Abused battery?

[daves87rs]

Okay, I'm thinking the battery in my Cavalier (04) is about done. In the last week, it has twice struggled to start, though it was fine after a good drive. I guess I can't complain, as the OEM delco hits 6 years in march.

I'm debating on the battery to use, as I am an "abuser" (of batteries). My Cav is pretty much a 3 season car, as it sees little action in the winter (at least the last few years). That, with the fact that the Cav only has 13k on it gives you an idea of what the battery has seen. When the car is out, it does see nice long drives. So I'm wondering:

should I go-

a) With a cheap battery (Everstart,etc)
b) a good battery (Deka, Diehard Gold,etc)
c) Another Delco battery


Ideas?

 

[Herz]

Get a Johnson controlls battery, they make delco ones and are very good.

 

[GMBoy]

Since you know the Delco will serve you well, I'd replace it with that same model. I've always gotten 5-6 yrs out of the Delco's and prefer them over others I've used.

 

[rshaw125]

6 years is good. Depends on the price that you can get a Delco for. If they're too pricey get a battery from Costco. Their warranty is easily the best. I have them in 3 of my cars.

 

[The_Jeff]

Cold slows down chemical reactions, including decay. Just sitting won't do it too much injustice. If you want to feel warm get a VW solar panel off ebay, they stick them in the cigar lighter at the factory so the cars stay charged up sitting around the ports etc. Techs take them home after PDI's.

Real abuse is running the things dead time after time. Your scenario is more one of non-use. Since the same group size GM batteries probably start huge V6s and V8s I wouldn't worry.

 

[daves87rs]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
Cold slows down chemical reactions, including decay. Just sitting won't do it too much injustice. If you want to feel warm get a VW solar panel off ebay, they stick them in the cigar lighter at the factory so the cars stay charged up sitting around the ports etc. Techs take them home after PDI's.

Real abuse is running the things dead time after time. Your scenario is more one of non-use. Since the same group size GM batteries probably start huge V6s and V8s I wouldn't worry.


Hmm...I've parked the other car this week and brought out this one to give that battery some life before I replace it...

Think it would give the battery a chance?


So far, the more driving seems to helped the struggling to start issue.

 

[Gary Allan]

Check your belt tensioner.

 

[mechtech2]

This is sick!
Abuse of a 6 year old is disgusting!

 

[daves87rs]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
This is sick!
Abuse of a 6 year old is disgusting!