When to replace battery?

[registering]

Howdy all,
My last car left me stranded a few times, so I'm paranoid about electrical issues. I live in south Florida so it's very hot almost year-round, and my battery is down to about 12.8 volts. It's the original battery on my 3 year old car. At what voltage do I take preemptive action and just replace it, to avoid getting stranded somewhere?
Thanks.

 

[Shane5425]

alot of batterys have an indicator on the top.. but basically u go to until it doesnt crank.. some batterys will last 3 years , some will last 6
just never know..

 

[Douggie]

Just replace that stock POS. Most people had theirs die on them in less than 3 yrs. If you're not heavy equipped with audio stuff, a el-cheapo battery will do and will still be better than that stock POS

 

[Shane5425]

yeah stock is pos, after 7 months of my radio, it blew up... yellow top is the way to go if you have electronics..

 

[Brian MP5T]

Replace when it no longer starts your car...

Ummm, No realy it depends on the sitution, Every three years for a normal batery will keep your car reliable...

 

[registering]

Wow thanks for the fast replies. I don't run any audio, my car is stock electrically-speaking. I do take it to the track, but that's it. I figure the highest CCA battery is what I'm looking for, I don't really need the bling of the yellow-top. I really thought my last track day would help recharge it, since the engine runs at such high RPMs all day, but it seemed to drain it a bit (~0.4 volts lower now than before) which surprised me.

 

[Douggie]

Wow thanks for the fast replies. I don't run any audio, my car is stock electrically-speaking. I do take it to the track, but that's it. I figure the highest CCA battery is what I'm looking for, I don't really need the bling of the yellow-top. I really thought my last track day would help recharge it, since the engine runs at such high RPMs all day, but it seemed to drain it a bit (~0.4 volts lower now than before) which surprised me.

Then you don't need a yellow-top. Just get one with a high CCA and you're set.

 

[rjmhotrod]

I'm not sure what the voltage reg is set to on our cars... assuming it's in the 14V range. Check the water level in the cells you might can milk it along a little longer if you want. Also, I read somewhere that lower temperatures sometimes result in higher voltage charges, so again I'm assuming (you know what happens when you assume) the opposite holds true - that warmer temperatures yield lower voltages. How much lower? (dunno) If it were at 10V I would say change it.

 

[Brian MP5T]

There are also "Racing Batteries" 1/2 the weight...

CCA 360
Factory Sealed Valve Regulated Design
Eliminates damage from Acid Spills - Environmentally Safe
High Density Oxide
This enables Braille to produce a "High-Cycling" lightweight battery
Heat Sealed Top Battery Cover
Eliminates Electrolyte leakage
Absorbed Demineralized Electrolyte
Improves service life and off-season storage
Heavy Duty Automotive Posts
Resist Damage from Vibration of Heavy Use - Easy installation
Calcium Full Frame Power Path Grids
Provide Highest Cranking Amp to Weight Ratio; Lowest Self Discharge Rate

Voltage: 12
AH: 15
PCA: 700 Pulse Cranking Amps
Length: 5.8
Width: 3.3
Height: 5.9:
Weight: 11.5 lb or 5.2kg
Use: Road Racing, Drag Racing, Rally Racing, Auto-Cross and Daily Use

Cost so far $245 CAD from Johnson or.

$150 USD + shipping

 

[registering]

My manual doesn't have anything about water levels in my battery, all I see are 6 big plastic screwheads flush with my battery -- do I open these to check the water levels? I'll try and post a pic....

 

[registering]

There are also "Racing Batteries" 1/2 the weight...

Oooh I like the weight savings part! I'll definitely check that out....thanks!

 

[rjmhotrod]

My manual doesn't have anything about water levels in my battery, all I see are 6 big plastic screwheads flush with my battery -- do I open these to check the water levels? I'll try and post a pic....

A normal battery configuration has generally six cells. My P5 isn't here at the moment so I can't check it, but the screwheads should give access to the water levels. Some batteries have clear housings so you can see water level, others you just look inside of. If it looks like there's more than an inch or so from the top of the battery to water level, then you might want to add some. Most car manuals aren't going to mention anything about water levels in batteries.

 

[alexlitov]

make sure you use distilled water.

 

[Brian MP5T]

You can check the level on a stock P5 Battery without opening the top. The Cell is made out of semi clear plastic...