Who Makes DieHard Batteries? – Brief History and Overview

Whether the season is cold or hot, car owners are always on the lookout for a reliable battery that will not let them down. And whenever it comes to reliability, DieHard batteries always come to mind. But who makes DieHard batteries? And why are they so reliable?

DieHard batteries are made by Johnson Controls, a leading global automotive battery manufacturer with more than 100 years of experience in the field. Since 2019, they’ve been producing DieHard batteries through Clarios LLC, the company to which they sold their power solutions division.

Let’s take a brief look at the history of DieHard batteries, as well as some other noteworthy facts.

Overview Of DieHard Batteries

The DieHard brand has been under the ownership of Advanced Auto Parts since December 2019, and their batteries are now available only at Advance, Sears, and Carquest stores.

DieHard has been in the business of making quality car batteries since 1967. The brand was the brainchild of Sears, Roebuck, and Co. as an answer to the growing need for reliable and long-lasting car batteries that can withstand harsh weather conditions.

For decades, DieHard batteries have established themselves for their reliability, durability, and power. They are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures and vibrations, making them ideal for hot and cold weather conditions.

Today, DieHard batteries are available in a wide range of sizes and types to fit any vehicle. Depending on your car’s needs, you can choose from traditional lead-acid, AGM, or lithium-ion batteries.

In addition to car batteries, DieHard offers a wide range of products for your car’s electrical needs, including jumper cables, battery chargers, and portable power packs.

Who Owns DieHard Batteries?

Advance Auto Parts, a leading automotive aftermarket retailer with more than 5,000 stores across the United States, are the current owners of DieHard batteries. The company sells a wide range of products, including batteries, brakes, and engine parts.

They acquired DieHard in December 2019 from Transform Holdco, which owned the brand for about a year. But that barely tells the whole story. As we’ve already said, Sears, Roebuck, and Co. founded the company in 1967.

DieHard had four different owners over the course of its history. After Sears, Roebuck, and Co. owned the company throughout the timespan between 1967 and 2004, they transferred the production to Sears Holding. The company went on to own DieHard for fourteen years until 2018, when Transform Holdco acquired it.

History of DieHard Batteries

DieHard batteries have a long and rich history dating back to 1967 when Sears, Roebuck, and Co first introduced the brand. Globe Union Battery for Sears, a Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based company founded in 1946, was the original manufacturer of DieHard batteries. Here are a few more details.

Early Years

Globe Union Battery introduced the first DieHard battery in 1967, designed for use in cold weather conditions. The battery was an instant hit with consumers and soon became one of the most popular car batteries on the market.

In the 1970s, DieHard batteries began selling in Sears stores across the United States. The company also expanded its product line to include batteries for other vehicles, such as RVs and boats.

The 1980s saw DieHard batteries steadily gain popularity. The company introduced a line of maintenance-free batteries that required no water or other fluids to keep them running.

Incorporation into Johnson Controls

In 1981, Sears sold Globe Union Battery to Johnson Controls, a leading global automotive battery manufacturer, which continued to produce DieHard batteries under the Sears brand.

Johnson Controls was founded in 1885 by Warren Johnson, an inventor, and entrepreneur who developed the first room thermostat. As a Fortune 500 company, the company operates in 150 countries around the globe.

They introduced a new line of DieHard batteries designed to provide longer-lasting power and extended life in the early 1990s. These batteries quickly became popular with customers and helped solidify DieHard’s reputation as a reliable brand because of their innovative technologies.

Most notably, Johnson’s line of DieHard batteries used calcium-alloy grids instead of the traditional lead-based grids. This change made the batteries more resistant to corrosion and allowed them to hold a charge for longer.

The DieHard batteries were also designed with an exemplary absorbent glass mat (AGM) that prevented spillage and leaks, making them safer to use.

Acquisition by Transform Holdco

The year 2018 saw the DieHard brand change hands when Transform Holdco, a company created by hedge fund ESL Investments, acquired Sears Holdings Corporation. This move gave ESL ownership of DieHard, among other brands such as Kenmore and Craftsman.

