Have a 3 year old Motorcraft battery in my 2007 f150, rated at 540 cca, testing 430 cca. Getting ready to go on a round trip cross country trip from Indiana to California. I'm half tempted to pick up a new battery, as I don't want any issues. What does everyone think?
Change battery or replace?
- Thread starter cmarshall78
- Start date
3 years ain't much for an oem battery and that's a normal drop but do what makes you feel well. Many batteries don't hit rated cca when new but get close like 90-95%. Usually once your battery is at 50% is when you should change it very soon so 270cca and 60% is when you should change it in some time and that would be around 320cca. Your battery is at 80% life so it's ok in my book but change it anyway if you'd like.
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Indiana is pretty benign from a climate standpoint, it's really hot areas such as Arizona, Florida and south Texas that are most detrimental to battery life.
BrendanC
$100 site donor 2024
20% drop in performance isn’t terrible. i’m in the camp that i don’t replace batteries until i can tell the vehicle is struggling to start. keep a nice set of cables in the truck and drive on!
For trips I bought a portable lithium jump pack. Even a good battery can just die for no apparent reason or the lights get left on. I feel more secure in isolated areas knowing I can jump the car and get to a Walmart or some auto parts store for a new battery if needed but dont feel pressure to replace one early.
Buy a jump pack with the option to pass it on to a family member.
good gift for a gal. ...for the college kids car you'll be back by September
good gift for a gal. ...for the college kids car you'll be back by September
If you have a charger I’d use it everytime you aren’t driving up until you leave. After my wifes battery in her 6 month old car suddenly died, I now carry a jump pack. That battery also tested @95% a few weeks before it left us stranded in the airport parking garage.
You don't want any problems a New battery is cheap insurance.
540 CCA doesn't seem like a lot to start new. An EverStart Max Group 65 is 850 CCA and $139 for F150. I'd personally change out for peace of mind. Have a great trip to California. Such diverse climate depending where you go in the state. If you have the $$$$$, wonderful places to live quite contently.
Think he meant Charge !
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