Batteries

"GreenN_Gold" (GreenN_Gold) 02/12/2015 at 19:37 • Filed to: None

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11

How long do you go on a battery? Right up until it dies? A certain age? Do you actually test it periodically? Should I just lick it? Mine is due I think, but I've been procrastinating it. In the past I've always replaced them reactively instead of pro-actively, which has worked out fine so far, but could turn into a huge headache with the wrong timing, I'm aware. I'm half inclined just to buy a new battery and drive around with it in my car until I need it. <<<——- cheap bastard

My mom pays no attention to such things and got an amazing 11 years out of her last battery.

Garrett Davis > GreenN_Gold 02/12/2015 at 19:43

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Just tighten this a teeeny bit more for some awesome fireworks and a free visit from your local firemen!

GreenN_Gold > Garrett Davis 02/12/2015 at 19:46

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Picture is only sort of related.

Boxer_4 > GreenN_Gold 02/12/2015 at 20:03

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I generally replace them after 5-6 years. I don't like to trust an older battery, especially in colder weather (~15-25 F).

I would advise against just buying a new battery and keeping it with you. Lead-acid batteries will discharge even if they aren't being used (typically 1% per day if I remember correctly). Fully charged is 12 volts, while discharged is 10 volts. It's a possibility that the battery could be discharged to the point that you can't use it when you need it. You could potentially damage the battery, too, which probably isn't something you want to do to a newly purchased battery.

MysticStick > Boxer_4 02/12/2015 at 20:27

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Yep. Plus, you are going to want to trade in that old battery for the core charge.

They offer a free test (at least around here) at places like Advance Auto, they have a load tester which depending on the place and model, will give you a little printout of your battery condition.

Gizmo - The Only Good Gremlin, but don't feed me after Midnight > GreenN_Gold 02/12/2015 at 20:28

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Generally, I buy "5 year" batteries. Somewhere just after the two year point they somehow die so bad they don't recharge and I go get a new one for free. Haven't paid for a new battery in 12 years.

Nibbles > Gizmo - The Only Good Gremlin, but don't feed me after Midnight 02/12/2015 at 20:29

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Smart guy is smart

Boxer_4 > MysticStick 02/12/2015 at 22:27

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I forgot about the core charge. Most places will let you turn the old battery later as long as you still have the receipt. I don't know how long most places honor that, however.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > GreenN_Gold 02/13/2015 at 07:34

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I would get a free test before dropping $100+ on a new one.

GreenN_Gold > Boxer_4 02/13/2015 at 11:17

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It will be 5 years come May. Our generally mild climate in Seattle tends to make batteries last longer.

GreenN_Gold > MysticStick 02/13/2015 at 11:18

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I should look into a free test around here. I always turn in the core. Thanks for the advice!

Boxer_4 > GreenN_Gold 02/15/2015 at 23:39

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You should be fine for a while yet. Meanwhile, it's currently 5°F here, and I'm glad I ditched my 5 year old battery.