Batteries have a hard time here, probably due to the intensive heat and constant air conditioning use. Up until last year, when I took over the truck's maintenance, my father has always used ACDelco batteries that only lasted a year and a few months at most. It's the most popular car battery here, but I'm not a fan of them since they started sourcing them from Saudi Arabia a few years ago. I'm not sure how true this is, but I've been told the cells are recycled, and as a result they go for a cheaper price.
Last year, I ditched the Saudi-made ACDelco and put in a US-made Motorcraft Tested Tough PLUS (675 amp). Ford vehicles tend to keep their OE Motorcraft batteries for a good three years minimum here, so I reckoned this was the best choice for the price at $70 USD (double the price of an ACDelco at $34).
Worthy of note, I've had charging issues over the course of the last 3 months, due to a faulty alternator. The battery's died at least 4 times. Being a wet-charged battery, the technician decided to remove the ventilation caps on top to "check" the acid levels, and the top of the battery has been wet ever since, because the caps do not seal properly.
Since yesterday, starting up has not exactly been a problem, but the cranking isn't exactly strong either. I reckon the time has come to replace the battery with a year and 60,515 km (37,822 miles) on it. I was expecting this battery to last a lot longer, but I beleive the charging issue and the leak is the main reason for its failure. I know in the US, this battery comes with an 18 month free replacement, but that is not applicable here...so I need to purchase another one.
The OEM battery is a BCI group 26R, and I beleive the Motorcraft I put in a 65. The Motorcraft is the same battery I had in my '07 Grand Marquis. I haven't got a part number, but my receipt says BXL65.
I'm not very knowledgeable about batteries at all, and I was wondering what the experts had to say. Should I just go for a 26R, or should I get the same Motorcraft battery? I blame the charging issues and the leaky vent caps for it's failure...otherwise I beleive this battery would have gone a lot longer.
Last year, I ditched the Saudi-made ACDelco and put in a US-made Motorcraft Tested Tough PLUS (675 amp). Ford vehicles tend to keep their OE Motorcraft batteries for a good three years minimum here, so I reckoned this was the best choice for the price at $70 USD (double the price of an ACDelco at $34).
Worthy of note, I've had charging issues over the course of the last 3 months, due to a faulty alternator. The battery's died at least 4 times. Being a wet-charged battery, the technician decided to remove the ventilation caps on top to "check" the acid levels, and the top of the battery has been wet ever since, because the caps do not seal properly.
Since yesterday, starting up has not exactly been a problem, but the cranking isn't exactly strong either. I reckon the time has come to replace the battery with a year and 60,515 km (37,822 miles) on it. I was expecting this battery to last a lot longer, but I beleive the charging issue and the leak is the main reason for its failure. I know in the US, this battery comes with an 18 month free replacement, but that is not applicable here...so I need to purchase another one.
The OEM battery is a BCI group 26R, and I beleive the Motorcraft I put in a 65. The Motorcraft is the same battery I had in my '07 Grand Marquis. I haven't got a part number, but my receipt says BXL65.
I'm not very knowledgeable about batteries at all, and I was wondering what the experts had to say. Should I just go for a 26R, or should I get the same Motorcraft battery? I blame the charging issues and the leaky vent caps for it's failure...otherwise I beleive this battery would have gone a lot longer.