed for that primary purpose.

Walmart Availability: Finding Your Battery

As Walmart’s house brand, Everstart batteries are exclusively available at Walmart locations. In my experience, most stores maintain good inventory levels of popular sizes like the 35, but availability can vary by location.

To ensure availability before making a trip:

1. Check Walmart.com for local stock
2. Use the Walmart app’s inventory checker
3. Call the automotive department directly

During peak battery replacement seasons (typically early winter and extreme summer heat), stock can sometimes be limited. I purchased mine in November before the first cold snap and found plenty in stock, but a friend who waited until January had to check three stores to find one.

The Walmart exclusivity is both a strength and limitation—you have one clear source, but if you don’t live near a Walmart, accessibility becomes an issue.

The Financial Equation: Value Over Time

When evaluating the true value of the Everstart Maxx 35, I consider the total ownership cost rather than just the purchase price:

Initial cost: ~$100
Expected lifespan: 3-4 years
Cost per year: $25-33

Compare this to premium alternatives:
Premium battery cost: ~$150
Expected lifespan: 4-5 years
Cost per year: $30-37.50

The numbers reveal that the Everstart offers slightly better value over time, especially when factoring in the free replacement warranty for the first three years. Even if the battery only lasts the warranty period, the value proposition remains strong.

My approach to automotive maintenance has always been to find the sweet spot between quality and cost—the point where additional spending delivers diminishing returns. The Everstart Maxx 35 sits precisely at this sweet spot for most vehicle owners.

My Final Assessment After Three Months

After three months of daily use through challenging winter conditions, I can confidently say the Everstart Maxx 35 has exceeded my expectations. It’s delivered consistent starting power, maintained proper voltage, and performed identically to more expensive batteries I’ve owned in the past.

The true test of any battery comes with time, so I’ll continue monitoring performance as it ages. However, with the 3-year free replacement warranty, I feel adequately protected against premature failure.

For most vehicle owners seeking a reliable, affordable battery with good cold-weather performance, the Everstart Maxx 35 represents an excellent balance of quality and value. It delivers performance comparable to batteries costing 50% more while offering warranty protection equal to premium alternatives.

My decision process ultimately came down to a simple question: “What meaningful advantages do more expensive batteries offer over the Everstart Maxx 35?” For my Honda Civic with standard electrical requirements, the answer was “very few.” Your calculation may differ based on specific needs, but for most drivers, this battery deserves serious consideration.

Final Thoughts: When to Choose the Everstart Maxx 35

Based on my experience and research, the Everstart Maxx 35 is ideal for:

• Owners of small to midsize vehicles with standard electrical systems
• Budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on quality
• Drivers in moderate to cold climates (thanks to the 640 CCA rating)
• Those who value warranty protection and wide service availability

You might consider alternatives if:

• You own a heavily modified vehicle with substantial electrical demands
• You need a battery for dedicated deep-cycling applications
• You don’t live near a Walmart for warranty service
• You frequently drive in extremely cold conditions (below -20°F regularly)

As with any automotive component, the “best” choice varies based on individual needs and circumstances. However, for the majority of drivers, the Everstart Maxx 35 represents a rare combination of performance, reliability, and value that’s difficult to beat in today’s automotive marketplace.

Whether you’re facing an emergency replacement or planning ahead, this battery deserves a spot on your shortlist. My Honda starts reliably every morning, my wallet is a bit fuller than it would have been with premium alternatives, and I have the peace of mind that comes with a solid warranty. In my book, that’s a winning combination.