Topic: Battery Testing?

[RunsinLight]

I think it was driving television I was watching and they recommended getting your battery tested every 3 years. Seems a bit extreme to me. I don't think I've ever had a problem with a battery in car.  My stock battery is 4 years old now. Does anyone test their battery strength this often?

[blur911]

I think it was driving television I was watching and they recommended getting your battery tested every 3 years. Seems a bit extreme to me. I don't think I've ever had a problem with a battery in car.  My stock battery is 4 years old now. Does anyone test their battery strength this often?

I wish I had batteries that regularly lasted longer than their warranty.  Most replacement batteries today are crap and on their way out after 3 years.

[Schmengie]

I've never bothered. You can usually tell when a battery's on the way out, the first sign is usually decreased cranking power, especially on cold mornings.

The last battery I replaced was in my 2000 Neon. That one lasted just shy of 8 years, and I still have the OEM battery in my '08 Versa. It still seems good as new, no problems at all with cold starts. Of course, plugging in the block heater doesn't hurt.

[articsteve]

Buy a volt meter and a HYDROMETER.  Those will give you an idea of the state of the battery.

At 0 c a battery showing 12.25 should be enough to get you by for day to day urban use. 

I test batteries frequently.  2 in my boat, 1 each in my sled and jet ski, all which have the potential to be a major problem if they fail.

Usually I buy remaned batteries from Battery Pro in Walkerton.  PPl/farmers come from all over to trade batteries there.  Apparently, batteries are rarely shot when they fail.  However, this guy never seems to recycle Exides (Crappy Tire).

[johngenx]

Today's cars are hard on batteries.  Lots of gadgets and gizmos and ECMs and on and on.  I expect that any battery over four years old is on borrowed time...

[No H2O]

Does anyone test their battery strength this often?

More importantly is maintaining the battery and associated wiring.

I do have a load tester and check the CCA rating on occasion. You can usually tell when a battery is about to go.

My original batteries have lasted 16 years (car was sold) and the one in my Honda is in its 12th year. Whats this about 3 or 4 years out of a battery?

[blur911]

My original batteries have lasted 16 years (car was sold) and the one in my Honda is in its 12th year. Whats this about 3 or 4 years out of a battery?

OE are usually much better, but get a replacement one at Crappy Tire or Wal-mart and you take your chances...

[articsteve]

Many of the batteries at Wally World are Johnston Control and essentially are the same base battery as an Interstate.

Crappy sells Exide and they are a horrible battery.  Avoid.

[No H2O]

Many of the batteries at Wally World are Johnston Control and essentially are the same base battery as an Interstate.

Crappy sells Exide and they are a horrible battery.  Avoid.

I picked up an East Penn Pow-R-Surge 7000 at an East Penn store. We'll see how it does over time considering the low and seasonal use of the vehicle.

[blur911]

Many of the batteries at Wally World are Johnston Control and essentially are the same base battery as an Interstate.

Crappy sells Exide and they are a horrible battery.  Avoid.

I have had better luck with the Energizers at Wallymart, but just last fall had to return one that wasn't yet a year old.  Crappy tire batteries are more like a lease, keep 'em for 3 or 4 years then trade them in for a newer model at a pro-rated price.

[RunsinLight]

I ended up getting it tested today, the free test not the more in-depth test that takes about an hour. It tested good.  Even though its going on 6 years old I notice no signs of battery problems. Plus I don't think I've ever replaced a battery in a car even after 10 years.

[RunsinLight]

Can anyone recommend a place to buy batteries besides. Preferably something in the Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo area. At the movement as silly as it sounds I'm leaning towards getting an AC Delco from the dealership. Unless I can find someone who will get one at costco for me.

-Canada tire
-Wally World
-Dealer
-Costco

-Anyone ever bought one from Napa?

[davidy]

Can anyone recommend a place to buy batteries besides. Preferably something in the Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo area. At the movement as silly as it sounds I'm leaning towards getting an AC Delco from the dealership. Unless I can find someone who will get one at costco for me.

-Canada tire
-Wally World
-Dealer
-Costco

Costco sells Kirkland Signature (made by Johnson Controls)....pay a Costco member friend to get you a Costco gift card....and you can buy the battery at Costco yourself...keep the receipt from warranty. Three year FREE replacement. Prorated warranty for remaining 100 months.

Plus, they are cheap. Mine was $65 plus HST in June or July 2011....looked for the cheapest one since I have been planning to sell the vehicle within the next 6-8 months.

Their most expensive Kirkland is probably $90-$100 before tax.

Dave