Battery Life Expectancy

[justwufn]

What kind of service life are most of you guys getting out of your stock batteries? I have a 96 and so far it is still cranking the truck without any difficulty.

Since the truck is 5 1/2 years old I was wondering if the battery is living on borrowed time. I thought about going ahead and buying a new battery on a just in case basis. Comments. Johnny

 

[mrboyle]

According to an Interstate Battery rep. I talked to, the adverage life of a battery is less than three years. Now this doesn't mean all batteries die after three years. It means that based on the data used in a study conducted by Interstate, the majority of the batteries tested lasted a little less than three years. I personally would consider changing your battery soon, since its over five and a half years old, it has more than outlasted its given life expectancy.

 

[JamminG4Jim]

Hello!

Does the battery show any signs of leaks? Residue around the case and battery plate? If it does, remove it and check the battery case for cracks,etc....

Also, It's worth the piece of mind to take it to a battery shop (in the car) and let them run some tests on it. Charging system, battery load, etc. I had mine done for free, as I told them I was ready to replace it if it WAS bad. It failed the battery load test. 5 1/2 year old battery with little to no outside appearances of a problem...I didn't want to mess with it in the sub-zero temps we get up here.

Ask up front if the battery test if free or not. I'd bet most times it would be....

Hope this helps!

 

[Exploder99]

i got my car in spring 99 and im on my 3rd battery. go figure.

 

[Stephen]

I'd replace it along with the battery cables Johnny, just as a maintenance item.

 

[jimbo74]

yeah just replace it that is old and asking for trouble

 

[94 ford]

I have a 95 Grand Marquis made 4/95 with the original Battery. Still going strong, I was going to replace it last fall, but now I am curious how long it will last. Have I got the record or can anyone beat this?

 

[sink]

You should replace them at five years. Holding the record for time is nice, but inpulse buying a battery at a garage on the interstate so you can keep your plans for the weekend giong is not a deal. Batteries are relaively cheap insurance if you shop around and buy ahead. Also, a battery is most times not giong to give indication that it is failing. Many go abruptly as the sludge in the bottom slips around and shorts out a cell or two. One day you're fine the next you won't start or you wrack your alternater.

 

[srpauliesr]

Any recomendations?

My battery's pushing four years. So I guess I'm asking for trouble also. Does anyone have any recomendations? Are the expensive deep cycle batts worth it. Thanks for any feedback.

 

[justwufn]

Guys, thanks for the input. Guess I need to spring for a new battery. Any suggestions on what battery gives you the best quality/performance for the money. Thanks, Johnny

 

[JamminG4Jim]

Go Die Hard!!!

I've had good luck with them....Around $ 80.00 or so....

 

[97bignslow]

JUST REPLACED IT

I have a 97 and just replaced the battery. A good rule of thumb is, if it's a 5 year battery, replace it in 4, even if it still works. This will reduce where and tear on the altenator, starter and other elecrtical items in the car. If you do the math, over the life of the car you spoend an extra fifty bucks.

Eric