Background:
My parents have a 2010 Altima (V6) that is driven infrequently. On average, it is driven once or twice per month for short distances. Under these operating conditions, I have found traditional lead acid batteries to last 2-3 years before complete failure (no start).
I recently purchased a new battery tester and have begun to test batteries at least twice a year. When I tested the Altima's battery, it came back with a "fail." I am guessing that this conclusion was primary driven by the CCA (approx 60% of its rated value) and possibly the internal resistance.
So, I returned the battery to Costco and they replaced it under the 42 mo warranty. Costco doesn't test batteries - they just replace them, no questions asked, so I was unable to get test results from a different tester.
I tested the new battery after installation and uploaded those results as well. Obviously those are much better.
Howeber, I am not completely sure that a functional battery with 60% of its rated capacity should always be condemned. I am also not aware of any established limits for internal resistance.
Thoughts?
My parents have a 2010 Altima (V6) that is driven infrequently. On average, it is driven once or twice per month for short distances. Under these operating conditions, I have found traditional lead acid batteries to last 2-3 years before complete failure (no start).
I recently purchased a new battery tester and have begun to test batteries at least twice a year. When I tested the Altima's battery, it came back with a "fail." I am guessing that this conclusion was primary driven by the CCA (approx 60% of its rated value) and possibly the internal resistance.
So, I returned the battery to Costco and they replaced it under the 42 mo warranty. Costco doesn't test batteries - they just replace them, no questions asked, so I was unable to get test results from a different tester.
I tested the new battery after installation and uploaded those results as well. Obviously those are much better.
Howeber, I am not completely sure that a functional battery with 60% of its rated capacity should always be condemned. I am also not aware of any established limits for internal resistance.
Thoughts?