Mine is now over 5 years old.... in the same VW Golf I bought new from the dealership. With winter coming up...... I don't want to risk being caught out, as my friend said that you shouldn't rely on a car battery over 5 years.
However I don't like paying for something that maybe, for all I know, has another 5 years of life in it.
2007-10-22 16:25:19 · 17 answers · asked by Narky 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
As previously stated you should get a load test on the battery and that will show you how it reacts to having a load put on it, Batteries can have an indefinate life if they are looked after correctly, most people dont know that a battery developes what is known as a profile, this is with the battery fro life and its difficult to change, so if you buy a new one you should:
Charge it at home before putting on the vehicle, although the shop will test it and it will show charged it wont be at its maximum capacity as batteries are a slow moving stock item and can sit on the shelves for months.
Every 6 months take the battery off the car and charge it overnight in a well ventilated room most people assume the altenator does all thats required thats not the case the battery provides power til the engine is running then the altenator tops the battery up to the regulator setting and then uses t he rest of its output to run the vehicles systems
If it requires it ensure the de ironised water is kept just above the plates by checking once a week
2007-10-23 02:44:42 · answer #1 · answered by gav552001 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Topical question for me, since the battery in my Alfa just died a few days ago, being the original one in a car made in 2001, so 5 years is about right.
I'd change it before you get to the point where you go down to it one December morning, you're already a bit late for work, and, well......you can guess!
A battery for a Golf shouldn't be more than £50 if you do it yourself, £75 at Kwik-Fit or somewhere similar. Make sure you've got the code for the stereo though!
2007-10-23 10:57:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't ever count on battery's, a car battery can die right after you purchase it or10 Years later...as soon as it spark once all the juice (Power) is sucked out and it dies. I bought a Brand new G35 07 had to get the battery changed after 8 days, on the other hand I have a Civic 03 and haven't touched the battery once...I will recommend you to buy a new battery and register your self with the seller as of Autozone or Autopart which ever is the most famous in your part of country purchase the warenty as well its usually 3 5 or 7 years most of them do life time now depending on the brand.
Good Luck :) in the winter if your gonna drive with the same battery.
2007-10-22 23:44:16 · answer #3 · answered by Zeb 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The basic rule of tumb is that batteries last about 5 years. I can understand you not wanting to replace it if it is not necessary, but look, we all know the truth, if you DO replace it, it will turn out that the battery you have now would have lasted 10 years, however, if you DON'T replace it, it will die in the middle of a stop on ice during the first big snow storm this winter.
I suggest you buy a new one.
2007-10-23 00:03:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As some of the others have said, take the car to an auto parts store and have them do a load test on the battery. That will tell you the condition of the battery and whether it will last or not.
I drive pick up trucks and always get about 7 or more years out of the batteries.
good luck.
2007-10-22 23:34:48 · answer #5 · answered by Fordman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good quality batteries such as are fitted to good quality cars last up to 6 or 7 years dependant on conditions of use - that is a politicians get out.
BUT some of the rubbish sold cheap is cheap because it isn't too good and can last under two years.
The easy check is when you start the engine does it flick into life easily or groan away for a while usually getting slower?
Then the battery is duff.
RoyS
2007-10-23 05:03:47 · answer #6 · answered by Roy S 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
anything after 4 years is lucky, batteries today will be fine one day and just die the next. I would get a new one. U might try walmart, I had to replace my 4+ yr old battery last month. walmart has a battery EverStart MAXX very highly rated and only $63 3yr full replacement 84 mth prorated
2007-10-22 23:29:01 · answer #7 · answered by koma 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends in part on where you live. In southern states where it is hot much of the time, batteries die quicker. Heat wears on a battery. Northern states where its cooler are easier on batteries. Mine seem to last about five years plus or minus a year or so and I live in the upper midwest. I now replace my battery about every five years. I think its cheaper to buy a $70 dollar battery than get stranded on the road and have to pay towing charges or deal with the hassle of having to replace your battery along a highway somewhere.
2007-10-22 23:41:19 · answer #8 · answered by politicallyincorrect 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
batteries life cant be explained but is 5 years havent seen anybody that likes to pay for uneeded expense but its better to be sure than taking a chance you could have battery load tested that will give you some sort of idea
2007-10-22 23:39:20 · answer #9 · answered by jpattonfamily 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In my experience, my car battery died in 3 yrs (all original Honda). The lifespan should be 5 yrs. So you make the call. Anything can happen.
2007-10-23 00:25:05 · answer #10 · answered by theguy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