by "Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
Published 11/26/2017 at 13:31
by "Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
Published 11/26/2017 at 13:31
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STARS: 0
So my 05 Corolla has been taking a little longer to start up especially when it’s cold. I took my car to Autozone yesterday to get the battery checked and they said it was fully charged but bad. The tech was visibly agitated when I asked him to check it and then went inside without any further explanation. He didn’t even try to sell me a battery.
I have lifetime alignment for my Corolla From Firestone. I took it yesterday to get aligned and had them check the battery at the same time as part of their courtesy check. This is where it gets confusing. The guy at the counter said everything was fine and that the battery was good. But the reciept with the battery check tells a different story.
It says good but that the risk is moderate and that it may not start below 27 degrees F. I live in Michigan and it’s November so we will be below 27 any day now.
My question is should I wait or just replace it at this point. I’d rather buy it now than get stuck somewhere in a week or a month but if it’s still fine I could wait and save up for a battery.
Also what brands do you guys recommend for batteries. I’ve used Interstate in the past but online a lot of people say they are terrible. I’d rather not spend more than $150 on a battery. I want a good battery though. I’m also a little confused with the AGM or traditional lead acid battery debate.
Thanks for any advice or comments!
"Nibby" (nibby68)
11/26/2017 at 13:34, STARS: 3
solution, leave your engine running 24/7
"Wacko" (wacko--)
11/26/2017 at 13:38, STARS: 1
I don’t think you live North enough to pay the extra for an AGM.
Go normal battery that fits, and call it a day for the next 5-10 years.
I live in northern Canada, and I replace Oem with agm after 5 years.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
11/26/2017 at 13:39, STARS: 1
My old work truck was a POS. Before I had it, there were times it wouldn’t start, so the crew that was using it just left it running for 12 hours, wasn’t like they were paying for the diesel.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
11/26/2017 at 13:41, STARS: 1
I’ve been ridding around for over a year with a battery that probably should be replaced. So you probably don’t want battery advice from me.
"Nibby" (nibby68)
11/26/2017 at 13:42, STARS: 0
mmm emissions
"Tekamul" (tekamulburner)
11/26/2017 at 13:44, STARS: 1
You’re in Mixhigan, right? Replace the battery. It shouldn’t run you $150.
As for brand, I’ve never had an issue with interstate, but I’ve usually done duralast or craftsman just on price.
With the AGM, you’re spending extra to extend battery life. It’s an 05 corolla, so do you really see yourself owning it significantly longer than 5-7 more years?
"E90M3" (e90m3)
11/26/2017 at 13:45, STARS: 0
I mean, I was a frac engineer at the time and this was at a frac site.
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/26/2017 at 13:47, STARS: 0
Thanks lol
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/26/2017 at 13:48, STARS: 0
Okay cool that should help keep it cheaper. Thanks for the advice!
"Recovering Gaijin" (toxrensem)
11/26/2017 at 13:48, STARS: 2
Replace it. Now.
Yesterday I replaced the $150 alternator in a friend’s car. His battery went bad a few months ago and he kept driving it for more than a month with jumper cables on-board. I warned him that he might kill the alternator, but people don’t listen...
Do your own research and find a brand you’re comfortable with. Do NOT buy the smallest capacity/cheapest that works: get one with a decent margin for error.
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/26/2017 at 13:49, STARS: 1
Is the car on the lift a service light? If so that’s kinda cool.
"MM54" (mm54mk2)
11/26/2017 at 13:49, STARS: 2
Replace it before you end up stuck somewhere.
I recommend the Napa Legend batteries, made by Deka/East Penn.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
11/26/2017 at 13:51, STARS: 2
Yup, it means it needs some sort of service, bring your wallet.
"Nibby" (nibby68)
11/26/2017 at 13:51, STARS: 0
are you fracing serious
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/26/2017 at 13:52, STARS: 0
Honestly I don’t know how long I’ll have it. I need it to last me through the rest of college which is probably going to be a couple more years. Then I would like to hold onto it for a few years while I’m getting set up in my job and life. That said it has 147,000 miles and I do about 15,000 a year so if I keep pace then I would have 207,000 in about 4 years and the car would be about 16 years old. So it will probably need to be replaced or need serious work in about 5-6 years anyway.
