How long does a Battery last?

reeac

I've had an MGA roadster for 30 years and I've found that the batteries last about 11 years. The car has two 6 volt batteries and, having a dynamo and doing only a low annual mileage, they don't get a lot of charge so I give them an occasional boost from a charger. I also have a Jag. XJ8 the battery of which is 9 years old and has always worked perfectly.

cyclonebri1

reeac wrote: »

I've had an MGA roadster for 30 years and I've found that the batteries last about 11 years. The car has two 6 volt batteries and, having a dynamo and doing only a low annual mileage, they don't get a lot of charge so I give them an occasional boost from a charger. I also have a Jag. XJ8 the battery of which is 9 years old and has always worked perfectly.

Worth remembering too that there are battery conditioners suitable for classic cars, bikes and kitcars, stuff that is laid up for 5 months a year. Optimate is 1 such example, they don't just charge, thet cyle and monitor the battery.

j2009

For what it's worth to the OP the halfords test is a little better than simply a voltage check so I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss out of hand.

If you wish the replace the battery because you think it's on the way out then do so. Like anything in life it is a case of balancing risk vs cost hence I would get a second opinion.

pinkteapot

poppasmurf_bewdley wrote: »

I've just had to replace the battery on my kids' 2000 'W' Astra. The original battery has therefore lasted eleven and a half years, which isn't bad.

Coincedentally, just had to replace the one on our 2002 Astra (112,000 miles on the clock).

lostsheep

Would it be worth the OP hooking up the jump leads and seeing if someone elses battery does the job any better?

sunshinetours

So many variables as some have said. lots of short journeys mean battery will have a shorter expected life as not being properly charged and if left for long periods without use, battery will slowly discharge

On mine 5 years is roughly what is expected as high drain of battery with all the various toys and diesel's I believe require a beefier battery anyway to start them. i probably am on borrowed time with mine to be honest so probably should look into that aswell

Harry_Flashman

Mine too to be honest. Especially as my glow plugs are fubar and I have to crank the engine for ages before it will fire

Obukit

Harry_Flashman wrote: »

Mine too to be honest. Especially as my glow plugs are fubar and I have to crank the engine for ages before it will fire

Replace the glowplugs. In a diesel engine if you are having to crank for ages the diesel will wash all the oil off the cylinder walls, so you will be putting loads of wear on your engine. If you think starting without glowplugs is difficult just wait until you have to start a diesel with poor compression! For the sake of ~£35 in glowplugs it's not worth it.

savemoney

No one can give you a answer as there are too many factors at play. One thing to remember starting a engine takes a lot of load from battery this is more acute when its cold. Plus with all the demisters, lights on it easy not to charge the battery up. Why not get a battery charger to top it up there some good chargers around these days. Or get a battery tester they plug in cigarette light and only give a indication