Car batteries - pay more, get ... what?

[Globalti]

A good independent will always test your alternator output before selling you a new battery.

 

[gbb]

I always try to use Eurocar parts and as fossyant says, check for discount codes, currently using a 52% code on car parts.
Years ago I was told when you buy a battery with different warranties, basically the battery is the same you pay more for the same battery with an extended warranty. You do the maths, the battery is 'probably' capable of making the longer life, even if you buy it at the cheaper rate.
One thing I also remember, buy from someone who has a high turnover of batteries, batteries that have sat a long time tend not to last so long.

 

[nickyboy]

Wherever you buy from, get a heavy duty one. They hold the charge longer and have more oomph, what with winter coming. You will be using demisters, heaters, and the lights almost all the time, and in the cold the engine takes a lot of power to turn over and start

A lot depends on whether the car has auto stop/start or not. If it does, the battery needs to be able to cope with this. We have a couple of Nissans, both with auto stop/start. Nissans are well know for having poor battery life (they may be better now). Just had to replace a battery in one due to this. Heavy duty battery needed for the stop/start cost £110 plus VAT

 

[Jody]

Auto battery services in Sheffield center is worth a shout.

 

[gavroche]

Whatever battery you buy, make sure you check the sell by date on it as it will affect its longevity. Some batteries may be stored in a warehouse for quite some time before they are sold. I was told that by a mechanic.

 

[snorri]

Just make sure the replacement battery has the same ampere/hour capacity , or more, than the old one.
Any less, and your car may start ok in summer but not in winter.

 

[Profpointy]

As mentioned upthread the amp-hour rating is the measure of the battery's capacity. Another is the physical size since it has to fit in the same place. The connectors should also be the same. Apart from that I always buy a recognised make (eg Yuasa) . A non-name brand might be Ok or it might not. Guarantee - not bothered to be honest as it's usually mor hassle finding the ticket or discovering you had to register it or whatever. I've always gone to a proper battery shop rather than halfords etc and even proper brand batteries have never struck me as expensive and all have lasted many years. I can't recall replacing a battery a second time on the same vehicle - and I keep vehicles a very long time

 

[KneesUp]

Thanks for all your replies - I got a Yuasa one from GSF because it was the correct combo of right battery, in stock, good price and not very far away. I'll fit it after lunch.

 

[KneesUp]

Addendum - GSF can't match their own offer code in store, so I had to do click and collect whilst in the shop, and then wait 20 minutes for it to go through their system - not really a problem as it's near Meadowhall and I needed some new trousers anyway, but would have been annoying otherwise, so just a heads up for anyone else!

 

[snorri]

Nothing heard from KneesUp since 12.56
Did the new battery fit into the car?
Did KneesUp fit into the new trousers?
Too many unknowns.

 

[KneesUp]

I am pleased to report that the car works, I've taken the old battery to the garage that services my car so they can weigh it in, and I have 14 new pairs of socks and two new pairs of trousers. You may stand down.