What brand is the original battery for the Buick GL8?
3 Answers
The battery model for the Buick GL8 is 80D26R12V70A. The battery is an important component in a car. When the engine is not started, the battery supplies power to all the electronic devices in the car. After the engine is started, the alternator supplies power to all the electronic devices and can also charge the battery. Additional information: The battery is a wear-and-tear part that needs to be replaced regularly. Generally, a battery can last 3 to 4 years, but many car batteries fail before reaching that lifespan due to incorrect usage habits by the owner. When the engine is not running, avoid sitting in the car for extended periods using electronic devices, as this can reduce the battery's lifespan.
My four-year-old GL8 just had its battery replaced, and the original one installed was an ACDelco brand. You might not be very familiar with this brand, but it's actually General Motors' own parts brand. I’ve found that this battery is a perfect match for the GL8’s large body—it keeps the voltage stable even when starting the AC. During the last maintenance, the mechanic mentioned that this AGM start-stop battery has a design lifespan of about five years, but actual usage depends on habits: avoid short trips in winter, and don’t leave the headlights on after turning off the engine, and it can generally last about four years. The dealership installed the same model when replacing the battery. Although it’s a bit more expensive, you don’t have to worry about parameters like the factory-calibrated cold cranking amps (CCA) of 850. Here’s a tip: for cars with start-stop functionality, it’s best not to cheap out and replace it with a regular battery—saving a few hundred bucks might leave you stranded with a dead battery in just three months.
With experience repairing hundreds of GL8s, I can tell you that the original batteries are mostly ACDelco, with some model years using Fengfan. ACDelco has been supplying batteries for Buick models for over a decade, featuring exceptionally thick terminals and tightly fitting connectors—crucial for the GL8 due to significant vehicle vibration that can cause poor connections. Last year, while replacing a customer's battery, I noticed that newer batches of GL8s have started using Varta EFB batteries. Personally, I recommend prioritizing EFB or AGM batteries designed for start-stop systems, especially since the GL8 weighs over two tons. Checking the battery is simple: see if the indicator window shows green and measure whether the static voltage drops below 12.4V. During maintenance, ask your mechanic to test the CCA value—if it falls below 80% of the factory rating, it's time for a replacement. Don’t wait until the car won’t start at all.