"Recovering Gaijin" (toxrensem)
11/26/2017 at 13:53, STARS: 0
Better price the alternator also.
>not being a smug ass here: I’ve done the same thing. After the 2nd or 3rd time I killed an alternator this way, it finally clicked, and I now keep a better eye on my battery and start planing for a new one when it gets to be 3 years old or so.
YMMV
"Urambo Tauro" (urambotauro)
11/26/2017 at 13:53, STARS: 2
CCA ratings are a convenient way of evaluating battery condition, but I like to use a multimeter and see just how low the voltage actually gets during cranking. Modern cars are more sensitive to voltage than older ones, and if the starter draws enough power from a weak battery, there might not be enough voltage left to get the car’s computer to tell the engine to fire. This could explain your extended crank times.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
11/26/2017 at 13:53, STARS: 1
Serious as frac.
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/26/2017 at 13:55, STARS: 0
Thats good advice, I wasn’t thinking about the alternator. I was looking at getting one that had more than standard CCA. I was thinking about this one.
https://www.interstatebatteries.com/car-and-truck-batteries/mega-tron-plus
It’s the top of the line interstate and is supposed to be built for colder climates. I can get it for $134 from Firestone.
"Matsayz" (matsayz)
11/26/2017 at 14:00, STARS: 1
Replace. Should be able to find a decent one under $150.
"RacinBob" (racinbob)
11/26/2017 at 14:04, STARS: 1
Well... it puts out 460 amps at 72 f. instead of the 600 it is rated for. I would keep my eye on it and how it cranks when cold. If it is struggling at 20 degrees, it’s probably time for a new one.
"Nibby" (nibby68)
11/26/2017 at 14:05, STARS: 1
holy frac!
"bltoe" (bltoe)
11/26/2017 at 14:09, STARS: 1
Definitely replace as it is not worth getting stranded. Plus, you’ll be good for years to come.
I’d suggest Advance Auto’s Gold Battery:
With a 30% off coupon (code: SCW477) that brings the price to about $100 plus tax. There may be a better coupon code floating around. I don’t see any rebates that apply currently but sometimes you can combine a MIR for additional savings. Lastly, there are only a handful of battery manufacturers so don’t go spending more $$ than necessary.
"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
11/26/2017 at 14:10, STARS: 1
I just bought a AutoZone brand battery with a 5 year warranty for $130. Can’t imagine it would be too bad, plus warranty.
"boxrocket" (boxrocket)
11/26/2017 at 14:10, STARS: 2
Most batteries sold in the U.S. are made by the same 2-3 companies, just labeled for different companies. Find the one that matches the required cold-cranking amps and size/type for your car, then pick the one with the best warranty for your budget.
There’s no need to go for the top-tier battery, and the bottom-tier ones aren’t worth the trouble. Your car was designed for lead-acid, so upgrading to a gel-cell or AGM won’t gain you much other than some longevity and consistency, but again, your I4 doesn’t take much oomph to get going.
As for brand, the generic auto-store brand ones are fine; I myself am a fan of Johnson Controls’ Interstate-brand’s offerings for the warranty/price, and they tend to be pretty consistent. I also have a local direct distribution center about 20 miles from where I live, so that saves about 30% off the parts-store or repair center prices.
"Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing." (granfury)
11/26/2017 at 14:12, STARS: 1
Like others have said, get a new one right now. While St Louis doesn’t get as cold as Michigan, I was having slow start issues with the battery in my 2012 Mazda5 6MT. It was the original battery, so it had to be at least 5 years old, probably closer to 6. Since putting in the new battery the car has been springing to life instantly, and now I no longer have to worry about it failing during winter and leaving me stranded.
If you’re a Costco member I’d recommend getting one over there. The price was almost $50 cheaper than anywhere else I was looking, and this was for a good, name-brand battery. Heck, the $50 savings almost covers the cost of a membership, if you don’t have one already. I did have to special order mine, and they were a little flaky and didn’t call me back when it came in (which was sort of OK because I was waiting for payday anyway...)
