View Full Version : Car battery dies all the time


CometX
02-26-2009, 11:47 AM
Hey guys,

With this cold weather, my battery seems to drain and die very easy. Is this common? I've heard from a few people that buying a bigger and battery is probuably the solution.

It just seems strange that it drains. Any ideas if this is normal?

Thanks,
Brad

416to212
02-26-2009, 12:03 PM
Cold weather does affect battery performance but it shouldn't die on you if the charging system and the battery are in good shape.

Just drive to your local Autozone and they will test your battery for you, you don't even need to take the battery out of the car.

If the battery is fine then you have to check your charging system (alternator) or find if there is a current being drawn on your car when it's off using an amp meter at the battery.

In most cases I expect your problem will dissappear once you replace the battery with a new one.

CometX
02-26-2009, 12:09 PM
Any idea what a good battery to replace it with is?

I was looking at:
http://braillebattery.com/index.php/batteries/b2015c/

I can get it for around $140 US or so.

Thanks for your help,
Brad

Thumper3322
02-26-2009, 12:30 PM
Optima RED!! number 1!

TheWulf
02-26-2009, 12:40 PM
If the battery is fine then you have to check your charging system (alternator) or find if there is a current being drawn on your car when it's off using an amp meter at the battery.

Yes make sure to test for a drain... otherwise you're just wasting money on a new battery as it's going to die as well.

swoope
02-27-2009, 04:15 AM
yet brad,

how can we help you?

you dont mention the year, mileage or anything like simple location?

just for fun. the braille battery will solve all your problems, as you have no idea of what you need or what the problem is..

beers :beer:

Footman
02-27-2009, 07:04 AM
Swoope.. sometimes you could be so mean :) :) :)

TheWulf
02-27-2009, 09:24 AM
Sometimes?

Huey52
02-27-2009, 09:35 AM
Pretty much one of three things:

1. Marginal battery - not able to hold a charge
2. Marginal altenator - not producing proper voltage level (13.5 - 14.5v)
3. A drain somewhere, e.g. trunk interior light from trunk being ajar.

Cold weather does drain a battery faster, but not to the degree you cite.

The stock Interstate battery is very good.

Optima Red Top and Braille are arguably better, but pricier (Braille is smaller/lighter; Optima is heavier but more rugged).

If you have an aftermarket audio system consider a "deep cycle" battery, e.g. Optima Yellow Top.

swoope
02-27-2009, 11:11 PM
Swoope.. sometimes you could be so mean :) :) :)

or just honest lets give us the info to help..

i sited this the same day..

my car is blue.. what could be wrong with my battery..

and to all.. a braille battery in the great white north in winter is setup for fail on many levels..

beers :beer: