When do you replace a battery?

[chopped]

On my tractor, its 25 years and on the second battery. the second one is the biggest wal mart sold and is now 15 years old. It started to seem a bit sluggish so I set up a float charger now.(life support).I think if it were my vehicle then i would change it for a newer one.but I can liove with this situation..
Usually around here the first real cold snap will give the indication for a new one..

 

[Turbys_1700]

I just replaced two in my PowerStroke...
They were 7 years batteries and they lasted 7 years and 8 months...

 

[RavensRoost]

I get a new one when I can detect engine is cranking slower than normal, usually at 3+ years here in the desert heat. I prefer not to get the last $20 out of it and be stranded.

 

[JDgreen227]

So while we are at it, who feels heat kills batteries quicker than artic cold temps? While I know heat is tough on a battery, why should it be any worse than minus twenty degree temperatures? Anybody know just how much either extreme affects a battery?

Suppose one battery had to exist in minus twenty degrees all year long, with several cold starts every day. And the other battery had to follow the same routine in 110 degree heat instead. Which would fail quicker, given identically sized and dated batteries in identical vehicles?

 

[BobRip]

So while we are at it, who feels heat kills batteries quicker than artic cold temps? While I know heat is tough on a battery, why should it be any worse than minus twenty degree temperatures? Anybody know just how much either extreme affects a battery?

Suppose one battery had to exist in minus twenty degrees all year long, with several cold starts every day. And the other battery had to follow the same routine in 110 degree heat instead. Which would fail quicker, given identically sized and dated batteries in identical vehicles?

Since a battery is a chemical reaction device and puts out less current when cold, an of course it takes more current to spin a cold engine a battery is much more likely to fail (that is not start your vehicle) during the cold seasons. Not to minimize your concerns.

 

[CTPhil]

If I have suspicions about a battery I charge it, let it sit a while, then check the voltage. A good battery will be above 12.5, if it's 12v or lower I'm pretty sure it's done.

 

[chopped]

Or use one of these load testers.
Image Detail for - http://www.etoolcart.com/images/products/thumb/ATD5495.jpg

HF has them for under 20 dollars I think And mine has served me well..

 

[Diamondpilot]

I replace every 3 years. Nothing worse then being stranded. Its just not worth it. In the long run I feel that it pays to have a good battery. Its easier on the starter, alternator, and other electrical components.

This my be just my good luck but I have been driving for 28 years and never had to change a starter or alternator in any of my vehicles. I have replaced some on my customers stuff but not mine, over 20 vehicles. All Fords and foreign makes along with 1 Dodge and 4 GM's.


Chris

 

[JDgreen227]

I replace every 3 years. Nothing worse then being stranded. Its just not worth it. In the long run I feel that it pays to have a good battery. Its easier on the starter, alternator, and other electrical components.

This my be just my good luck but I have been driving for 28 years and never had to change a starter or alternator in any of my vehicles. I have replaced some on my customers stuff but not mine, over 20 vehicles. All Fords and foreign makes along with 1 Dodge and 4 GM's.


Chris

I have been driving for 42 years and have had to replace one starter (73 Nova) and two alternators (92 Olds). When a good size battery costs $100 I would expect to get my money's worth out of it. BTW, in that 42 years I have been stranded maybe 5 times, my spouse, less than that.

 

[BobRip]

I replace every 3 years. Nothing worse then being stranded. Its just not worth it. In the long run I feel that it pays to have a good battery. Its easier on the starter, alternator, and other electrical components.

This my be just my good luck but I have been driving for 28 years and never had to change a starter or alternator in any of my vehicles. I have replaced some on my customers stuff but not mine, over 20 vehicles. All Fords and foreign makes along with 1 Dodge and 4 GM's.


Chris

When low voltage from a weak battery is sent to the starter, it pulls more current, spins slower, and take longer to start the vehicle. I do not see how this could extend the life of the starter. So you may have something there. I have had a few starter failures, but not recently. A battery is much easier and cheaper to replace than a starter.