Unfortunately, tomorrow I will be buying a new battery. My battery has this "blanket" thing around it, and I was wondering if it was necessary - its kind of falling apart. Is this something that should be replaced? What exactly is it for?

 

Mine was falling apart too. I just pulled it off. It makes the engine compartment look much cleaner. I think it was mainly for the colder areas. I really didn't see much use for it here in Texas.

 

I don't see much use for it either. Worse comes to worst, ask the people when you go get a new battery what it's for.

 

I would think it'd be more to protect the battery from the heat in the engine compartment... batteries exposed to high heat don't last as long from what I gather. I just got an Optima Redtop (which I love), and it had a little sticker on it that said it could "outlast traditional batteries by up to 2 TIMES" in high heat environments. Not sure 'bout the blanket... but maybe...

 

it's insulation pure and simple

 

yea i think its pointless for newer batteries, worse comes to worse just go and buy the same material and make one.