How long does your battery last?

[3ntropy]

So.. stupid question but I'm a bike guy and never really bothered to get into cars until recently but do they make lithium ion batteries for cars and if so, which manufacturer makes the most reliable product? On my R1 the stock battery is around 5lbs and the lithium I installed was half a pound, felt like a damn toy not to mention it cranks a lot faster.

[KnightRyderx2]

I bought my car used so as far as I know it still has the factory battery, 3 years and 31,000 miles. Although last time I took my car in the dealership they told me my battery was going out, we will see.

With that, batteries on average will have a life span of 3-5 years but that is with general day to day use. Factors like harsh conditions, extreme cold and hot cycles, abusive usage, and whatever else you can throw at a battery will shorten its life span. Some batteries also last longer then their average life span, so you may have one last 7 years or longer. On the other end you may have a battery that will only a last a year or so, no bueno. The type and grade of battery you buy also plays a roll in its life span.

So you cant really go by what every one else's battery is doing. You just have to take care of it, do whatever maintenance is necessary, and have it tested if you feel it maybe going out.

[scottman]

Braille

[DarkSunrise]

Going on 5 years on the original battery. Had a few long cranks this past year, but that's mostly due to sporadic usage during the winter. No problems now that I'm driving the car daily - starts right up.

I'm almost looking forward to this battery dying so I can replace it with something lighter.

[nikitopo]

Originally Posted by 3ntropy

So.. stupid question but I'm a bike guy and never really bothered to get into cars until recently but do they make lithium ion batteries for cars and if so, which manufacturer makes the most reliable product? On my R1 the stock battery is around 5lbs and the lithium I installed was half a pound, felt like a damn toy not to mention it cranks a lot faster.

Even electric cars have a 2nd lead-acid battery, whose purpose is to power the 12-volt system. So, not the best option to go for a lithium ion battery.

[guybo]

The problem with Li-ion batteries is that they have a bad habit of going boom. Spiral cell AGM batteries are the best if you just want it to crank every time for a long time, but they are very heavy. Once my battery shits the bed I'm getting a tiny Oddesey AGM lightweight battery. Here in FL I'm not worried about CCA, but it has to deal with vibration (catless creates vibration) and heat.

[N1rve]

Originally Posted by FR-Sky

Yea, I was debating too. The guy offered me duralast gold for 5 years warrenty. But I didnt think I needed that haha.

Should of taken that 5 year lol. I don't see anything past 3 years in Autozone or Oreillys.

[Packofcrows]

35k same pos battery. It died on me with full drain three or four times. My fault of course. Few times left doors open, radio on or lights (and my own wiring fogs).

Figured out it needed water. Added it. I want to replace but $$$ tight this summer. I am leaning toward a yellow top Optima.

[RickyBobby]

Originally Posted by Packofcrows

35k same pos battery. It died on me with full drain three or four times. My fault of course. Few times left doors open, radio on or lights (and my own wiring fogs).

Figured out it needed water. Added it. I want to replace but $$$ tight this summer. I am leaning toward a yellow top Optima.

Original battery lasted ~4 years. Did the same with mine. Kept accidentally hitting the open trunk button in my pocket and after 3 or 4 complete battery drains it would barely start. Replaced it with an Optima yellow top. Even with a 30% Advance Auto coupon and $22. core refund still expensive.

[ROGER-86]

Starting in 2017 forward, Subaru stupidly programmed the car to let the battery discharge during acceleration and stops, doing most of the charging while decelerating only. I discovered this when I parked to listen to the radio for an hour and the car would barely crank. They said it's for "economy" B.S.! This will ruin batteries faster. You can force the car to "normal charge" at 14.2V by turning on the running lights (I drive with them all the time now). Also, if you turn the fan on it will hold at 13.3V. But drive normally and watch the voltage drop from an initial 14.4 at start to around 12.1 in just a few minutes. More on this later as I'm working up a big expose.

I'm an Engineer, I like to measure things.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by ROGER-86

Starting in 2017 forward, Subaru stupidly programmed the car to let the battery discharge during acceleration and stops, doing most of the charging while decelerating only. I discovered this when I parked to listen to the radio for an hour and the car would barely crank. They said it's for "economy" B.S.! This will ruin batteries faster. You can force the car to "normal charge" at 14.2V by turning on the running lights (I drive with them all the time now). Also, if you turn the fan on it will hold at 13.3V. But drive normally and watch the voltage drop from an initial 14.4 at start to around 12.1 in just a few minutes. More on this later as I'm working up a big expose.

I'm an Engineer, I like to measure things.

Stop this. Just stop. Nobody gives a shit. This tread was before the 17s even came out for fuck sake.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Stop this. Just stop. Nobody gives a shit. This tread was before the 17s even came out for fuck sake.

Oh, my, he is giving us another chance to peak our anticipation.




humfrz

[Ultramaroon]

[qqzj]

My car was built in July 2013 and I bought it in Oct 2013. the OEM battery is still going strong. I am pretty happy with it, given that I discharged it once (my fault) and could not start the car next day. But the longest lasting battery for me was the factory Acura one on my MDX and a Bosch one for my Camry. Both last about 8 years. Will see whether this Panasonic one can beat the record.