Time For A New Battery?

Vern1961

Vern1961

Vern1961

Soldato
Joined
29 Mar 2007
Posts
4,700
Location
Swindon UK
AFAIK the battery in my Corsa (getting on for 9 years old) is the original factory fit. It's never been brilliant at holding a charge and has on at least two previous occasions been unable to turn over the engine. Didn't use the car much last week, one trip to the shops on Thursday and a 12 mile round trip on Friday and start up was getting sluggish. Next used for cold start lunchtime today it was struggling and just hope the 20 minute or so drive into town (40% at idling speed) has put enough life back in to start the car for the trip home from work.

Will either put it on charge for a couple of hours tomorrow or do a quick 69.9 MPH blast from Jn 15 to Jn 14 of the M4 and back but after a 12 mile run it ought surely to be holding a few more amps after a couple of days idle?

I see Halfords do a replacement for £43 (£53 for a calcium version) so I'm wondering if it's time to retire the current spark box.
 
9 years is ancient by battery standards. If you're sure the alternator is charging correctly, get a new battery.

Your local independent car spares store will have a better battery selection than Halfrauds.
 
If its 9 years old and a replacement is inexpensive, I would replace it as the cold weather will kill it and is it worth getting stranded somewhere or having to jump/bump start for the sake of 40 odd quid.
 
Just get it changed for peace of mind. Kwik fit can do it for you while you wait usually
 
If its at a steady 14 volts one run will get you there fine but after left idle for a while it will run dead again. Dont go to halfords, check Euro Car Parts and get a good quality battery, Bosch S3 or S4.
 
Just be aware that they will mug you off if you just walk in. For whatever stupid reason the only way to get a good price from there is to click&collect.
 
Mine let me down yesterday, luckily someone in the car park was kind enough to jump start the car. Looks like the original battery in my Mondeo, so it's done a great job lasting 11 years.

I got a Bosch S4 battery for £53 from ECP, there must have been 6 other orders on the counter all for the same battery. I believe batteries are affected by the cold hence why your battery is playing up.
 
Yes it was about -4 C here overnight and even though it had warmed up by 1300 must be putting a strain on it.

Just checked the ECP site and see the cheap price is for click and collect or delivery, so I'll get an order in tomorrow morning and hopefully the old one will last long enough for it to arrive.
 
It's common for cold weather to see off a battery that's past it's best - think the cold reduces their capacity/efficiency plus you're driving with headlights and other electrical loads on for more of the time and colder oil increases the cranking effort to turn over the engine for starting.

Better to replace it before it totally dies and leaves you stranded somewhere.
 
In the end opted for the Halfords option as I didn't fancy standing out in the cold and rain trying to change it myself, or maybe having to wait a day or two for the battery to come in. Planning on changing the car when it's around 12 years old (i.e. three years time) so with a three year warranty will hopefully see the time out.

What I will also do next time the car is in for MOT or service, is get the garage to check the alternator output to ensure that's still giving enough kick.
 
Funnily enough, expecting delivery of my Jeep Battery today. I went to Halfords, but they all had crap low CCA cold crank and with this being a 4.0ltr, for the samre price I went with online Exide 800CCA cranker... will fit today. Batter must be circa 5-6 years old... so it's had it's life. Now for new one ready for winter months.
 
Vern1961 said:
In the end opted for the Halfords option as I didn't fancy standing out in the cold and rain trying to change it myself, or maybe having to wait a day or two for the battery to come in. Planning on changing the car when it's around 12 years old (i.e. three years time) so with a three year warranty will hopefully see the time out.

What I will also do next time the car is in for MOT or service, is get the garage to check the alternator output to ensure that's still giving enough kick.
Click to expand...

Buy a multimeter and keep an eye on the voltage of the car.
 
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