However, ESL Investments only held onto the DieHard brand for about a year. In December 2019, they announced that Advance Auto Parts would be acquiring DieHard from them.

This acquisition brought DieHard full circle, as Advance Auto Parts is the successor of Globe Union, the original manufacturer of DieHard batteries.

Switching Production to Clarios, LLC

Johnson Controls continued to produce DieHard batteries despite the switch of ownership. But it was 2019 when production was transferred to Clarios, LLC.

Clarios is a leading global provider of advanced energy storage solutions. The company was spun off from Johnson Controls in 2018 and is headquartered in Glendale, Wisconsin. It’s carrying DieHard’s legacy forward by manufacturing high-quality batteries that meet the needs of today’s drivers.

Who Makes DieHard Batteries Now?

Although Advance Auto Parts are the current owners of DieHard batteries, Clarios LLC is the company that manufactures them. Johnson Controls sold their power solutions division, to which DieHard belonged, to their Brookfield Business Partners in 2018. This company spin-off eventually became Clarios LLC.

This change in ownership and manufacturing might be worrisome for some DieHard fans. But according to Johnson Controls, the quality of DieHard batteries will not be compromised since Clarios is, in fact, a new entity of Johnson Controls Power Solution.

What this means is that although A different company is now manufacturing dieHard batteries, they are still made with the same precision and attention to detail that made them so popular in the first place.

What Makes DieHard Batteries So Reliable?

DieHard batteries are designed to meet the needs of today’s drivers and are some of the most reliable and longest-lasting car batteries on the market. They offer a wide range of features, including advanced starting power, extended life, and maintenance-free designs.

Several factors contribute to the reliability of DieHard batteries. Such as:

• Reinforced Grids: DieHard batteries are designed with calcium-alloy grids that are more resistant to corrosion and provide longer-lasting power. They use an absorbent glass mat (AGM) design that prevents spills.
• Damage-Resistant Design: The shockproof and vibration-resistant design of DieHard batteries protects them from damage while on the road.
• Innovative Features: Technologically advanced features, such as the digital Interstate Battery System tester and the exclusive micro-processor-controlled charger, help ensure that DieHard batteries perform at their best.
• Low-Maintenance: DieHard batteries are maintenance-free and don’t require water or other fluids to keep them running.
• Cold Weather Protection: Cold weather has no impact on DieHard batteries as they are designed to perform in extremely cold temperatures and deliver the power you need to start your car in even the most frigid conditions.
• Suitable for All Needs: DieHard batteries are available in various sizes and types to fit almost any need. They offer exceptional value and come with a nationwide warranty to ensure you’re getting a quality product.

You May Also Read: Who Makes Champion Batteries?

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about DieHard batteries.

How long do DieHard batteries last?

DieHard batteries are designed for long-lasting performance. They usually last for more than five years with proper care and maintenance.

Who sells DieHard Batteries?

Although Amazon used to sell DieHard batteries, the company is no longer an authorized retailer. Today they’re only available at Advance, Sears, and Carquest stores.

How do I know if my DieHard battery needs to be replaced?

DieHard batteries have a built-in indicator that will tell you when the battery is running low. If the indicator light is red, it’s time to replace your battery.

Are Duralast and DieHard batteries the same?

No, Duralast and DieHard batteries are not the same. Duralast is a car battery brand manufactured by Johnson Controls, the same company that makes DieHard batteries. Although the same company makes both brands, they are designed for different customers and purposes.

What is the warranty on DieHard batteries?

DieHard batteries come with a nationwide warranty covering material and workmanship defects. Most stores will exchange your battery if it fails to meet your expectations within the first 90 days. Some stores may offer a longer warranty period, so be sure to check with your local retailer.

Conclusion

DieHard batteries, without a doubt, are some of the market’s most reliable and longest-lasting car batteries. They offer a wide range of features, including advanced starting power, extended life, and maintenance-free designs.

Although some users believe DieHard has seen its best years under the original production under Sears and later with Johnson Controls, DieHard batteries are still going strong and provide drivers with the quality and performance they need.

They offer exceptional value and come with a nationwide warranty, so you can rest assured knowing you’re getting a quality product.