Battery woes

[fantastic]

How old is your battery? It could simply have surface charge. 65% isn't great & heat kills a battery quick. If you have known battery voltage requirements from sensitive electronics on your vehicle than it's a small price to pay. I've learned that most that claim 5 years are up north were it's cooler. Since you are in the GA state it wouldn't last as long. I'm in MO & my everstart Maxx batteries are usually toast within 3 years. Meaning not putting out the rated CCA that is stated on the battery. I'm easy on my batteries too. I don't run them past 3.5 years.

 

[Thumper3]

I do tend to replace my batteries around the 5 year mark just because that is what I do

Pretty similar here, I have had too many batteries over the years be "fine" and then just fall off and insta die. I carry a jump pack of course but still, it's a pretty big PITA to be out somewhere and have the battery fall off.

For a long time there I never really had to worry because I would lease, every 3 years new car. Now that I am back to running older cars and keeping my cars I have had to deal with batteries again and I do not have good luck. Replaced the Touareg battery at 7 years old, it was testing having life left but again, past average AND not the easiest battery to swap in an emergency. Used an Odyssey.......died in about 8 months, warranty was garbage (took 2 months to get a replacement, super helpful thanks) so put an OEM AGM one in. Now I have a spare 62lbs Odyssey battery in the garage. I've got a NAPA Legend Premium AGM in the Golf R been good for about a little over a year now. Put a NAPA Legend Premium AGM in the TTRS after the OEM one let go at 4 years old......lasted about 10 months, free warranty replacement period and in stock luckily.

 

[Grambo]

How old is your battery? It could simply have surface charge. 65% isn't great & heat kills a battery quick. If you have known battery voltage requirements from sensitive electronics on your vehicle than it's a small price to pay. I've learned that most that claim 5 years are up north were it's cooler. Since you are in the GA state it wouldn't last as long. I'm in MO & my everstart Maxx batteries are usually toast within 3 years. Meaning not putting out the rated CCA that is stated on the battery. I'm easy on my batteries too. I don't run them past 3.5 years.

4 years old

 

[f355spider]

Do any of you guys run Optima Red Top AGM's

Not any more. My last three all leaked...and the third one they wouldn't even warranty. I'm done with them.
For AGM, better to use Interstate, AC Delco or Walmart. It appears that lately, they all have the same type and style "made in Germany" white sticker on them, so they are all essentially the same, coming from Varta.

If you have the money, the best AGM is probably the Odyssey. But they are pricey. Had one on my old Ferrari F355 for several years and it was a brute.

 

[Rygrego]

I'm using a topdon bt100

I've had the same unit for a few years now and have no problems with it at all. For around $50 it's hard to beat.

 

[cardsrok]

I've had the same unit for a few years now and have no problems with it at all. For around $50 it's hard to

 

[cardsrok]

Heat kills a battery more than cold.