GET AC Delco battery - 5-6 years of life

keep it as long as it run hey why buy a new one ?? do it lost it charger ???


do you have problem starting up the car ??/?

if not don't buy a new one.... there always new battary.. what is the hurry....

I buy one as the last resort I rechager them first if they don't hold the charge than I buy new one... one time it death and dry I poor in some water it last me anothers 2 year......

Original battery on my '96 850 wagon just died today.

Keep it clean,

keep it filled with distilled water, and

don't ever let it go flat by leaving the lights on.

5 years. It was a Jeep though but my experience is about 4 - 5 years on a battery and mileage is not a factor. (North-East Climate)
--
'94 855 5spd 'Drew' My E-Bay Ride 202,000 Miles

my wagon seems to chew through batteries like crazy...every 2 years or so. on third set of batteries...

I've always had good luck with a plain old Budget Batteries battery. I watch the fluid level carefully and keep the terminals clean. They seem to last 3-4 years. Obviously you can spend a BUNCH more money, and it may be worth it if you live in an area with severe climate changes. I prefer a sealed battery (maintenance free) but they are about twice the cost. NOTE: if you have a battery with a vent for offgassing during high charge periods, make sure you VENT it away from the engine compartment. I used a length of 5/32 vinyl hose from the auto parts store and threaded it under the car, fastened with a cable tie. Motorcycle batteries commonly have this kind of vent and it's probably common among the cheaper set. NO VENT = CORROSION. I caught mine in time, hence the vent hose.

A hydrometer can be used to check a battery (as long as the battery is
not sealed since you have to measure the fluid). Go to google.com
and search on "hydrometer battery" for more.

The OEM batteries seem to have a rather short life (3 to 5 years with
most people reporting 4 years on this board).

Heat is the biggest element that cuts battery life (they sell more
batteries in texas then in colder climates) so where you live affects
battery life.

Johnson Controls makes a pretty good battery (sold as DieHard, Duralast, Energizer, Equalizer, Eveready, EverStart, Interstate, Kirkland Signature, Motorcraft, OPTIMA, ProStart). They have a lot of good battery
basics at this web site:

http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/automotiveBattery/default.asp

Finally, I've always replaced my batteries when they fail. There often is
not much of a warning before that happens.

ed850,
Typically batteries don't last more then four to five years on todays modern cars. The demand placed on these batteries with the many power sources has shortened the life compared to years ago when you could get eight or more years out of a battery. The electrical demands have become so great, that the auto industry will be adopting a 42 volt system soon which will see things like compressors and pumps electrically driven, doing away with belts. Having said that, you can wait untill you see early signs of wear (engine turning over slower at start, headlamps dimming when additional electrical sources are turned on) or when the battery warning lamp starts to appear. No, you don't have to use an OEM battery, just make sure the replacement battery fits the compartment and has the minimum rated cranking amps needed for the car. Purchasing an OEM battery takes any guesswork out of the purchase. Having said that, my OEM battery is going on five years old and I intend to replace it this fall before going into winter...