Forum:
I seem to be easy on batteries as on the few cars I've kept long term, batteries have lasted up to 13 years so I have little experience of battery end-of-life.
My 2001 YRV battery over the last couple of weeks is no longer reaching full charge on its Accumate battery conditioner - the yellow charging light remaining on all the time. Residual (disconnected from Accumate) battery voltage is about 12.5V so I judge that deterioration is about equal across all cells. Directly coming off the Accumate I've had no starting problems - yet.
The technology I fully understand, of practical experience I have little, thus the request for advice from those with that practical experience of battery end-of-life.
Shall I change the battery now before it lets me down or is it likely that it will soldier on for a reasonable time, gradually becoming more difficult to start the motor.....or is the answer as long as a piece of string?
Hi Tony, I know we have had a
Hi Tony,
I know we have had a small conversation on the lines of your long serving battery. And hats off to you, as a lot of my batteries have given up the ghost around 5-6Years.
) manufacturers will only guarantee their batteries between 3-5 years depending on what brand you buy. So therefore you can only go off this warranty for something that may last longer than that. Also a lot of batteries you can buy are deemed non-maintenance batteries, and therefore you cannot get to the internals to top up that stilled water for each electrode. And therefore why the 3-5 year guarantee perhaps?
Unfortunately in this day and age (Not having ago
Also in this day of age and companies cutting costs and wanting to make more money then you may find battery components may not be the best quality, and therefore why they start to not last as long. Dont forget you have mentioned you dont use your car that much and therefore hooked up to a conditioner for most of its life. In most daily drivers they are at the elements of the time spent being charged by the alternator and how long they are left standing without charge.
As for changing the battery. Oh yes I think you should as I wouldnt feel comfortable driving with an aged battery that you feel isnt charging correctly on the battery charger/conditioner. Just think that when you are out and about, how much charge is being removed form the battery on start up, using lights, wipers etc.. and how well the alternator can keep the battery topped up on the go
Hopefully someone with battery knowledge comes along to give you the 101 on lead/acid batteries
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'12' Plate Mazda MX-5 2.0 litre NC 3.5 Venture Roadster 160BHP
'15' Plate SEAT LEON 184 FR TDI. 240BHP/500nm Torque.
Past: '53' Plate Yellow YRV Turbo Approx. 150BHP
Thanks for your advice guys.
From what you say I think I won't risk a let down.
As suggested by Nathan, tha Varta looks good at 40Ah and 4 year warranty. The Bosch S4 054 has the same spec and I've found that at £39.54 delivered from carparts4less so will probably go that route next week.
YRV Tony
The Bosch branded batteries
The Bosch branded batteries are also made by Varta, identical apart from the stickers.
Impulsively I placed the
Impulsively I placed the order for the battery on Thursday morning and it arrived on Friday afternoon, free delivery.
I got the impression online that they were the same, but the price I paid for the 'Bosch' was irresistable.
YRV Tony
Nice find there Tony. Will
Nice find there Tony. Will make a note of this company for the future.
Hope this battery lasts just as long or more for you
As a word of warning to anyone else buying a battery online, DO NOT buy from "tayna batteries"! They will rip you off and dont know the words Trades Description or Distance selling. They were lucky I didnt report them to BBCs Watchdog programme
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'12' Plate Mazda MX-5 2.0 litre NC 3.5 Venture Roadster 160BHP
'15' Plate SEAT LEON 184 FR TDI. 240BHP/500nm Torque.
Past: '53' Plate Yellow YRV Turbo Approx. 150BHP
Yes it may keep going slowly
Yes it may keep going slowly getting worse, Or it could fail at any time and go open circuit.
Varta batteries are very good. The Daihatsu sized one is about £45
Battery end life
I have a YRV F Speed, now just 10yrs old, and looking beautiful, but as for batteries!!
I am on my 4th just, and being now retired do not use the car much. Have just invested (by amazon) in a battery solar panel charger, which does appear to work by trickle charging. I do not have a garage or access to mains electric. Maybe you can investigate this route, especially upon buying a new battery.
Change the battery, it will
Change the battery, it will be a matrix grid type which is a better battery than those fitted to older vehicles, due to their construction they take a little longer to die than conventional plate types. Using a conditioner is a good idea, and one I recommend to anyone who uses their vehicle infrequently as it conditions the battery and keeps it in tip top condition.
If you don't change it now you have a warning of its impending failure, one of two things will happen, it will turn over very slowly and start, or you will just get the dreaded click.