So my battery discharged to the point that the car can't be started two time is the last 3 months.

The first time I don't know really know why or how. But I suspect that a couple of really short trip (<1 miles) followed by a day or two at -25°C drain the battery.
The second time, I was playing with my Lexia3 tool in accessories mode with every off (radio, headlight, etc.) in around 45 minutes, the car lost power.
I have a 2011 RVR GT (out. sport with Rockford fostgate).

I saw that the OEM battery is 520CCA ... compared to other aftermarket battery, that's kinda low.

I'm thinking about changing the battery for an Optima Redtop or yellow top ... which one should I choose? Is there another battery manufacturer that I should check?
Does the OEM battery is deep cycle?


Thanks!

 

OE battery would not be a deep cycle- those are marine or rv use.

the batteries that are put in by Mitsu at the factory are just big enough to get the vehicle started.

 

I think I discovered why my battery died two time without abusing it ...
The water level seem way under the lower level limit ... I wonder why? The battery and car is only 1.5 years old. Since the battery is still under warranty (3 years), I'll go to the dealer to get a new battery.
But new winter I'll grab a better battery ... 520 CCA is a bit under powered if you compare to cheap battery @ Costco (640 CCA).

Ok, so I'll grab either the powerful RedTop or the cheap Costco ...

 

I grabbed an Advanced Auto gold series whatever brand with 740 CCA for like $80 on sale. IMO the car runs much better. I think the OEM battery discharges too quickly and the alternator has to work harder to replenish it. The extra CCA is VERY noticeable on a cold start as well (obviously).

Basically, a new battery will make you happy. IDK if it's worth it for the Optima, but there's no doubt Optima makes a good battery. I've also hear that Sears brand Gold series are rebranded Odyssey batteries, which are also excellent quality.

 

Went to the dealer today and after running a diagnostic, he changed the battery under warranty. The new battery looks stronger than the one that came with the car.

As written on the battery label,
No. : 535MF
Serie: 5000
CCA : 35-550
CA: 675

Seems like a 10% performance upgrade over the old one.

I think I'll still check for special discount on 700+ CCA battery

 

And these batteries are not maintaince free. If there are caps, you must check the water level and bring it up to proper level.

 

Yup, you're 100% correct. In the owners manual there are even instructions for adding water.

 

I do not have the battery anymore but I'm almost 100% certain that it was written "Maintenance Free" on the battery. Else, I would have added water in it. Even the dealer told me that it is maintenance free. Anyway, they change the battery for free under warranty.

The new battery has no "Maintenance Free" sticker on it. But there's no "health" indicator or water level gauge ...