Reviews:
 ·AT&T Southeast
| Replacing battery I am on the fence on buying a new battery. The shop I frequent says I need a new battery for a while now. Their test shows I am about to 450 or so CCAs.
Right now, there is no real hesitation in starting up. Heck, I even jumped off a few people recently.
Am I doing damage to my car with it so low?
Should I wait till it dies or do I replace it now?
I bought one online this past weekend for %20 off this past weekend, and wonder if I should cancel it. |
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bgraham
join:2001-03-15
Smithtown, NY Reviews:
 ·VOIPo
·Verizon VoiceWing
| Get a second opinion. How old is the battery?
My wife's battery is 10 years old (Buick). I pulled the plug from the ignition a few weeks ago and it will crank for 6 or 7 bursts of 5 seconds each without even slowing down so I guess it's not in bad shape. Not a really scientific test but you might try the same test. I did not run the starter continuously for longer than about 5 seconds in case it overheated it. |
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| reply to sven_kirk3
A dead/bad/low low battery won't cause any damage (unless it leaks acid) but batteries tend to die in the most inconvenient place and time.
If you travel to places where you can't get a 'jump', your battery needs to be good, especially in the winter.
If you can get a jump, I would just pack a jumper cable and replace the battery at the frst sign of weakness. Since you already ordered one, you may just replace it anyhow.
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Palin 2012! |
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 psafuxPremium,VIP
join:2005-11-10
kudos:2 | reply to sven_kirk3
Unless my knowledge of the southern United States is way off, I don't believe Georgia ever sees anywhere close to 0 degree temps. CCA is a test of how the battery performs at 0 degrees.
I wouldn't buy a new battery unless needed. |
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| Cold isn't the only thing batteries don't like. Heat is also a battery killer.
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mbsastronomy.com |
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 Irun Manwhat obstacle?Premium
join:2002-10-18
Walden, NY | reply to sven_kirk3
Re: Replacing battery Age of your present battery should be the primary deciding factor. Failures can't be predicted, and in Georgia you're in a climate where heat related failures are much more common than points north.
The greater question begs... why did you buy a replacement online? Wouldn't shipping charges kill any deal?
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Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go home and have a heart attack. |
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| Advance Auto had an online sale this past weekend for 20% off of everything except oil. Free shipping on orders $75+ and free store pickup |
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| How old is your current battery?
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Palin 2012! |
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| at least 4 to 5 years old |
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| That usually means it is "well worn". 
If you can measure, what is the resting voltage? (voltage on the battery after the car is off for at least several hours)
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Palin 2012! |
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| Unable to measure. No multi-meter hanging around. |
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| Isn't that an automatic forum ban?
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1 edit | reply to sven_kirk3
said by sven_kirk3:I am on the fence on buying a new battery. The shop I frequent says I need a new battery for a while now. Their test shows I am about to 450 or so CCAs. Right now, there is no real hesitation in starting up. Heck, I even jumped off a few people recently. Am I doing damage to my car with it so low? Should I wait till it dies or do I replace it now? I bought one online this past weekend for %20 off this past weekend, and wonder if I should cancel it. Your alternator is probably straining to recharge this battery. I suggest you replace it beofre it leaves you stranded or cooks your alternator. |
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 TA63ST215WPremium,MVM
join:2000-11-23
there
kudos:2
·TekSavvy DSL
 ·Cogeco Cable
| said by Wholigan:Your alternator is probably straining to recharge this battery. I suggest you replace it beofre it leaves you stranded or cooks your alternator. It doesn't work like that.
If a battery is weak, it does not accept as much of a charge as a good battery will.
If an alternator tries to charge a good, but somewhat discharged battery, it wouldn't be unusual to see 40+ amps going into the battery.
OTOH, if an alternator tries to charge a weak battery (one with a reduced capacity due to aging/sulfation) the battery will not take as much current.
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The talented hawk speaks French. |
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| reply to sven_kirk3
said by sven_kirk3:Unable to measure. No multi-meter hanging around. »www.harborfreight.com/7-function···899.html
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Palin 2012! |
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 digitalfuturSees More Than ShownPremium
join:2000-07-15
BurlingtonON
kudos:2 | reply to sven_kirk3
Will the battery pass a load test? Would you drive on almost bald tires? Why wait until failure before replacement?
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All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing - Edmund Burke. "Walk the Talk". |
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 The PigI know you want to be mePremium
join:2009-09-11 | reply to sven_kirk3
My mechanic been telling me for 2 years now that I need a new battery!
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