CYA Battery Questions

Bob C. of Indiana · #1 06-18-2018, 01:58 AM

My battery is getting close to 6 years old and not missed a beat. I feel it is close to the end of it's life span. What's different about it is,it has never been exposed to long periods of heat or cold. Since I have owned it, the majority of it's life has been in the garage with ac and heated. It's had approx. 4000 miles added to the mileage since I have owned it, so hasn't had to crank the engine that many times compared to other trucks.My mind tells me to replace it to be on the safe side,but my wallet says it could surpass the normal life span due to its care. What's your opinion? Thanks

crowdpleazer · #2 06-18-2018, 11:21 AM

Put a battery load tester on it. If it passes, I'd leave it alone. Usually batteries give a little bit of a warning in the form of slow cranking. When that happens, change it.

Bob C. of Indiana · #3 06-18-2018, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crowdpleazer

Put a battery load tester on it. If it passes, I'd leave it alone. Usually batteries give a little bit of a warning in the form of slow cranking. When that happens, change it.

The term you used "usually" is the one that will cripple you on a Interstate highway rest area. I believe I'll look for a new battery.Thanks

RoberticusMaximus · #4 06-18-2018, 12:08 PM

my wife's cobalt's battery lasted 9 years! same deal as you, low mileage AND its in a garage where it rarely gets below 40 and rarely above 80 for the most part. i felt it take juuuust a little bit longer than normal one early morning this last winter and BAM i got a new battery lol! i didn't give it the chance to strand the wife

Bob C. of Indiana · #5 06-18-2018, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoberticusMaximus

my wife's cobalt's battery lasted 9 years! same deal as you, low mileage AND its in a garage where it rarely gets below 40 and rarely above 80 for the most part. i felt it take juuuust a little bit longer than normal one early morning this last winter and BAM i got a new battery lol! i didn't give it the chance to strand the wife

Roberto just checked locally for a Interstate battery, not in stock, so supposedly, they will have it mid-afternoon tomorrow. For a $138, I pulled the trigger. Hopefully one less pile of crap kicked out of the way,till next one comes along.I've always been pro-active! We have always had one vehicle for 49 years,so no backup.Luckily my wife only drives the Ranger about 4 times a year.

dvrich · #6 06-18-2018, 02:08 PM

Maybe join AAA like most drivers. Motorcraft batteries are excellent.

Bob C. of Indiana · #7 06-18-2018, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dvrich

Motorcraft batteries are excellent batteries.

Totally agree.I have had several Interstate batteries in several vehicles throughout my life and never had a issue.When it comes to engine parts,oil and filters, totally a Motorcraft user. Most Motorcraft parts are usually made by other companies with their trademark name.I did skip Motorcraft, for a different brand fan belt.I don't believe I mentioned brand in my original post and Walmart didn't come up. LOL!

RoberticusMaximus · #8 06-19-2018, 05:58 AM

my superduty always gets a pair of motorcraft 850s. love em!
the ranger gets Interstate, they've done me pretty good. i think i'm on my 4th one. they usually last 4 years

Bob C. of Indiana · #9 06-19-2018, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoberticusMaximus

my superduty always gets a pair of motorcraft 850s. love em!
the ranger gets Interstate, they've done me pretty good. i think i'm on my 4th one. they usually last 4 years

I had several through the years and they never gave me any trouble.

Ordinary Biker · #10 06-19-2018, 06:24 AM

Just the piece of mind is worth it Bob. Personally with enough family/friends in the area, I just use my cell phone for any issues instead of AAA. But the Ranger has yet to leave me anywhere.

Bob C. of Indiana · #11 06-19-2018, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ordinary Biker

Just the piece of mind is worth it Bob. Personally with enough family/friends in the area, I just use my cell phone for any issues instead of AAA. But the Ranger has yet to leave me anywhere.

I have always been pro-active Doug and I believe it has served me well.I'm 68 and have never had to call a wrecker, so I guess it has paid off,never AAA.Been in 2 wrecks in all those years, but walked away unscathed.I'll step up and buy Motorcraft so I don't have to do a hard or expensive job twice.Simple stuff or rarely used tools I'll try to save a buck.Only regret was when I was working and drawing a decent paycheck I wish I had built on to the back of my garage so I could have a classic vehicle toy,like a 55 Chevy.My Ranger hasn't failed me in 6 years,knock on wood!