"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
11/26/2017 at 14:13, STARS: 2
2nd vote for deka
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/26/2017 at 14:21, STARS: 1
Thanks for the recommendation. I have heard good things about NAPA batteries.
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/26/2017 at 14:23, STARS: 0
Thats good to know. I can try that with my multimeter in a few minutes.
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/26/2017 at 14:23, STARS: 0
Thanks
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/26/2017 at 14:24, STARS: 0
Thanks! Do you recommend a brand?
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/26/2017 at 14:24, STARS: 0
Thanks for the advice and research! I really appreciate that!
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/26/2017 at 14:26, STARS: 0
Thanks for the advice!
"Urambo Tauro" (urambotauro)
11/26/2017 at 14:26, STARS: 1
Try to pull a fuel pump fuse or something to keep it from starting. Crank the engine for several seconds to get a good reading, and if your meter has a min/max recording feature, use that to see just how low it gets. IIRC, 9.6V is the standard minimum threshold.
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/26/2017 at 14:28, STARS: 0
Thanks for the Advice. I can get an Interstate Megatron II for $115 or Megatron Plus for $134. The Plus has more CCA and longer warranty and is supposed to be built for colder environments. I was thinking about buying the plus.
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/26/2017 at 14:30, STARS: 1
Thanks for the advice! Unfortunately we don’t have a costco near where I live. The closest one is about an hour away and I don’t think I would use it enough for a membership.
"Recovering Gaijin" (toxrensem)
11/26/2017 at 14:33, STARS: 3
I used Interstate for years after finally groking that batteries are not something I want to cheap out on: false economy. I drive a ~35yo diesel with a meager 55 amp alternator and they have served well.
One point: look in yellow pages to see if there is a distributor near you. Buy direct from them if you can. Our local one is great to deal with and 5-8% cheaper than going thru Firestone or whatever chain.
I go buy mine, ask them to put it on a trickle-charger overnight, then go next day to get & install it. Your car >never< fully charges the battery, so its best to start with one fully charged.
Just my experience. To totally geek out & learn more than you ever wanted to about battery life & care, go to Bob Is The Oil Guy( give yourself some time! ;) )
"E92M3" (E46M3)
11/26/2017 at 14:43, STARS: 4
Get one now, or it will fail at the most inconvenient time. A lot of failing batteries will show 12 Volts, but can’t handle a load.
BTW, Consumer Reports rates Walmart’s Everstart batteries higher than a lot of well known name brands (Interstate, Diehard, Exide, etc).
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/26/2017 at 14:45, STARS: 1
Thanks for the advice!. I’m getting lost on Bob is the Oil Guy right now lol!
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/26/2017 at 14:46, STARS: 0
Thanks for the advice, I’ll check on their website too.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
11/26/2017 at 14:49, STARS: 1
Definitely replace it. Just get a regular lead acid battery. I always get the highest rated CCAs in my Battery’s size. I usually just buy Napa brand.
"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
11/26/2017 at 14:49, STARS: 0
I’m agreeing with TheOtherOppoWithAnM3: replace it before it dies at the worst possible time. The signs are there, let us not tempt that cruel mistress known as Fate.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
11/26/2017 at 14:49, STARS: 0
Do it.
"E92M3" (E46M3)
11/26/2017 at 14:50, STARS: 0
If you do go with an Everstart, look for one that the model number ends with “N”. Those are specifically made for northern climates.
"If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent" (essextee)
11/26/2017 at 15:10, STARS: 0
If there’s a dead cell inside the battery it may show a healthy voltage when tested but will be more prone to failing when the weather is cold or when under high load. Some newer digital battery testers can detect if there’s something screwy. Firestone guy probably had an older style tester.
AGM batteries are made for deep cycling. You should only need one if you consistently run accessories off battery power.
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/26/2017 at 15:29, STARS: 0
I got a high of 12.5 and when trying to start it, it dropped to 10.5
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/26/2017 at 15:30, STARS: 0
Okay cool, the autozone guy mentioned something about it might have an internal issue like a dead cell. Based on everyone’s comments I’m better off with a regular battery.
"ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com" (ita97)
11/26/2017 at 15:43, STARS: 2
Interstate has been selling good batteries for at least the last 30 years, and they’ve never steered me or my previous customers wrong. The only ones I’ve seen not always last are the cheaper tier ones. Buy a Megatron or Megatron plus and you’ll probably be good to go for longer than you’ll own the car. I’m a big fan of replacing batteries before they fail, because they never pick a convenient time and place to fail. Q battery cranking slowly in the morning is the cue to replace it at the time and place of your choosing.
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/26/2017 at 15:47, STARS: 0
Thank you for the advise! Based on everything I’ve read so far I think I will be buying a Megatron Plus in the next couple of weeks if not tomorrow afternoon. I can get it for $134 from Firestone but I will be calling a Interstate direct distributor tomorrow to see if if would be cheaper to buy directly from them instead.
"ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com" (ita97)
11/26/2017 at 16:08, STARS: 1
If you buy from a distributor, there is some negotiating room in the price. An interstate dealer, like a Firestone store, is usually just going to sell you a battery at MSRP.
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/26/2017 at 16:10, STARS: 0
So I have to haggle?
"ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com" (ita97)
11/26/2017 at 16:29, STARS: 2
I wouldn’t really call it true haggling. A simple “ Is that your best price, as XXX said they’d sell me a battery for (a reasonable, but slightly less price)?” Should do. I’d expect a distributor to give you 10-20% off MSRP (which you can get from interstates website), even as a cash customer.
"Urambo Tauro" (urambotauro)
11/26/2017 at 16:35, STARS: 1
Hm. Yeah, that pretty much matches with what Firestone had to say about the battery’s health. It’d be better if you saw closer to 11V while cranking, but the battery still has some life in it... for now.
I’d say that while it’s not quite on the verge of failure , it is on the verge of being a good idea to try getting through the winter with it. You could replace it now to be on the safe side, or wait a little longer and in the meantime make sure that the cables and connections are clean and tight (and that your charging system is in good shape).
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/26/2017 at 16:41, STARS: 0
Okay cool, I’ll keep that in mind and try that out.
"Recovering Gaijin" (toxrensem)
11/26/2017 at 16:54, STARS: 0
My work here is done :)
"RacinBob" (racinbob)
11/26/2017 at 16:56, STARS: 0
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/04/car-batteries-that-wont-let-you-down/index.htm
"Recovering Gaijin" (toxrensem)
11/26/2017 at 16:59, STARS: 1
Hey! Be careful: I once lost 2 weeks to a linked thread on there. 900+ pages about cheap Chinese generators(learned a lot, tho).
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/26/2017 at 18:03, STARS: 1
I did that once with oil filter brands and dissections, I too learned a lot lol.
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/26/2017 at 18:04, STARS: 0
Thank you!
"avalonian" (avalonain19)
11/26/2017 at 18:42, STARS: 0
I went to the toyota dealership and they had a great deal on batteries. So I bought it from them, just try them to see if the price is comparable.
"Dogsatemypants" (kb113400)
11/26/2017 at 19:20, STARS: 0
Interstate or the optima 6 pack style, both do well from what i see
"WindCooledBus" (bdstoneman)
11/26/2017 at 21:09, STARS: 1
Home Depot, believe it or not. Quality Exide, 3 yr. warranty, $89.00
"boxrocket" (boxrocket)
11/27/2017 at 13:02, STARS: 0
Plus is the way to go, especially for the price difference.
"MM54" (mm54mk2)
11/27/2017 at 17:42, STARS: 1
You’ll find most car batteries these days are made in mexico by Johnson Controls. Long story short is that they are aware of this and their batteries in all likelihood will fail as soon as they’re out of warranty or shortly thereafter. The US-made Deka/East Penn (one bought the other, I forget which way) are very good, and generally well-recommended.
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/27/2017 at 19:59, STARS: 1
I went today to get it and they had to order a plus but I should be able to get it installed Wednesday 0r Thursday.