Battery Info

[EddieWalker]

Temps where in the low 20's the last two days. I haven't started it since Sunday, so I was just a big nervous when I went to start it today.

No worries, it fired right up!!!!!

 

[ning]

I picked up a big rolling one recently. Mostly because I wanted one with the manual knobs & no smart electronics. Makes doing things like using it to test starters or power electronics projects easier. Realized it only does 20@ on 6v though, which is annoying. Half the reason for it was the 6v antique bulldozer.

Would have gotten a non rolling unit with smart charging like the one pictured otherwise.

The small book-sized units are great for starting engines, but they can't actually charge a battery. They hold a relatively small amount of charge, but they can dump it all out fast to help a not-dead-yet battery start the car.

The old fashioned big rolling has-its-own-battery units can charge or start... assuming their battery is still good. I'm guessing those have a built-in charger that you can just leave it plugged in?

 

[1Mech]

As I recall, the life of a battery is mostly determined by the discharge/charge cycles it goes through, along with how well you maintain it.

"Age and Usage Patterns​

The age and usage patterns of a lead-acid battery can also impact its lifespan. The lifespan of a lead-acid battery is typically measured in cycles, which refers to one complete charge and discharge cycle.

The number of cycles a battery can endure depends on its quality, usage patterns, and maintenance. According to the search results, the average guaranteed lifespan of a basic lead-acid battery is around 1,500 cycles.

However, poor management, no monitoring, and a lack of both proactive and reactive maintenance can kill a battery in less than 18 months. With proper maintenance, a lead-acid battery can last between 5 to 15 years."

How Long Should a Sealed Lead Acid Battery Hold a Charge? - Battery Skills

Discover how long a Sealed Lead Acid battery should hold a charge, factors affecting battery life, and tips to maintain optimal performance.

www.batteryskills.com

I recently acquired an old battery, never really used, but it sat discharged for a few years, the build date was in 2018! I put it on a battery recondition cycle a few times( says it gets rid of sulfation) and it now is holding a charge. One of these days, I will put it in my van to see if it will perform well or it is just a surface charge.

Update on that old (2018) battery, I put it in my van after my old AGM died (build date 2016). That 2018 battery is working like a champ even in the cold we are having here, 16 degrees this morning

 

[John_Mc]

The old fashioned big rolling has-its-own-battery units can charge or start... assuming their battery is still good. I'm guessing those have a built-in charger that you can just leave it plugged in?

Most of the old-fashioned big ones will just keep on trying to charge after the battery is full. As this can boil off electrolyte, they generally should not be left connected continuously.

The older big "dumb" chargers do have a couple of advantages: the high charge rates (such as 25-50 amps) can help start a vehicle with a dead battery quickly, and they will try to charge just about anything. I've not really followed whether the newer big rolling chargers have incorporated "smart" features in their design.

If you want to leave it connected long-term, it's best to make sure you have a good quality smart charger that regularly assesses battery condition and charges accordingly. It's also important to make sure they are maintaining the proper voltage when left connected. I've run across a couple of cheap, off-brand chargers that were significantly over or under the recommended voltage.

 

[Mike1955]

The battery on my generator died and I got a free
new battery from O'reilly's Auto that saved me
over $300+

willy

I’m liking oriley more to. Seem to have really good folks working there. But Autozone has more where I am. I’m very glad they helped you sir

 

[California]

I’m liking oriley more to. Seem to have really good folks working there. But Autozone has more where I am. I’m very glad they helped you sir

I had never been in an O'reilly's Auto until recently when I couldn't find the battery size I needed. O'reilly's had it in stock. With free installation

I watched as the tech, an old character, did an excellent professional job. At one point he went into the store and got a unique specialized small bolt for the cable clamp to replace a corroded one, something I would have wasted half a day to locate and buy.

Recommended! I'll do more business with them. O'reilly's seems like a cleaner and more friendly clone of Autozone or NAPA. (I realize NAPA has a broader stock of serious stuff.)

 

[ning]

I had never been in an O'reilly's Auto until recently when I couldn't find the battery size I needed. O'reilly's had it in stock. With free installation

I watched as the tech, an old character, did an excellent professional job. At one point he went into the store and got a unique specialized small bolt for the cable clamp to replace a corroded one, something I would have wasted half a day to locate and buy.

Recommended! I'll do more business with them. O'reilly's seems like a cleaner and more friendly clone of Autozone or NAPA. (I realize NAPA has a broader stock of serious stuff.)

NAPA is only kind of a chain; some are company-owned, but most are independent shops that are part of the larger buying cooperative.
This is to say, O'Reilly's is likely more similar store-to-store than any given NAPA.
We have a local chain in this area which is NAPA and they're fantastic stores; I suspect people visit O'R & Autozone just because they're used to them from elsewhere.

 

[California]

I suspect people visit O'R & Autozone just because they're used to them from elsewhere.

I thought NAPA was more expensive for common retail stuff, unless you have a commercial account. ???

 

[ning]

I thought NAPA was more expensive for common retail stuff, unless you have a commercial account. ???

Probably depends on the shop.
Store here seems pretty reasonable; I'd shop there more if I actually left my land more often, but instead I usually buy on-line because getting it in 2 days is a lot sooner than I'll be going to town most likely.

 

[grsthegreat]

I have a napa, autozone and o’reilies commercial account. Save some, not alot. Their commercial accts are probably tiered like my electrical house accounts, the more you spend, the more you save.