Bright as the sun in the dark...
Bright as the sun in the dark and greasy engine bay of our Jeep Cherokee, the Optima YellowTop battery provides an ample power supply for quick starts and multiple accessories. Jeepers and Creepers supplied a set of its heavy-duty power cables with military-spec battery clamps.
You won't get very far with a faulty or erratic charging system. Slow and sloppy starts and dim headlights are often indications of a flawed system, which can be easily remedied with a few basic components. One of the first steps toward improving your vehicle's charging system is to install a quality battery that will not only successfully start your engine every time but also have enough juice to power additional electrical accessories, ranging from bumper-mounted winches to dash-mounted iPods.
To tackle charging duties in our '97 Jeep Cherokee, we looked to the tried-and-true Optima YellowTop battery. We selected the D34/78 model YellowTop, which offers 750 cold cranking amps at 0 degrees F and 870 cranking amps at 32 degrees F. It's designed as a dual-purpose battery to not only start the engine but also to handle multiple accessory loads. The sealed case and spiral-wound cells make the YellowTop completely spillproof and leakproof and maintenance-free. It also offers excellent vibration resistance and will handle discharge and recharge without losing significant capacity. The deep cycling ability of the Optima YellowTop also makes it great for vehicles that are used seasonally, as it offers a very slow rate of self-discharge.
When dirt and grease build up on the power cables, particularly around the wire and cable connection points, the flow of electrical current is impaired. Flow is also impaired if the power cables are cracked, split, or frayed. In order for our charging system to fully benefit from the new Optima battery, we elected to replace the aged factory cables with something better prepared for the job. The heavy-duty 2/0-gauge power cables from Jeepers and Creepers feature an all-copper core with extra-fine outer strands to maintain flexibility. The outer shell is oil- and solvent-resistant, and the large cable-terminal ends are double-crimped and moisture-sealed using military-spec heat shrink. Offering a heat range of -40 to +194 degrees F, the cables aren't affected by extreme temperatures. The transfer of energy is also improved through use of the heavy-duty power cables and is evidenced in faster starts and brighter headlights.
 We chose the D34/78 Optima...  We chose the D34/78 Optima YellowTop battery for its 750 cold cranking amps and deep cycling ability to handle multiple accessories such as a winch, electric air compressor, and more. The heavy-duty power cables from Jeepers and Creepers will ensure the maximum flow of electrical current. |  The Optima YellowTop battery...  The Optima YellowTop battery uses the company's Spiralcell technology, which consists of spiral-wound cells that are tightly compressed into supportive chambers within a completely sealed case. This creates an exceptionally vibration-resistant, spillproof battery that can be mounted in almost any position. Also note the extra side posts, which can be used for accessories or dual battery applications. |  The heavy-duty power cables...  The heavy-duty power cables from Jeepers and Creepers are made from 0/2-gauge wire - the same size used in welders. The military-spec battery clamps allow easy connection of accessories and cables. Greater conductivity will also result from the oversize cable-terminal ends, which are double-crimped and moisture-sealed. |