Replacing Car Battery..Open to Suggestions

[imported_truzoom]

Thanks for the tips, guys. truzoom, lotsa good info! I actually do have a multimeter, so I'll check it out. The engine is still cranking, but it seems to take a long time (~3 seconds) to get the car finally started.



edit: Well, I checked it out with my multimeter. I shined a flashlight in there per Setec's tip, and it was actually green, not black. However, when I measured the voltage (engine off) it measured 12.53 V or something. Once I started the engine, it read 15.6 V. Whaddya guys think? Replace or no?

Got any plans to drive really far sometime soon? J/K.



12.53 seems to be low, but take into consideration what Black 240SX said. If you have a spare 12v float charger, you could put that onto your battery one night. I'd still go get the battery load tested so that you know it'll have enough oomph to get you around.

 

[mikebai1990]

Thanks for replies again. I asked my dad, and he completely disregarded my suggestion, saying that I have no idea when a battery is really out of "oomph" and that the battery was fine, and all that... He kept telling me that a battery doesn't need to replaced until the engine doesn't start.... ?!?! That's a pretty dangerous choice to make, don't you guys think? Why wait until your battery's completely dead? Also, I think it will only get worse in the winter, right?



The engine does seem to take a somewhat abnormally long time to start, as I pointed out earlier, approximately 2-2.5 seconds. I'm comparing this to our new 2005 Mazda, which starts in .5-1 second. Does the cranking time depend on anything other than the battery? Maybe it's just because the car is old, and naturally takes longer to get started (it's a 1993 Acura)



Pardon my lack of knowledge, truzoom, what does it mean to have the battery load tested? Also, if I take it to somewhere like Autozone, is it free?

 

[imported_truzoom]

Thanks for replies again. I asked my dad, and he completely disregarded my suggestion, saying that I have no idea when a battery is really out of "oomph" and that the battery was fine, and all that... He kept telling me that a battery doesn't need to replaced until the engine doesn't start.... ?!?! That's a pretty dangerous choice to make, don't you guys think? Why wait until your battery's completely dead? Also, I think it will only get worse in the winter, right?



The engine does seem to take a somewhat abnormally long time to start, as I pointed out earlier, approximately 2-2.5 seconds. I'm comparing this to our new 2005 Mazda, which starts in .5-1 second. Does the cranking time depend on anything other than the battery? Maybe it's just because the car is old, and naturally takes longer to get started (it's a 1993 Acura)



Pardon my lack of knowledge, truzoom, what does it mean to have the battery load tested? Also, if I take it to somewhere like Autozone, is it free?

Batteries are unpredictable. You can gauge one to see where it stands between "no voltage" and "great voltage", but cells can fail, electrolyte can evaporate out, straps can break. My OEM battery was lasting me nearly into 5 years in HOT OK summers, but I switched it out for a larger new one once I started to notice my engine not starting up as smooth.



A load test for a battery will essentially put an amperage load onto a battery. This will determine that it has the capacity to start up an engine and it will help determine if the battery has any serious issues. Typically you want to load a battery to a cranking amps rating double its listed CCA, at which point it should hold steady above 10 volts. I really don't know if Autozone has load testers, although I'd assume they do.

 

[hXc drummer23]

I recommend the Optima yellow or red top's.

 

[JaCkaL829]

Thanks for replies again. I asked my dad, and he completely disregarded my suggestion, saying that I have no idea when a battery is really out of "oomph" and that the battery was fine, and all that... He kept telling me that a battery doesn't need to replaced until the engine doesn't start.... ?!?! That's a pretty dangerous choice to make, don't you guys think? Why wait until your battery's completely dead? Also, I think it will only get worse in the winter, right?



The engine does seem to take a somewhat abnormally long time to start, as I pointed out earlier, approximately 2-2.5 seconds. I'm comparing this to our new 2005 Mazda, which starts in .5-1 second. Does the cranking time depend on anything other than the battery? Maybe it's just because the car is old, and naturally takes longer to get started (it's a 1993 Acura)



Pardon my lack of knowledge, truzoom, what does it mean to have the battery load tested? Also, if I take it to somewhere like Autozone, is it free?

Thats what was happening with me. I was getting longer starts with my car, especially in really cold temperatures. The Autozone test is for free, so I would look into that. If your battery is really old, I would consider replacing it. Usually having a hard time starting your car would be an indicator that the battery is on it's way out IMO. Since I replaced my battery, I no longer get long starts. My car's battery was 5.5 years old, I'm sure I could have 'pushed' out a little more, but what good is it? I'd still have to eventually replace it in the near future. I replaced my battery now which was convenient for me since I was doing work under the hood, and it was on my time. I know once fall/winter hits, I'm not going to want to be playing under the hood; and I sure would hate to get stranded somewhere from a battery gone dead; and have to wait for a tow truck to tow my car out of somewhere.



My Kirkland battery cost me $50 with a 3 year full replacement warranty, so it didn't 'break the bank', and I have a little peace of mind, since it was something that was going to need replacing sooner or later.

 

[the other pc]

... Does the cranking time depend on anything other than the battery?...

Yes, it also depends on the condition of the engine, fuel characteristics, air temperature, altitude, etc…





PC.

 

[jmillican]

After reading this thread, I decided I ought to see the status of my battery. I am inclined to get a Kirkland battery, so I would feel wrong if I went to Autozone for a free test when I know that I will not be buying there. Does anyone know if Costco will test your batytery for free?

 

[mikebai1990]

jmillican, I wouldn't really worry about not buying a battery if they offer a free battery test. They offer these services, so use 'em! They also rent out tools for free, and they don't mind doing it. That's part of their business. I don't believe Costco has a battery testing service.

 

[DaGonz]

Automotive batteries are recycled. What's left of the the acid is poured out, neutralized and disposed of, the lead reclaimed and the plastic housing is shredded and recycled.

 

[mikebai1990]

Whaddya know! Our car died two days ago, when I was starting the engine in the front of our house... Went to Costco, and they didn't have the battery we need in stock. We're gonna go check another Costco tomorrow.

 

[Tronix]

As the title says I think I'm going to replace the car battery on my car soon. I've noticed this past winter it having a hard time cranking in colder temperatures, and even every once in a while now it has a little hesitation if the car hasn't been started in a couple days. I do keep checks on the battery fluid and it's always in the 'good' range.

My car is 5.5 years old but it's only got 50k miles on it. I'm thinking it might be in my best interest to replace the battery now since I have time, and really don't want to get stranded somewhere. The battery is original. Anyway onto my question, I'm wondering what batteries are good? I just did a little googling and found a couple different forums. It seems like Optima are good if you plan on having a crazy audio system, run a RV or do some heavy duty off-roading; which I don't do any. My car is bone stock and a DD. From what people online say getting an Optima is a waste to just get a cheaper alternative. I did notice the Kirkland brand (Costco) being mentioned quite often for good CCA. I think I might go with one of them since they seemed to be priced reasonable and offer a pretty nice warranty.

I am open to other suggestions though.



Any help or suggestions are appreciated.



Thanks!

I haven't read the replies, but from what I take it, you should definately invest in a battery tender. I've had one of my motorcycles hooked up to my battery tender for a good 7 months (winter included) and it started right up!



You are right about optima batteries, there is no need for a gel cell battery on a stock car with no high power demands. Just look at the label on your stock battery and get one with similar or more cold cranking amps. Nowadays, alot of batteries come with good warranties.