I just turned 50k on my 05 TSX with the oem battery. Around 3 years ago, I bought an SVR battery for the car–thinking I would be replacing the oem pretty soon, at the time. I thought with the audio gear I installed it wouldn't last. I was wrong. So, is that SVR still good to go?

 

You could have a load test performed, but even if it tests out OK, there's virtually no way to tell if it will perform properly under in-service conditions. For the $100 or so in question, I'd buy a new one. That would easily cover the potential cost and hassle involved in getting stuck with a dead battery anywhere other than in your garage (and even then, I think it would still be worth it). Batteries do wear out during regular use, and in my opinion should be replaced just like any other part that has a life span (designed to fail). Even if the battery in your car functions properly, it should be replaced after a certain amount of time, just like coolant, or oil, or an air filter, or the battery in your smoke detector for that matter. I'm not sure why the battery companies haven't picked up on this, but it seems like a good opportunity to create and maintain replacement battery sales (and no, I don't have a dog in this fight).

 

^ "designed to fail" I like that. Makes good sense.

 

mine last 5 years and i have a huge stereo system and live in brutal ohio winters...so id say around 5 years

 

Fully charge it and then take it to Wally World for a load test - the printout will show the amount of cold cranking amperes available. Then you get to decide.

 

Cold winters can take a bit of a toll on a battery, but usually only when a car is not started regularly. Believe it or not, (and contrary to what you might think), consistently hot weather is the most damaging to a battery. I spoke with an Acura dealer in Florida about this, (the largest car dealer in the country) and they said batteries in that climate, (in any car) only last 3-4 years .

 

He's asking about a brand new battery that's been sitting in storage for a few years, not how long a battery lasts in a car. :wink:

 

The battery might need to be charged, but otherwise I think it should be ok.

Where has it been stored?

 

Thanks, good people... I do keep it in a cool, dry place, and turn it once a month. ;o)

 

Gonna check and charge the SVR this weekend. I know there is a problem with some oem batteries–specifically the terminals from back in 05 (read something here awhile back). My battery seemed nearly dead when I tried to start it at work, yesterday afternoon. I popped the hood, wiggled the neg terminal post–and the car alarm went off. Started right up. All contacts are clean and tight on the posts. Lets see how the 'new' battery performs this weekend.