Halfords free battery check

Stubod

11 years is a very good life if it is the original battery? Don't think I have ever had one last that long.

Our local indie battery/tyre shop will do a test for free if you ask them, and they won't push you to buy a new battery unless you waant one. The test only takes a few seconds, (and it has to be done "under load", ie not just a voltmeter).

bobbybuttons

We've spoken to the garage who gave advised us sometimes a dodgy earth can cause this issue, I think they said particular the one to the bottom of the gear box 🫤 , they've seen it a few times. So they're going to check the earth's first then we'll go from there.

Ectophile

Stubod said:

11 years is a very good life if it is the original battery? Don't think I have ever had one last that long.

Our local indie battery/tyre shop will do a test for free if you ask them, and they won't push you to buy a new battery unless you waant one. The test only takes a few seconds, (and it has to be done "under load", ie not just a voltmeter).

I've always been presently surprised how long OEM batteries seem to last on cars.  About 10 years seems normal.  I have no idea why the after-market batteries can't last that long.

[Deleted User]

facade said:

If it is really over 10 years old then it will be a miracle if you don't need a new one 5 to 7 years is a normal lifespan for a battery.

There are plenty of places that sell branded batteries much cheaper than Halfords. Halfords own brand always used to be Yuasa with a label on.  Yuasa are made [not very well, I had one where the weld leaked] in Ebbw Vale not Japan like you think.

(don't let them charge you to "dispose" of the old battery, they are paid £5 or so for them. Tyres they have to pay to dispose of, not batteries)

My battery is the original, 14 years old. Start it at the weekend only, never have any issues.

It's a Mitsubishi... Obviously if it's a Ford or something, probably won't last that long.

forgotmyname

Voltage alone means very little, put 9 AA batteries together and you will get 13.5 volts it will not crank your engine
over though.  Put all your lights on for 30 minutes and then check the voltage with the lights still on.

If they test the battery whilst it's flat then the test will not be valid.  I have one the digital testers and the battery state
of charge makes a massive difference to the health report it prints out.

Charge the battery and let it sit for 24 hours and then test it.

peter12345678910

Just do a load test, you only need an amp meter with min/max button. You are looking for over 9V.

Please do quickly as a bad battery can stress the starter motor. 

Maybe also clean the earth contacts with contact spray.