How long of life are you getting on the battery in your TL? My car just rolled 30k and will be 3 years old in just a matter of days. I'm thinking I probably need a new battery and was curious how soon everyone replaced their battery.

 

It depends on how you use your car. For example, do you keep your stereo on while washing/drying your car? If so, your battery will need changing alot sooner. Do you have any powerful aftermarket stereo equipment? Cause that stuff drains the battery too. So there are many factors, but I do know this, the battery should and better last longer than 3 years. I have yet to replace a battery in any my cars when I had them for longer than 3 years.

 

I actually am pretty easy on my battery...I have a stereo in my garage I listen to while washing my car and I haven't added any a/v equipment in my car. The last few days I've had a little problem getting it to turn over on my way home from work. Of course, it's been in the single digits. :p

 

Hard turn over in colder temps is the first sign...
It may be recharged by a pro auto shop..and get 1 extra year out of it, but then again the battery may be toast..
J

 

The general rule is to replace the original OEM battery after 3 years. I have been told this a few times by service techs & even a battery service tech. After the 3 years they may go at anytime you may get another year or even 2 out of it. It is advised to get the battery checked out after the 3rd year to see if it can still handle everything. But if you are going to keep the car for another few years or more might as well get a new battery.
This way you can safe & not go thru the pain of getting a jump start or getting stranded on a cold or hot day. Iam also at the 3year 30,000 mile point on my car. If a can make it thru this winter with it Iam going to get another battery before it get real hot. I am planing to get a Deihard Gold they have the 3 year full replacement warranty. I had 2 of them as replacement batteries in my previous new cars a 90 ACCORD & a 94 ACCORD. With the 90 I replaceed the battery after 3yrs & then got rid of the car 8 moths later. The 94 ACCORD the original battery lasted about 3 & a half years. The car started real slow one mourning & I drove about 40 miles comming home. When I turned off the car I then decided I might need to get a new battery. I then tried to restart the car & I got the tick tick sound. I then tried again & it started & I drove to SEARS & got a new battery. I kept that car about another 3years.

 

The easiest way is to have a radar detector with a built in volt meter. That way you have a constant method of determining how long your battery will last. On ide my battery voltage is 13.6...when new, I used to have it around the low 13s before I turn on the engine. Now (1.5 years later) it shows anywhere from high 11 to mid 12s before cranking the engine. Oh yeah...if your engine is off, and your battery is mid to low 10s..then you wont be able to start the car. (believe me...I've tested to see how low it can go before needing a jump).

 

My TL is 4 years and 2 months old and it is still running on the original battery. I also have a system in the trunk. Maybe it is time for me to get a new battery but the original haven't given me any signs of slowing down.

 

Yep BlackShadow I had no warning with the original baterry on my 94 ACCORD. It just was slow turning over that mourning it was not even that cold outside about 35. Heck on the other hand with my first new car a 1980 PRELUDE the original battery went out in 1 year. It was something wrong with it but the replacement battery I got from the dealer went for 7 years in the car. That was one good Japan battery that you had to fill the 6 or 7 cap holes with distilled water.

 

My 99 TL battery died with 52k miles 3.8 yrs, replaced with Sears Die Hard Gold battery. The battery itself has some kind of monitor that you can check.

 

It really varies. Most of my Hondas batteries lasted about 6 + years. I do however put high mileage on my vehicles and as such the battery stays charged. My 98 Accord is still running strong.

 

no way i am replacing mine before it dies on its own. You never know the battery could last 5-6 years.... I always have a pair of jump cables in my trunk.....

 

Which brands/models of radar detectors have the voltmeters?

 

whats best battery?

optima?

 

I like the Optima because its got a lot of CCA and it's clean - no acid or acid vapor leaking around. Pretty pricey though. It does help that Costco carries a couple of models now.

 

Are you parked in the garage? The single digit freezing cold is killing me!!!. Your battery should last 5-6 years on average. Buy a $30 stereo from walmart to listen to when you wash your car. Or come by my place, I have a stereo w 4 speakers in the garage

 

Dude,

I'm parked in the garage at night, but on a paved lot during the day. It's going home at night when it doesn't want to turn over easy. I have a stereo in my garage I listen to while washing.

How are things going? Anything perm yet?

 

Of the top 3 radar detectors,

Valentine1
Escort 8500
Bel 9xx

Only the Valentine1 does NOT have a built in voltmeter.

 

Thanks!

 

My car is 1 year and 5 month. the battery started to go about 3 months ago. I cant leave my key in the ignition without my car on for longer than 3 mins or i will have to jump my car. Should i take it to the dealer, I have a system in the trunk.