When to replace battery?
#1
Pit Crew
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I have an '04 with 40,000 miles. Is it better to upgrade to a new battery now or wait for the battery to fail at a time of its choosing?
#2
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You can take it to a battery store and have them load test the battery. If it checks good, wait and have it tested again later. If bad, I would go with an Optima red top...
Craig
Craig
#3
Lead Lap
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I personally would replace it no more than 5 years or when your car refuse to turn over any more...
I have Optima red top in my Porsche and it only lasted me 3 years. But than again I only put 3k miles a year on the car...and that's with battery maintainer plug in when not driving.
I have Optima red top in my Porsche and it only lasted me 3 years. But than again I only put 3k miles a year on the car...and that's with battery maintainer plug in when not driving.
#4
Lexus Test Driver
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Generally speaking, it should probably be good for another year or more. Mine lasted 53K miles/4 years, and other Panasonic batteries that I've seen on Toyotas lasted at least as long. For example, my original Supra Panasonic battery lasted 7 years. I think I caused premature death of my LS battery by leaving an interior light on and completely discharging the battery a few months ago.
Personally, I don't like Optimas very much except for ONE thing. I like the fact that they don't give off corrosive vapors or acid that might eventually corrode the area around/under them (I really like that part). On the downside, they are very heavy and not nearly as long lasting as a good conventional battery. Red tops are especially sorry, IME. Lots of people I've known (Supra guys) only get 2-3 years life out of those. I have a Blue top on my Supra simply for the reason cited above -- I want to keep that car perfect as much so as possible. For a car that I didn't anticipate keeping for an indefinite period, I don't think I'd use an Optima.
Personally, I don't like Optimas very much except for ONE thing. I like the fact that they don't give off corrosive vapors or acid that might eventually corrode the area around/under them (I really like that part). On the downside, they are very heavy and not nearly as long lasting as a good conventional battery. Red tops are especially sorry, IME. Lots of people I've known (Supra guys) only get 2-3 years life out of those. I have a Blue top on my Supra simply for the reason cited above -- I want to keep that car perfect as much so as possible. For a car that I didn't anticipate keeping for an indefinite period, I don't think I'd use an Optima.
#5
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does the engine crank slowly when starting?
does it click rather than crank; then start cranking?
do you need to jump start your car....
***************
age of a battery is a fair indicator. as previous posts said, 5 years is an average battery life.
however, better is to have it load tested, as Craig recommended.
a machine can analyse cells' voltage output and also check your alternator.
does it click rather than crank; then start cranking?
do you need to jump start your car....
***************
age of a battery is a fair indicator. as previous posts said, 5 years is an average battery life.
however, better is to have it load tested, as Craig recommended.
a machine can analyse cells' voltage output and also check your alternator.
#7
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Auto Zone batteries are highly rated in all the literature I've read. I would probably replace with one of their batteries at the end of 4 years.........unless you are a gambler and don't mind being stalled someplace when your old battery fails.
Last edited by rjm; 08-07-07 at 04:54 AM.
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#8
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I have a 2000 LX 470 in service since 2-00, and it is the original Panasonic battery. The car has 44,000 miles on it and I just had it load tested at the Toyota dealership where I have my oil changed, and they said it is in good condition. I do plan to replace it this fall, however.
Last edited by Paul B; 07-23-07 at 08:58 PM. Reason: Date correction
#10
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It looks like I might need a new battery soon, I know it is size 24F. Does it make a difference what level of CCA (cold cranking amps) I buy? I thought it was conventional wisdom to pay a few extra bucks to get a few extra CCAs (especially up here in frozen Alberta Canada). I think the stock Lexus battery (from what I have found) rates at 585. Should I get the 700 or even 800 CCA battery (still 24F size)?
#11
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It looks like I might need a new battery soon, I know it is size 24F. Does it make a difference what level of CCA (cold cranking amps) I buy? I thought it was conventional wisdom to pay a few extra bucks to get a few extra CCAs (especially up here in frozen Alberta Canada). I think the stock Lexus battery (from what I have found) rates at 585. Should I get the 700 or even 800 CCA battery (still 24F size)?
If I lived in a cold climate, I would get the highest CCA I could find. It's good insurance and only a few dollars more.
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