Since my car has not been used for about 6 months, the battery has died. Dealers charge an arm and a let - so I was wondering are there any alternatives to buying the battery from the dealer? Any recommendations
2007-05-13 13:46:20 · 18 answers · asked by vredina 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Mazda
Miata Batteries are not like all the rest. They are in the trunk for better weight distribution and are very light. Many big national chains don't even list a replacement battery. Because a normal battery vents acidic gas when charged (and you don't want that in the trunk of your car) Mazda uses a gel type battery. These cost a lot more than a regular lead/acid battery.
Try the venders on Miata.net or try talking to your dealer for a discount. The standard Mazda discount to merchants is 20% (at least a few years ago when I worked for one) so they should give you the same deal if you ask nice.
The good news is the Gel type battery should last 50% longer than a standard battery thus making it worth the extra money.
(The battery in my Miata is 10 years old with 100K miles and works great :)
Great luck with your Mazda!
2007-05-14 08:58:06 · answer #1 · answered by mazdaseven 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mazda Miata 2001
2016-12-17 13:26:42 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2001 Mazda Miata
2016-10-30 06:12:47 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have yet to find a battery for a Miata any place other then a place that specializes in Miata's or the dealer. Because they are "vented" batteries. You need a battery that is vented or a non-acid battery.
There are competition shops that sell batteries for racing that would work, but the cost is no savings.
If any other battery (non-vented) is used it will cause problems (acid rot) that will cost much more then the conceived savings achieved with a "generic" battery replacement. I can not find a battery box that will fit in the area to vent to prevent this spilled acid problem. If you can then you need to vent it as well.
2007-05-16 01:55:36 · answer #4 · answered by teamepler@verizon.net 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the car has been sitting for 6 months, you may just need a charge. Be sure the battery has fluid to the proper levels, unless it is one of the sealed types. Borrow a charger from a friend and read the directions for charging. If it doesn't charge in 24 hours, it's off to the store for a new one. Hope this helps.
2007-05-15 04:20:22 · answer #5 · answered by Mark A 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey Scott, I was about to ask the same thing. But since you took the time to post your question here - in the NASCAR racing section... here's what I think. If you are single and no children and under 30, get the Miata. If you are over 30 and/or married and with a family, the Crown Victoria is definitely more practical. You didn't say if finances were a consideration.
2016-05-17 09:55:57 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wal-mart is the cheapest place to get an auto battery and they last longer than the warranty. The other problem you have is with not driving enough. So while you at Wal-mart, you might want to buy a battery recharger first. Cause a new battery is not gonna do ya a bit of good if you dont drive enough to keep the battery charged. So your gonna need both.
2007-05-13 14:49:10 · answer #7 · answered by avgordguy 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When a battery charges it creates oxygen and hydrogen gases. If these are not vented, they can be explosive. We are talking blow the back end of the car off.
Batteries in the engine compartment are not in sealed containers, thus no explosion problems. Miata batteries need to be vented. If using a conventional battery, it must be installed in a vented battery box like ones used on boats.
2007-05-16 13:44:56 · answer #8 · answered by the mazda mechanic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try any auto supply store that carry batteries,(Advance Auto, Pep Boys, K-Mart, Sears, Target, O'Rileys, etc)
If you have access to a slow type charger (1 amp to 15 amp) this might be tried and will not over charge the battery when fully charge. If the battery is the wet cell type, the specific reading can be taken on each cell to see if dead or good. If one cell shows in the red or a 25 degree reading lower then another cell, the battery is considered bad.
2007-05-13 14:02:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Go to www.flyinmiata.com I have never had better service than with them. They are experts with miatas and they have great prices. Check the salvage section for parts. Their salvage stuff is working parts that were taken from otherwise totalled vehicles. There are tons of batteries and you can even get a higher performance battery there. They are dirt cheap too. You should go there for all your miata needs first. There is also a great forum where you can get help with all your needs. It is at www.miata.net
2007-05-14 14:14:13 · answer #10 · answered by dkjravn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